Never had a plat upgrade...
Mar 15, 2006 | 7:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: Marriott, United
Posts: 11
Never had a plat upgrade...
I've never had my room upgraded since becoming platinum over a year ago. I did 120 nights last year at approx 45 (33 full service) Marriotts. Am I missing something or is it just really rare to have a room upgrade?
Mar 15, 2006 | 7:48 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: STL, MO-US and A , SWA A-List, Marriott LTTE, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,891
Originally Posted by luv2travel066
I've never had my room upgraded since becoming platinum over a year ago. I did 120 nights last year at approx 45 (33 full service) Marriotts. Am I missing something or is it just really rare to have a room upgrade?
I get a C-level room about 50% of the time which is considered an upgrade.
I got an actual suite twice last year out of forty stays (75 nights)
Mar 15, 2006 | 9:15 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 1,326
It's been a while but I used to have Platinum status with 90% of my stays at the same property. On one occasion when I checked in at that property I was given, with my room key, and I believe inadvertantly, an A5 sized computer printout with my name and address details etc on it but with two data fields highlighted, presumably for the desk clerk. The first field said "MR status" and the second "Top 25?". The highlights were against 'Platinum' and 'Yes'. So of course I handed it back but asked what it meant, and was told I was on file as a top 25 guest for that property. I was upgraded to what I believe was their best room - the Presidential Suite equivalent - on a number of occasions.
Anyway, my point is that with a limited number of suites available Platinum status alone might not guarantee any kind of upgrade (other than to the Concierge level) but that this 'Top 25?' flag might be a fast-track to them. But with your Platinum status achieved over so many properties you might not be visible in that radar.
Or maybe not
Anyway, my point is that with a limited number of suites available Platinum status alone might not guarantee any kind of upgrade (other than to the Concierge level) but that this 'Top 25?' flag might be a fast-track to them. But with your Platinum status achieved over so many properties you might not be visible in that radar.
Or maybe not
Mar 16, 2006 | 8:42 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Programs: AC Elite MRR Plat
Posts: 34
I am surprised at your lack of upgrades. Other than courtyard stays, I am upgraded 3 out of 4 stays. I find that checking in early reduces my chances of receiving an upgrade, i.e. if I check in before noon; but generally a polite request results in an upgrade.
Mar 16, 2006 | 11:01 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Toronto (YYZ)
Posts: 6,286
Sure I have always been "upgraded" to a C level room with Marriott but NEVER a suite.
Compare that to my Starwood membership and I actually have received more suites than regular rooms with them!
I am Platinum with both.
Compare that to my Starwood membership and I actually have received more suites than regular rooms with them!
I am Platinum with both.
Mar 16, 2006 | 11:28 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: MI
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Platinum, National Executive Elite
Posts: 562
I am on the C floor half the time, though I have never received a suite. I have however on numerous occassions been given better views/locations with rooms. For instance in Maui I was given ocean view even though I paid garden view rate. Two weeks ago at the South Beach Marriott I was given deluxe oceanfront when I paid the basic room rate.
Mar 16, 2006 | 12:46 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
I have not been Platinum on MR for too long but it seems that the upgrades to suites or lack of them is the greatest weakness of the MR program.
On the other hand if you a Gold or Platinum you have guaranteed club access where i.e. that is not part of the published benefit with Hilton, Hyatt, IC or even SPG.
On the other hand if you a Gold or Platinum you have guaranteed club access where i.e. that is not part of the published benefit with Hilton, Hyatt, IC or even SPG.
Mar 16, 2006 | 1:50 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,485
Originally Posted by holtju2
I have not been Platinum on MR for too long but it seems that the upgrades to suites or lack of them is the greatest weakness of the MR program.
On the other hand if you a Gold or Platinum you have guaranteed club access where i.e. that is not part of the published benefit with Hilton, Hyatt, IC or even SPG.
On the other hand if you a Gold or Platinum you have guaranteed club access where i.e. that is not part of the published benefit with Hilton, Hyatt, IC or even SPG.
"Access to the Club Level when staying at Sheraton hotels even when not staying on the Club Level floor(s). Access to the Executive Level when staying at Westin hotels, even when not staying on the Executive Level floor(s). At any time a lounge is full, the hotel may require a member to wait until space is available or may elect to offer an alternative location providing amenities equal or greater to those available in the lounge. If a lounge is closed for any reason, such as renovation, the hotel may consider it not having a lounge during the closed period and is not required to offer alternate accommodations."
Mar 16, 2006 | 4:36 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DFW AA EXP 6.8MM, MR Plat Premier
Posts: 194
This is a common issue that has been discussed several times previously. Here is an example:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464160
My response to that thread is posted below for your reference.
Here's an example of the success I had:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=476042
Good luck!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464160
My response to that thread is posted below for your reference.
Originally Posted by free_miles
I agree with taking a more aggressive approach. Some may not agree because they say why put in so much effort when an upgarde is "supposed" to happen anyway. But here's what has worked for me and it has resulted in upgrades to suites most of time when it's available despite the T&Cs.
