Wasn't offered upgrades but receive upgrades 90% of the time when staying @ IHG hotels.

I'd say I get them about 50% of the time - not always told - sometimes just stamped on room card, or just get them anyway - my colleague asks regularly and gets them (and he is Gold)

I travel in Uk a lot and i reckon that i get an upgrade 90% of time in Holiday Inn . I have even been upgraded in a Crowne plaza which is more of a challenge .I am platinum status so it should guarantee a better room .One dodge sorry booking path that i use , is is book rooms for my colleagues and they get upgraded as well ,which gets you a boit of good will after the trip .

We are upgraded almost every time to a suite. If they don't offer automatically, we ask if that is an upgraded room. It will always be upper floor with a view or newly renovated room. Thanks Priority Club!

THANK YOU BUT I THINK THE SYSTEM IS DIFFERENT IN SCOTLAND AND I ALWAYS MAKE THE MISTAKE OF BOOKING A REALY GOOD ROOM IN THE FIRST PLACE MAYBE I SHOULD BOOK A CHEAPER ROOM FIRST.

I FIRST GOT MY PC IN CANADA AND USA AND BOY DO YOU DO THINGS DIFFERENT OVER THERE

I would say I generally get upgraded 95% of the time, obviously not in Express by Holiday Inns, but I have asked for what they would deem as the 'nicest' room and if available they are happy to give me that room.

Whereabouts in Scotland?  I've stayed at the Holiday Inn, Theatreland in Glasgow many times and have always been upgraded there to an Executive Room based on PC status.  You're probably right if you say you are booking a really nice room first as there may not even be scope to upgrade.

I guess if you book one of the best rooms in the house they can not upgrade you. Upgrades also depend on your level in PC Platinum Elite should get you an upgrade to the next level in HI and CP hotels.Always ask "what upgrade have you been able to offer me?"

I travel mainly in the UK..........last year approx 140 nights mainly in Holiday Inns.......actual forth coming upgrades poor, even when asking at check-in it is very poor {according to IHG I am in top 5% worldwide c/c members???} which is disappointing, however, one trick I have now learnt when booking online in comments I mention Platinum Member & ask for upgrade which now seems to work a little.......Crowne Plaza's though the few times I have stayed generally upgraded and treatment of Platinum members is far better........Number of times actually asked approx 4 over the years.....

Si

I don't expect upgrades. If I get one it's fine. When booking a room, I always book flexible rates and as stated before, get upgraded 90% of the time. Here in the US most of the HIX do have suites and I am happy when I get one.

I do appreciate ever upgrade and let the staff and the GM know about it.

At the ICs, the upgrades to also consist of suites. Nice benefit for RAs. At some ICs I do refuse the suites and request a single room since I don't like climbing stairs to the bed room.

Getting upgrades mostly depends on what rate you book with andit's also helpful to add a little note in the comment line to make the hotel aware of your status.

Stanley,

When I check-in, if the employee does not tell me what type of room I have or mention any "perks," I ask what kind of room I have. If I do not have at least an executive level room, I ask if one is available. If one is not available, the employee at least codes my key so I can have access to the lounge. Or, at HIX, I ask if a suite is available. When an employee does not reference my platinum status, provide an upgraded room or any discount coupons, then I ask if the hotel offers coupons or extras for platinum members. It seems that sometimes new employees haven't learned all the steps yet, and if the key packet is not fully prepared before my arrival, then it's sometimes not stuffed with all the goodies. Once, when a hotel was not able to provide an upgrade, they delivered a cheese and fruit basket to my room a bit later. I thought that was impressive! As JBa mentioned, I also write comments in the comment line when making my online reservation stating my room preferences.

Stanley,

No, I stay mainly in the US. I just re-read your earlier post and see I missed that you stay mainly in the UK, so I guess our experiences will be slightly different.

I need to clarify, The Royal Ambassador Card does not give you additional rights in hotels other than intercontinental Branded hotels.However the Platinum PC level does, these are earnt priveledges so you have every right to expect them. I do find that the more aware Crowne Plazas and Holiday inns are aware of RA status and if there is a much better room will offer it. I make it my business to get to know people at the hotels I stay at more often and this also has benefits.

The last time I stayed at a Holiday Inn, which was last week at the Holiday Inn El Paso Airport.  Got an upgraded room without asking.

