Receiving proper Elite Upgrades according to one’s loyalty status with a hotel chain is sometimes hit and miss but we have always suggested readers to gently push properties to process their upgrades shortly before arrival.
The best way to do this is either by using the messaging option in the mobile application or via email, but these days I really prefer to use the apps, which is especially easy with Marriott.
I like the applications for multiple reasons, one being that you can see if a property has already assigned an upgrade for the reservation and then either have some reassurance or contact the property to make adjustments.
Getting your money’s worth for staying at chain hotels and paying extra to earn loyalty points and status means that you often have to “babysit” your reservations and challenge hotels that are unwilling to upgrade you up the room category allowed under the status description.
I think in the last 20 years, I have heard every excuse in the book why a hotel can’t upgrade at that given time, and I did walk away every now and then when I felt that I didn’t want to put up with the games a hotel plays. This is, of course, the last resort, but if other hotels at a similar or better price are available nearby, then why not.
To avoid such aggravation at the check-in, I now prefer to contact the hotel the evening before or morning of my arrival and ask them if a specific room type (suite) is available:
If they say no, you can either push a bit more or if definitely, nothing is available, ask them to cancel the reservation and tell the associate you’ll go somewhere else this time.
I find that it’s very rare that a hotel is sold out of their suites, and if that’s the case, then fine, I have to live with it or book one in advance. But if eligible suites are being sold, then I’m insisting on being assigned one; otherwise, I’d let my loyalty portfolio become the wild west. It’s like going to the Casino and saying to the dealer, “Oh yes, I just won, but you don’t need to pay me today!”.
I do understand that some people are averse to seeking confrontation over something they consider not important or negligible, but in that case, I’d really suggest stopping being loyal to a particular program and following a best-price booking strategy instead.
It makes no sense to pursue top-tier status in a loyalty program and then be unwilling to enforce the benefits you’re entitled to.
Likewise, many guests still don’t use the mobile applications that hotel chains provide and I think that’s a mistake as they have become very useful in everyday travel management, even if you don’t use them for booking or check-in. Simply to keep an eye on your reservations, they are already worth installing.
Of course you can always call, email or wait to discuss this matter at the time of check-in as well if you prefer to wait that long.
Conclusion
Using mobile applications to monitor hotel reservations and simultaneously remind hotels about your upgrade for eligible room categories is a valuable, and I’d even go as far as saying important technique these days.
Many properties have made it a habit to ignore elite upgrades, and many more don’t like to upgrade members to suites. There is no harm in enforcing what you’re entitled to as a member. Always remember that you already pay for these benefits by shelling out more money to stay all year long at a particular chain rather than booking the best price available through some OTA.
