Business Platinum Card from American Express
130,000 MR points
The Marriott Suite Upgrade Diaries, Vol. 3
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Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
- Earn 65,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Earn an additional 30,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $20,000 in the first 12 months
- Plus, earn 15,000 Bonvoy points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
- Also, receive an annual Free Night Award worth 35,000 Bonvoy points starting in your second year with the card
- Also, receive 15 elite-qualifying nights every year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Bonus Bonvoy points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $120
9 Comments
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I get so frustrated that as a Titanium member I rarely get upgraded. Half the time I can’t even use my suite upgrade certificates. Its extremely frustrating. I even try to do as you did with the chat or send an email prior to my arrival and nada.
This is really great advice, seeing my SNA’s are usually declined.
As a Titanium member I will be trying this in San Francisco later this month.
Your advice worked like a charm in San Francisco. I stayed at the Marriott Marquis and was upgraded to the Presidential Suite that was close to 2400 sq. feet.
From now on this will be my go-to method.
How do you know which suites are not yet booked when trying to ask for upgrade? You indicated you were aware of suites available prior to arrival.
Check the list of suites that are listed for sale that night, and ask for one of those.
I just had my first experience using bonvoy points this past week at Aruba Marriott’s Stellaris.
I reserved the lowest rate room (limited view). Called the hotel the day before arrival and requested an upgrade (I’m only a silver elite member). They said a garden view room was available at early check in.
I went in the next morning and asked for an upgrade. I got an upgrade to a ocean view room (2 levels up from a the limited view room) and some nice amenities and service for a birthday we were celebrating.
Excellent first experience.
How effective is this strategy when booking with Hilton, in your experience?
I reckon it might be a little harder considering how easily top-tier status can be attained in their program
I haven’t actually tried it with Hilton, but I’ll definitely document my efforts when I do.
I think you’re probably correct, but there’s no denying that being smart about using the chat app will increase your odds of getting a nice suite, over and above the guests who don’t bother to reach out.
Ok you are just bragging now LOL 🙂