Wow ~ Yes, I always ask if an upgrade is available if nothing is mentioned; however, I don't think I would ever argue with a staff member about this. I am a platinum member also and stay at hotels over 150 night a year. The way I am recognized does make a difference about whether I will choose that particular hotel again though, as well as other factors.

I recall one time when I was not upgraded and I knew there was a honeymoon (2-level) suite available. I understand they would want to rent this room to a paying guest, so I pleasantly expressed my disappointment. Shortly after I got situated in my room, Room Service delivered me a cheese and fruit basket, as a token of apology for not having an upgraded room for me. This made a positive impact on me.

In the UK - hardly ever.

In my experience, Priority Club members are much better treated in North America.

I also like the HHonors program. I think it is easiest to maintain status with PC and HHonors (They are my top 2 hotel programs). One difference with HHonors is the upgrades are consistent and you get to pick what you want -- NICE option!

On second thought, the upgrades we get at IHG are actually an extra. As a Platinum member, I always get my bonus points, so any perks at check-in are extra perks. The upgrades from HHonors are either a choice of bonus points, free Internet (at properties that charge), an upgrade, etc.

Message was edited by: iristina for accuracy and clarification

I have been A gold member to a Platinum member and have NEVER been offered a room upgrade. I have traveled ALL over the US

and have NOT gotten even an offer for a room upgrade. I definitely will start asking EVERY time I check in.

It very much depends on the hotel that you're staying in. I'm also a regular at the Holiday Inn, Portsmouth - the problem is that there are so many 'regulars' because of the location that you're unlikely to get an upgrade (~ 1/year ? for me). Having said that I probably get an upgrade 90% of the time when staying in any other hotels in the chain, so probably can't complain too much.

Never and i have been a memebr for a number of years!

I've been Platinum status for a year now, and get upgraded once in every 5 visits (approximately). The last upgrade was at the Holiday Inn, Guildford, Surrey, and the room was too big!! You just can't please some people!

Ian

Automatically upgraded to an exec room at the HI Southampton last Monday....

I was not asked, and when I requested an upgrade. I was told there were no upgrade rooms available with a king bed that they could put an additional bed into for my child.

I do not feel the hotels are consistent with acknowledging the Platinum/Ambassador members.

Over the last 2 spring breaks, we were upgraded only once in about 16 stays.  We were traveling on the East Coast.  We had better luck out West three years ago.  It is very inconsistent and one of the most frustrating things we experience with this program.

I have to say i dont get upgraded very often and have to ask if there is an upgrade available. I think its about 25% of the time that I get anywhere.

In Crowne plaza where they have exec lounges I think they should let Platinum card holder in even if they dont get an upgrade because the rooms are all book.

any thoughts?

I mainly travel the Southeast US and I would say that 99% of the time I am offered and upgrade as a PL Member.  I mostly stay at the HI Express or HI's. I have found that most of the HI Express are newer and nicer and usually offer a good breakfast.

This seems to vary hugely by brand and country

Holiday Inn  Express - I have never been upgraded but the rooms are all the same anyway

HI or Crowne Plaza in the UK - very hit or miss. In fact being a platinum member seem sto make virtually no difference at all in the UK

Netherlands - regularly upgraded

USA - always upgraded and often to a separate floor for elite members with a separate lounge

ICG need to get some consistency on their levels of service in different countries. The UK is by far the worst

I've stayed at HI and Crown Plaza recetly.  I booked the upgraded room cause I knew they would not give it to me.  It really depends on where your staying and if your a repeat customer.

I'm also a Hilton Diamond member going on 5 years.  I book a family stay a the local Airpot Hilton location.  I had 35 family members staying in-house and we had a wonderful time.  I may try HI or Crown Plaza for a family event, but really it depends on how you carry yourself and treat the staff.

