Hello to all. I'm a new poster and an infrequent business traveler with an upcoming trip to Atlanta. I'll be staying at the Renaissance Waverly. Although I have a Marriott Rewards account, it's been over five years since I've used it and thus am starting from square one. I'm traveling for the first time since my baby daughter was born in January and given the fact that (a) she isn't quite sleeping through the night yet and (b) I'm usually the one who handles her during the middle of the night, I'd really like to do what I can to maximize my lodging situation while I'm away from home. It's my understanding that the Renaissance Waverly has a concierge level with some additional perks that the standard rooms don't have and I was wondering if anyone out there had any advice as far as how I might be able to wrangle a free upgrade out of the good folks at the hotel. Unfortunately, as I am using a company AMEX to pay for the room, I wouldn't be able to pay for an upgrade unless they could charge the upgrade separately so I can use my own personal funds to cover the charge.

Any information, advice, etc. that you can offer would be most gratefully appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Good luck with the upgrade. I suppose you could ask, and if they choose to do this only with a charge for the access, you can usually pay for your bill with Drachma (any currency or form of payment i.e. 2 cards) when you check out so should not be an issue.

Not sure the baby angle will get you much, but try it.

Maybe bring the baby along -- I wonder what would happen if I showed up at a new clients site with a baby in tow -- would be a good one to capture on candid camera.

I would check out the lounge prior to forking over $ to see if it is worth it. You usually have to pay for alcohol in US clubs.

[QUOTE=Tiojelly]

Maybe bring the baby along -- I wonder what would happen if I showed up at a new clients site with a baby in tow -- would be a good one to capture on candid camera.
QUOTE]

LOL! I don't think I'll be toting the little one along, thank you very much. I'm just looking to enhance what is likely going to be the closest thing I get to a vacation (and that's being verrrrry generous) for quite some time! If schmoozing the desk clerk's my best strategy, then that's what I'll do, but if anyone has any "magic words" that might help me along, that'd be great.

No magic words for you... I did check a random date later this month and noticed a regular rate for $209 and club level being $229. $20 difference is not all that bad. What ever rate you have, the hotel might sell the upgrade for $20.

The AAA rate for that same day is $146, so if your current rate is higher than that, maybe rebook, get the upgrade and everybody is happy. You should call the hotel to see if they will sell upgrades and how much.

p.s. welcome to FT

Well typically schmoozing the desk clerk is the best way to get the upgrae. Bototm line: if your checking in late, look laphazzard and its available - its typically not a problem. But do offer to pay. I have personally had much success with this - even the FD saying "thats all right - we have a room" and refusing to accept payment.

I have stayed at the Renaissance Waverly more than a dozen times. I was for some reason upgraded one time even though I was only a silver. I don't recall any differences in the rooms at all between the regular floor and club level besides lounge access. On the other hand, the "regular" rooms are great at this hotel. Very large, very well maintained. This is one of my all time favorite hotels, I don't think you will have anything to be disappointed with in just a regular room. If you are there on a weekend, don't miss the Sunday Brunch, rated one of the top brunches in the country by Opulence Magazine.
Cindi

Any current reports/tips on upgrades for a lowly silver? staying there this weekend

Is the lounge open on Monday morning for free breakfast?

I stay there all the time. The lounge is open Monday AM and probably Sunday evening although I've never made it there in time. But I imagine that you need Gold or pay an extra $20 for the "club level" as the elevator and lounge need to be properly keyed for access.

Ask for a "corner king". Few people know of them and there are 4 on every floor. Huge with refrigerator (but not a real suite). They have so many.

I've done OK there as a PLT but any advance requests seem to be promptly ignored (even for the Club level). But ask, they've always been able to move me.