TFC responds. I have the status, how does the hotel upgrade work.

Quite often readers write to us asking about room upgrades, this promotion in a better room is one of the benefits that come with status in major hotel chain loyalty programs.

How room upgrades work

The first thing to understand is that each program has different rules regarding upgrades and that within the various programs, different elite levels have different prerogatives.

However, there is one thing to know: all programs deliver upgrades subject to availability and this in fact makes possible the scenario whereby you do not receive any kind of upgrade.

The first rule then is to know the rules of each program and, within the same brand,any differences between one hotel and another.

The rules of major loyalty programs

Hilton Honors

1. Silver: none right
2. Gold: upgrade if available to a preferred room, up to the room types on the Executive floor. In this case, however, you may not necessarily also have access to the lounge
3. Diamond: the basic rule is the same as Gold, but includes "junior," "standard" suites. The main difference is that in each case you will have an upgrade to an executive room with lounge access (if any)

Marriott Bonvoy

1. Silver Elite: none
2. Gold Elite: upgrade, subject to availability, upon check-in, excluding suites
3. Platinum Elite: upgrade if available at check-in, including suites. But not in the Ritz-Carltons
4. Titanium Elite: Same as for Platinum Elite, but Ritz-Carlton hotels are included.

Melia Rewards

1. White: no upgrade
2. Silver: no upgrade
3. Gold: no upgrade
4. Platinum: guaranteed upgrade upon check-in, subject to availability

World of Hyatt

1. Discoverist: preferred room within the type booked
2. Explorist: upgrade to the best available room at check-in, excluding suites and rooms with lounge access (excluding Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Residence Club and M life resort)
3. Globalist: upgrade to the best available room at check-in, including standard suites (excluding Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Residence Club and M life resort)

IHG Rewards

1. Gold Elite: none
2. Platinum Elite: free room upgrades, excluding suites
3. Spire Elite: same advantage as Platinum members

What is a better room

One very important thing to understand in the marketing strategy of hotel chains is to have many types of rooms sold under different names, but on the practical side all the same.

A standard room can become deluxe simply because it is on a high floor, or because it faces a better side. There for the receptionist, the upgrade is simple.

Not much different is the case for "Executive" or "Club" rooms depending on the chain. Again very often these are on average nicer rooms than the basic rooms with the simple addition of lounge access.

I don't get the upgrade, can I get compensation

In 99% of cases the answer is no. All chains protect themselves behind the words "subject to availability" and do not guarantee anything. This means that you cannot claim anything for failure to upgrade. It is a different matter if, on the other hand, you have requested a guaranteed upgrade and received confirmation from the hotel.

This feature is one of the advantages of the Marriott Bonvoy program and is one of the Choice Benefits that you are entitled to choose When you reach the Platinum and Titanium levels.

How can I increase the chances of receiving an upgrade

There are no secret recipes, and it absolutely does not matter how you show up dressed when you check in. Here are a number of tips I feel like sharing.

1. The higher the status, the more likely you are to get an upgrade. The check-in operator is trained to handle this step, and the system helps him by suggesting the best room.
2. It costs nothing to ask and often brings good results. Education often plays a key role. I during check-in ask if there is a better room.
3. Short stays. The chances of having an upgrade for one- or two-night stays are considerably higher than for a one-week stay.
4. Check in very early or very late. In the former case, especially if you have a high status, you can play it safe and take the best room. Conversely, if you arrive late, even with not very high status you can aim for an upgrade since the chances of selling the room to others are lower.

In conclusion

I hope I have answered the doubts of many readers, as usual if you have more questions you can ask them in the comments or on our social channels.

• TFC responds