Upgrade me, or I'll make a call elsewhere ...

Status
Not open for further replies.

Rick93

Established Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Posts
1,324
Might sound like a dramatic move, but has anyone got any experience to share about making a 'demand' for a room upgrade from either HI or CP ( not ICs ). This is as an IHG Platinum Rewards Member ...

For eg. You've made your booking online, and you turn up at say 3pm. Your ask about an upgrade, and get told 'sorry' ... no upgrade available ( for whatever reason ).

I take it, one is able to say in response ... 'well, I'd like to put my check-in on hold. I'm just going to call my other hotel chain, and ask what their availability for an upgrade is ...' ( or something like that )

Would that work ?

Is it somehow, 'shooting yourself in the foot' ?
 
Haven't tried or heard of that before. Might seem a little bit presumptuous, but I suppose you would be in your rights to do it.

Only thing is you would need a good standby room at the other property, and make sure you're within the check-in cancellation conditions. It also might be easier to pre-empt the counter and say that you are not checking in yet (so they don't put the process through).

Also, if the other property doesn't come through with your desired upgrade, you may have your tail between your legs if you go back to the IHG one.

Finally, getting an upgrade at many HIs - at least in Australia - is a bit of a furphy. There aren't many grades of rooms at all at HIs, so an "upgrade" usually means to a higher floor or a better view only.
 
Well, if the cancellation rules of the booking you made is (say) cancel by 6pm on the day, I suppose you could walk!
 
I would love to read your service recovery info in Holidex if you tried that on a regular basis, suffice to say you only get away with it once it a while, and when it comes to hotels having to decide as to who gets a better room when inventory is tight, that same info is referred to.
 
mannej, I'm sure that's 'something funny' ... ( no idea at present ).

markis10, I take it, you advise NOT to try such a stunt ... ( as it will come back to bite me ? )
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

I take it some people only live for upgrades in hotels?

I could not care less as long as I got the room I booked....
 
Don't threaten it, just do it. For one night go stay somewhere else even if a lower standard just to make a point.

I don't both doing it for a hotel room, but I did with Avis 2 weeks ago in Adelaide. There was a scratch along one panel which they hadn't marked on the little drawing. When I got to the boom gate I said I marked it on and signed it. The girl at the gate told me they don't mark anything that can be buffed out! This mark was 2 foot long. I called the manager over and crossed out my signature and said I wasn't signing the condition report and if they didn't want to rent me the the car I would walk over to Thrifty. She let me out without a signature.

Of course, I would have carried out what I had threatened and gone to Thirfty.

So yes it can work, but make it for a principle worth arguing over. (for me a higher floor or chocolate on the pillow is not worth the effort)

Matt
 
I take it some people only live for upgrades in hotels?

I could not care less as long as I got the room I booked....

It sounds crazy when you put it like that, doesn't it.

But status quickly corrupts! I know it did in my case - yep, I expect an upgrade when I check in...how bizzare!

But you're totally right, as long as you get the room you book, it shouldn't matter.

...but if I don't get a suite at Hilton Sydney next week!!!!
 
Never thought of doing that, sounds like a lot of hassle just for an upgrade.
Anyway, it will be awkward to make any threats if you plan to go back to this hotel in the future.
 
I usually find that the Violet Elizabeth Bott technique works for me:
"I'll thcream and thcream 'till I'm thick")
 
I take it some people only live for upgrades in hotels?

I could not care less as long as I got the room I booked....

Agreed.

I book the minimum room type I'm happy with. Anything extra is just a welcome bonus.

I usually spend as little time as possible in the room though, and massive upgrades while nice are usually wasted on me.

Like a huge suite I was upgraded to recently with a living room, dining room, in room bar, private sauna, spa, etc. All I did in the room was sleep and shower (I did use the spa once though). I guess it makes it easier for housekeeping :)
 
Some interesting thoughts ...

I understand the bit about 'making threats' ...

I haven't done this ( yet ), and hope I never have to. I was interested to hear, if others do it, and does it work ...

Upgrades and the 'little things' make a difference to me, because that's why I'm at the hotel. Not for work, but total leisure.

When we stay at a hotel, all the little things add up. If I got an upgrade last time, I tend to factor the value of the room cost, assuming I'm getting the upgrade.

So, I'm a bit different to the 'business' traveler.
 
When I've not been upgraded, I simply go to the room and if it's fine I usually leave it at that.

But I admit that sometimes I've then looked on-line and if I've seen that upgraded rooms seem to be in good supply over the time of my stay, I've gone back to reception to politely enquire if an upgrade might be possible. It's worked sometimes. At other times I've been offered the upgrade for later in my stay. And at other times I've been told sorry.

I've never cancelled!
 
I don't know if I could be bothered to walk out the door for an upgrade. Seems a bit petulant.
 
I certainly feel like walking when the say as they check you in, "sorry there are no upgrades available, but for $120 more we can give you......". Yes that's what my loyalty is worth. :shock:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..
Back
Top