Determining Suite Availability
 

This is a curiosity question as I never expect a suite upgrade.

There are several posts here from folks that state they didn't get the suite upgrade, but they were able to see availability on the web. I never see any suites listed (unless it is an all-suite hotel) listed at http://www.marriott.com .

How do you determine suite availability?

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Bob

Go to Marriott.com and try to book a suite through the internet. If it gives you the option to book one, then it is available. You can do this without actually booking the room.

How? I never see them listed...

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Bob

Are you using a promotion code? Certain promotional rates (like AAA) seem not to have suites available.

No; actually specifically making sure that "NONE" is marked. I've tried with my MR, without the MR, etc.

As I stated, I can only see suites at "all-suite" hotels and at a few Courtyards. I've looked at San Francisco, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Charlotte. All of the properties I've selected have suites (according to their webpage,) so I'd expect to see availability *sometime*.

This is one of those questions I've meant to ask for some time, but just got around to it today.

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Bob

I believe most of the Marriott hotels block the suites from showing up on the web. They rather handle the suite sales through the hotel sales department.

One hotel I see suites available often is the Tysons Corner Marriott in virginia.

If you're trying to determine suite availability for elite upgrade purposes, the best thing to do would be to call the hotel and ask the front desk and ask them to put a note in the reservatio - its best to do this day of arrival because sometimes you may be able to get them to block in you a suite right then & there and then when you get to the front desk to check-in, you can use the "I called a little while ago & spoke to (insert name of the person you spoke to) and they told me they'd put an suite upgrade request in my reservation if it was available - I was wondering if it was?" If it's available & the person you talked to earlier in the day put a note in the reservation, then your chances of upgrade are a little better.

However, if you're calling in advance and you'd like a suite for a special occassion (such as for a wedding or a hospitality suite for a meeting or even if it's just for a trip) - I would recommend calling the hotel sales office. Often times, suites aren't made available to the general public (i.e. on Marriott.com or by calling reservations) because when there are conventions or group meetings or something, the companies that are conducting them or the meeting planners that are planning them get the suites & most hotels have a limited number of suites.

Editted to add - In regards to the OP, for the people that saw availability on the web, realize that sometimes there are last minute bookings & other plats may have gotten upgraded between the time that you checked online and the time that you checked in. Also, if you're trying to check suite availability when you check-in online - make sure that you're checking it for your entire stay, not just the check-in date.

[This message has been edited by bhatnasx (edited Feb 13, 2004).]

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[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]

Use the code REG or RAC. These are the regular and rack rate codes. Suites many times appear after entering in these codes.

I certainly do check marriott.com to check on upgraded room availability, but remember that suites aren't included in the elite benefits. Even if you can see a suite online that doesn't mean you're entitled to get it.

Where I find it helpful is in checking availability of concierge rooms, executive corner rooms, junior suites, etc.

While hotels don't have to upgrade elites to a suite room, it can be helpful to know if a suite(s) are available. I sometimes find that instead of just asking for an generic upgrade, my chances of getting a good upgrade go up if I can state a very specific upgrade I would like. For CYs this works very well. I check online the day of arrival to see if they have any King suites available. Most of the time, if they show one available online, and I ask specifically for one at arrival, they will upgrade me. ^