Consecutive Back-to-Back Reward Stays
Jul 14, 2009, 8:15 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K, AA Gold, Marriott PP
Posts: 174
Consecutive Back-to-Back Reward Stays
I'm looking at planning a nice little vacation to get away from Chicago this winter. After waiting too long I find out the week I wanted to book at Marriott with points is no longer available (I didn't know you could book ahead of time doh!).
Anyways after playing around with the reservation tool I find out only the very last night of my stay is unavailable, the first five nights are still ok. I end up booking a five night stay followed by a one night stay with a $20 upgrade fee. The booking agent wanted me to book the entire thing as upgrade but this way I can save $100. I'm gold (will be platinum) so am hoping for, although not expecting, an upgrade.
As I understand it, the worst that can happen is I'll have to check out move rooms and check back in that second to last day. I'm prepared to do this to save the money. Has anyone done this before? Am I missing anything in T&C or otherwise wasting points? Do you think if I explain to the hotel desk upon checking they can change it to one six night stay?
Anyways after playing around with the reservation tool I find out only the very last night of my stay is unavailable, the first five nights are still ok. I end up booking a five night stay followed by a one night stay with a $20 upgrade fee. The booking agent wanted me to book the entire thing as upgrade but this way I can save $100. I'm gold (will be platinum) so am hoping for, although not expecting, an upgrade.
As I understand it, the worst that can happen is I'll have to check out move rooms and check back in that second to last day. I'm prepared to do this to save the money. Has anyone done this before? Am I missing anything in T&C or otherwise wasting points? Do you think if I explain to the hotel desk upon checking they can change it to one six night stay?
Jul 14, 2009, 8:23 am
#2
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,728
When you check in, let the front desk person know that you have two reservations. They can "connect" them and if available, they could give you an upgraded room for your entire stay.
Normally, if you are in the same room type for both reservations, then the hotel staff should be able to let you keep the same room for your complete stay. But since you have two different room types they may not be able to accomodate that.
Now, what I would suggest is to keep checking award availability for that last night. A base room award may open up. If it does, grab it. You can then cancel your upgraded room night. (I'm assuming the cancellation policy will allow you to cancel with no penalties.)
You can also contact the hotel's GM (call or email) and ask if they can help you out. They may be able to open up a base room for you on that last night, thus saving you the paid night. Or the GM may be willing to pre-upgrade your entire stay to the higher level room (or possibly even higher) without any extra charge to you. It is worth asking about at least.
Normally, if you are in the same room type for both reservations, then the hotel staff should be able to let you keep the same room for your complete stay. But since you have two different room types they may not be able to accomodate that.
Now, what I would suggest is to keep checking award availability for that last night. A base room award may open up. If it does, grab it. You can then cancel your upgraded room night. (I'm assuming the cancellation policy will allow you to cancel with no penalties.)
You can also contact the hotel's GM (call or email) and ask if they can help you out. They may be able to open up a base room for you on that last night, thus saving you the paid night. Or the GM may be willing to pre-upgrade your entire stay to the higher level room (or possibly even higher) without any extra charge to you. It is worth asking about at least.
Jul 14, 2009, 2:09 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K, AA Gold, Marriott PP
Posts: 174
Thank you for the advice Hhoope, I'm already checking daily for availability and will try reaching out to GM when I make it to platinum shortly.
Jul 15, 2009, 11:03 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 31,017
My experiences agree with hhoope01's advice. It's quite unlikely you'll have to change rooms unless you really want the last night upgrade to justify the $20.
Jul 15, 2009, 2:56 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K, AA Gold, Marriott PP
Posts: 174
Update - Availability opened up and I was able to cancel my current res for that one night with the upgrade attached and rebook all on one res at the base rate!