For those who complain that they never get upgraded, to those who said they're happy with whatever they get, and to those who wonder whether being Plat is worth it, consider my experience this week.

First stay, JW in Caracas. Upon check in, upgraded to Presidential Suite without asking. I think it helped that my reservation was for the most expensive none suite room and I'm a repeat guest. I've stayed at other presidential suite before, but this one takes the cake. It's a two story penthouse at the top level. The grand entrance takes you to the foyer where there is a study and bathroom to one side, and the huge living room, dining room, bar and kitchen to the other side. Upstairs is an oversized bedroom with sitting area, walk in closet and huge bathroom with jacuzzi tub for two. Outside of the dining room there is a private terrace with a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. I guess the suite has around 1500 to 1800 sf of space.

Second stay, JW in Miami. Asked for an upgrade at check in and was given a suite. I'm a repeat guest here too and it's the first time I've been upgraded to a suite. It's a nice two room layout, the bedroom has a high four poster bed and a 42 inch plasma tv. Note to self, need one of those tv in my bedroom at home.

Third stay, Coronado Marriott Resort. First time there, called on the day of arrival to inquire about upgrade and was confirmed for a waterfront villa. It's basically a one bedroom apartment with living and dining areas and a kitchenette. The villa section is separate from the "regular" rooms and has its own pool, hottub, and lagoons.

Was this string of upgrades a fluke? All I can say is it has happened before and it doesn't hurt to ask for a suite. Am I glad that I'm a Plat? You bet! Thank you Marriott!

I have had some good luck lately too. My patern has changed a little though. I normally stay at least 4 or 5 nights at the same property, now, I have been staying at more expensive resort properties for a night or two during the week and I think this has been the difference. And yes, it is very nice and while you will never hear me complain about getting what I pay for, you will always hear me say thank you for a nice free upgrade!

I got a nice Suite Upgrade last week at the San Francisco Marriott. (I got in at the last minute in spite of Oracle Open World Convention) This week I am at the Renaissance Stanford Court. No Upgrade! Very Small room! Would not recommend as their attitude was not very pleasant! Front Desk said, "Upgrade??? We typically don't offer upgrades unless you want to pay a higher room rate. But we can't upgrade you anyway as we are sold out."

RIP...

I've stayed frequently at Courtyards in Sacramento and never once been upgraded from a single room to a one-bedroom suite. However it happens all the time in Oakland