I usually put a note in the box when booking online requesting an upgrade.  If I find that i've been bumped, I have just gone and emailed a note to priority club and usually the Manager is calling me the next morning, offering free points, free internet, etc.  When I make the reservation at the last minute, I'm more understanding, but if I've made the reservation more than 3 day out, I usually expect an upgrade or perks with my stay.  Especially if that say is more than one night.  I've been to conferences and stayed 5 or more days.  When I'm paying over $150.00 a night for the "Conference Rate" and I'm a VIP member I expect a certain acknowledgement.  I've stayed 8 night in the Orlando are and the room and taxes were over $1400.00.  I had found that if I use room service or other on-site resturants and bill to room, I get my points and bonus too.  Some say the room service and such are way expensive, but it depends on your situation.  If I get in late due to flight delay, etc, room service or local on-site dining is very conveint to me.  Even if I have a rental car, I may not know the local area and I don't like driving aroung to find a place @ 12:30 AM when I really want to eat and get to sleep.  I have gone to local WalMart and similar stores to purchase items for a multi-day stay in a city or town.

All in all, I really enjoy being in the Prioty Club  as an RA/PL Member and Hilton Hhonnors as a Diamond VIP.  I try and split my stays between both brands.  However, I do patron those locations that do cater better to my needs and wants.

Pretty much each time in a HI and CP......HIXP pointless all rooms the same although in new ones in Middle East they give you a good view, etc.

I cannot remember ever being upgraded.....last stay in New York City, I not only had no upgrade but I also had no hot water one day, and the management treated me like I should be thanking them for staying there. My hosts were exptremely embarrassed, as they recommended the property to me, and I was an outside speaker brought in for a big event at the Consulate.

Have had an upgrade quite a few times but that was about 2 years ago!!

I mostly stay in the UK hotels, but have stayed in some European ones and I have never been offered an upgrade as a Platinum member.  I didn't think you were entitled to it as a Gold PC member.  You shouldn't have to request it.  The member booklet says complimentary upgrade when platinum member.  This implies it should be offered.

Also stay regularly in UK and Europe. Only once offered an upgrade. Seems in Europe this is not so likely

6 Months ago. I am a platinum member and I ALWAYS have to ask for an upgrade, but I rarely get it, because I want a smoking room, and very few suites are "smoking"

I was not asked if I wanted a room upgrade, it was given to me when I checked in. My one and only room upgrade came at the perfect time. My family and I where up in Cincinnati ( Crowne Plaza Blue Ash ), I booked a standard suite and upon check in I received a double room suite. The family and I enjoyed a mini vacation. This was just 2 weeks ago.

It really depends on wheere I'm staying.  I frequent a lot of the same hotels and some are great at offering an upgrade and other never do.

Well I finally got tired of not being offered an upgrade.  I was checking in, asked for my Platinum member upgrade, and I was told there were no Suites available. So when I got up to my room, I went online-and checked. the hotel I just checked into had suites available on the holidayinn website. So I emailed Holiday inn, saying I did not appreciate being told no suites were available, but upon checking myself, they were.

My response from Holiday Inn was it was at the hotels discretion. and basically tough sh%t.

What the heck is the point of earing plat status, if this is the kind of response you get????

I did contact IHG, and their answer was it was at the hotels individual discretion as far as upgrades. I take that as tough sh%t! and deal with it.

I did email, and got basically the same response, and a link to the member benefits guide online.  Only ******* because I had asked for an upgrade, in the comment box of the reservation and in person for my last 10 stays and not once was upgraded.

It was only for 1 night (as most of my stays are), and I just can't believe that when you check in at 5pm and there are still better rooms available, that they could not have given me an upgrade.  HIG' response was ****, but I got the same answer online (email) as I did on the phone.

It is a room with a bed, a TV, a desk and a bath.

What else is required?

I used to stress over upgrades.

Now I had rather have an extra pillow and towel.

Rarely in the past, though often extras such as vouchers for food/drink were provided.

This year I've been upgraded without asking twice for my last two stays at the same hote in UK, at MILTON KEYNES -EAST M1,JCT.14 LONDON ROAD, NEWPORT PAGNELL, MK16 0JA, ENGLAND. -

They are now at the top of my list of preferences for that area.

I got a Priority Club credit card last year and I have managed to achieve Platinum Status so I have been lucky enough to get upgraded on most visits if the hotel has suites or executive rooms. My last upgrade was when we stayed in Crowne Plaza Key West when we got their best room the Tennessee Williams Suite and I had only paid for a standard room.

Presenting cards on checking in doesn't work; we find that rooms have already been allocated a day or two in earlier

Amongst my many stays this year, one hotel does stick out above the rest. I've had 16 nights at the Holiday Inn Filton in Bristol and I've been upgraded every stay, so I can't complain.