On the day of arrival call the front desk and ask what kind of upgrades they have available for Platinum members. If you call before the day of arrival the typical response is it's based on availability and they don't know for sure until the day of arrival. If they offer the typical "we have upgraded you to the concierge floor" response, ask to see if they have anything better. Being on the concierge floor is no big deal, you have access to the lounge anyway, what's important is the size and location of the room.
Ask for a larger room, corner room, room with a view, whatever your heart desires. If something better is available they will typically give it to you. They may give you a few types of rooms to choose from. If you are really set on getting a suite, ask for it. You'll be surprised at the response when there is availability. If they say nothing better is available, ask to speak to a front desk supervisor. They may be able to "unlock" certain rooms that a clerk cannot access. I got upgrades to Hospitality suites and Presidential suites this way. It also helps if you're a repeat or regular customer at a particular property. Get to know the management and they will take care of you. Please note this applies to the full service Marriotts, Rens, and some Courtyards. Good luck.
On the day of arrival call the front desk and ask what kind of upgrades they have available for Platinum members. If you call before the day of arrival the typical response is it's based on availability and they don't know for sure until the day of arrival. If they offer the typical "we have upgraded you to the concierge floor" response, ask to see if they have anything better. Being on the concierge floor is no big deal, you have access to the lounge anyway, what's important is the size and location of the room.
Ask for a larger room, corner room, room with a view, whatever your heart desires. If something better is available they will typically give it to you. They may give you a few types of rooms to choose from. If you are really set on getting a suite, ask for it. You'll be surprised at the response when there is availability. If they say nothing better is available, ask to speak to a front desk supervisor. They may be able to "unlock" certain rooms that a clerk cannot access. I got upgrades to Hospitality suites and Presidential suites this way. It also helps if you're a repeat or regular customer at a particular property. Get to know the management and they will take care of you. Please note this applies to the full service Marriotts, Rens, and some Courtyards. Good luck.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=476042
Good luck!
Mar 16, 2006 | 8:46 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: BNA
Programs: HH Silver IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,736
Boy if I was a hotel manager, I would hate to give up a Presidential Suite as an upgrade only to lose a potential full fare customer. However, I do understand the importance of making my best customers comfortable.
Mar 17, 2006 | 12:02 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DFW AA EXP 6.8MM, MR Plat Premier
Posts: 194
Originally Posted by AvalancheZ71
Boy if I was a hotel manager, I would hate to give up a Presidential Suite as an upgrade only to lose a potential full fare customer. However, I do understand the importance of making my best customers comfortable.
Mar 17, 2006 | 2:31 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: EXP AA, PLT Marriott
Posts: 324
Next time you get the Presidential Suite, check the rack rate for the room. Not many folks are going to walk in and be too interested in paying that rate.
Few years ago I made the Ren property in Dallas by the Galleria psudo home. Now a DoubleTree. I regularly got the 2 story Presidential Suite, except during Valentines day. Matter of fact, I recall the hotel manager calling me asking if he could show the room to someone while I was staying in the room because they were interested in booking the room for a nice getaway.
Rack on that room was 650 per.
Few years ago I made the Ren property in Dallas by the Galleria psudo home. Now a DoubleTree. I regularly got the 2 story Presidential Suite, except during Valentines day. Matter of fact, I recall the hotel manager calling me asking if he could show the room to someone while I was staying in the room because they were interested in booking the room for a nice getaway.
Rack on that room was 650 per.
Mar 18, 2006 | 2:33 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: STR and the rest of EMEA
Programs: LH HON, Marriott Platinum, ...
Posts: 731
Originally Posted by free_miles
If I checked in at 10pm and the Presidential Suite is sitting empty, then why not? Of course it's still up to the manager's discretion.
Mar 18, 2006 | 4:15 pm
#14
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Platinum (Lifetime), Delta Gold, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime)
Posts: 302
How long are your stays?
I have never received an upgrade when staying for multiple nights, but have received a few suites this year when on single night stays checking in in the evening. They usually double confirm that I am there for only one night before offering the suite. I've never requested the upgrade. If you always do longer stays, that may be why you haven't seen any suites with Marriott.
Mar 20, 2006 | 8:30 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: HKY
Programs: DL-DM MM & RW, UAL- PS, Marriott Lifetime PLT, SPG-PLT, Hilton-Gold
Posts: 4,468
I'm generally 50% or better being upgraded at CY even though they are not a part of the upgrade program. I'm in a suite tonight at a CY as a matter of fact.
I'm close to 75% at RI or TP's, usually to a two bedroom suite.
I'm around 20% to a suite at full service Marriotts and when not upgrade I'm 99% to the C floor.
I've even been upgraded at FF where they have a suite.
May be because of the PPR status though because I was never as lucky as a PLT.
I'm close to 75% at RI or TP's, usually to a two bedroom suite.
I'm around 20% to a suite at full service Marriotts and when not upgrade I'm 99% to the C floor.
I've even been upgraded at FF where they have a suite.
May be because of the PPR status though because I was never as lucky as a PLT.