I have used the app several times at FS Marriott properties, where I have always gotten an upgrade. Each time I used the app to check in I was not automatically upgraded. After no upgrade, I asked the desk clerk for an upgrade and one was provided. One manager swore to me I should be automatically upgraded, if they were available. But that has not been my experience at all. So I don't use it to check in any longer.

Benefit it has provided me is the 'your room is ready' much earlier than published check in time. A couple of times this has been useful to me.

The Hilton app does show you actual rooms available to select from, but unless you know the hotel this is not so useful because the app doesn't include any landmarks to orient yourself / what room you are selecting.

+100. And, I like a ground floor room so if it doesnt tell me what room I'm assigned, and then offer me the chance to change, then what does it really do? Nothing, really. What's the point?

Agreed, they should put a compass or something on it. I recently used it and wanted a room facing a particular direction. I was able to figure it out, but only because the map showed the stairwell at one end and I could use google maps/street view to see which end that was. (I guess I should go put this complaint in the Hilton forum ;) )

Just show me where the freeway is so I can pick a room away from it!

I kind of wonder about the mobile check-in also.

On recent stays, I'm not even puling out my card for the swipe, I just tell them to use the one on my MR profile and everything is fine. You still need a live person to get your key, offer you amenities (points, waters, SBux cert, etc.), so I'm not sure what the purpose of this is-unless we're headed towards a system where you can download keys on your phone. Then it would seem to make more sense.

Saw this on Insiders by 2 dif elites:

"I recently used the mobile app to check into a hotel. Several hours later, my schedule changed and I shortened my stay by cancelling the first night. I did that by calling the 800 number and cancelling night #1 well before 6pm on the day of arrival (my corporate agreement with Marriott remains 6pm day of arrival). When I checked out of hotel several days later, you guessed it, they had charged me for the first night as a no show. When I had explained that I had cancelled the room, and had a confirmation number, the attendant at the Tysons Corner Marriott located in Mclean, VA stated "but you had already checked in using the mobile app"... no kidding, I know what I did and didn't need to be reminded. I basically said I dont have time to argue this, just adjust my bill so I can check out to which he responded "you've already been charged and I need to give this to accounting and that will take a month".

"I was charged for a no show by the Residence Inn Ballston Arlington by DCA even though I had called Marriott (using the number in the App!) who rebooked me to another Residence Inn!"

So another potential downside to the app.

Cheers.

Never knew the above would be an issue but now I am even happier I have never tried to use mobile check in. Will definitely keep it that way!

Apparently there's two Marriott apps on the App Store and one of them seems to implement that phone key thing you're referring to (of course, only usable at a couple of their properties right now).

Property this week - FS Marriott - that actually had the mobile check in line cordoned off with the velvet ropes.

I walked up, the next available agent told the person in the other line she would be right back, and came over and gave me my keys.

So, that was kind of nice.

I tried mobile check-in at a SHS where I'm a regular. I used the app around noon on the day of check-in. About 10 minutes later I got a message that the room was ready. When I arrived at the hotel around 6:00 pm I was given a ground floor room. My MR profile requests a high floor room and I have always received one at this property. It wasn't a big deal at all, but it is an indication that app check-in is not working as it should. NB the property was lightly booked during my stay.

There's also the issue that if you check-in via mobile app & need to cancel the room (within the appropriate cancellation time), you get charged for a no-show even if you did the cancellation properly. A few reports on that on Insiders.

Cheers.

OLCI Sounds like a major hassle. That would explain why Marriott is trying to get me to use it and offers a 1,000,000 mile contest to do so.

If it was a hot item, they would not need the contest.

I'll skip it and just check regularly, like I have for the last 25 years. At the front desk... with a human...

Exactly. Give me the ability to select my room, potentially upgrade and create a key (all of the things a live desk clerk can do) and perhaps I'll give mobile check-in a go.

I have a stay scheduled for tomorrow night and I got an email saying I could use the app to check in. I tried it a few times when the program first launched, but have not had any stays in awhile. By using the app am I losing any chance at an upgrade? Normally I ask at the desk when checking in.