Hi

used to get asked all the time if I wanted an upgrade, but can't remember thelast time. I think they have stopped offering it. We got an upgrade when we were put in a smoking room although we had booked a non smoking. Upto that point it must be over 12 months since we were upgraded. I think a lot of the perks of having this membership are falling by the wayside. The only good thing about it noe is the fact that you can use points for nights and even they are going up!

Most of the time once I got to Platinum, even when I am paying with points.

We are the same, Platinum status, maintained each year and yes We agree so much for loyalty!

Been a platinum member for 3 years never had or been offered an upgrade, it is a bit of a standing joke

Ironically things have been getting a little better for me recently, however, the interesting thing for me, since this thread was started, it would appear that across the pond, US Platinum members seemed to be valued more and treated better than you do this side of the pond!!!!???????

Ronald Hi

I know we have had this conversation several times on this and other threads, but I think it goes to show the inconsistency of the system. I can appreciate that different methodologies can be used when booking a room which may have an effect on the outcome.

As for myself I book online and have done so for a long time, via my online account, this will show my number etc, I always put in the commentary that I am a platinum member and please upgrade, knowing that an upgrade is not an absolute.....but similar to others, I don't seem as lucky as some with upgrades all the time, and when not upgraded I have never had the extras {true I haven't asked for them}, but should I or should the hotel do this to show their appreciation of a loyal and valued customer?????

Whether it is a training issue or a I.T. system issue is another story altogether. Several times when checking in I have noticed some lower level members have been upgraded and not I, when questioned I get the blank look and some bull of a story......even hotels I visit regularly and have a profile on their system which highlights certain requests these regularly aren't fulfilled, which triggers the start of the same old conversation which you get fed up with having which ultimately leads you into ever decreasing circles like the uslum bird, and we all know what happened there!!!!

If anyone from IC reads this I would find it most interesting if they could explain to me and others what training {certainly in the UK} the front of house staff or whoever allocates room bookings receives or not as the case may be. As this may provide an answer or insight to the never, sometimes or always upgraded replies stated in this thread, because the inconsistency is quite apparant.

Furthermore it would be interesting to know {although I am sure the information wouldn't be issued} what percentage of their mystery shoppers get upgraded automatically, what percentage have had to ask and what percentage weren't??

If that information doesn't exist then it should be monitored and I am more than happy to act as a mystery shopper for them and start supplying that information!!!!!!

As I have said elsewhere before, from my very nice Xmas card stating that with the amount of stays with IC it puts me within the top 5% globally of members, and I am valued, well I may be at a top corporate level, but it would seem that this message does not get cascaded down, to make me feel a valued member and treated as such.

I have received an upgrade everytime I've stayed at the HI or Crowne Plaza.  The best was CP Melbourne where they upgraded me to a suite on the beach TWICE!  I always book a regular room and get an upgrade to the Executive floor or a better room.

I've never had an upgrade,i always book the cheapest package standard. I stayed at the CP Amsterdam early this year and had nothing, even when i presented my card with platinum status.

I ask for one at the time of the reservation.  I have noticed if you want a smoking room you're out of luck on an upgrade.

I enjoy reading all your responses.  You certainly are well traveled!

Hi All

I keep reading all the different responses and all the ways you all get your upgrades, but at the end of the day when you took out your membership it was a certaintity that you would get an upgrade. This was one of the reasons we took it out. when we reached Platinum a number of years ago we thought we'd made it but this has proved to be not the case. You shouldn't have to ask. You shouldn't have to put it on your booking when you book. YOU shouldn't have to do anything at all, it should be offered automatically if available and let's face it, it isn't. So come on PC get it sorted or there could be a mass exodus of members and without these business men you could be in trouble!

I have to agree with Ron - I'm always upgraded these days. However it's not through chance. I email the hotel prior to arrival to let them know that I'm coming. Also, a little trick I have learned for Holiday Inns. Check on your PDA or Iphone before arrival at reception if the hotel is still selling Executive Rooms. If they are, then you can be upgraded under the clause "subject to availability". I've not had to use it for a while - however you can imagine the face at the front desk at CP London Docklands in 2007, which was the last place I challenged "No upgrade as we're full Sir!" Somehow I ended up with a suite overlooking the O2 complex... lovely!

I think most if not all hotels will upgrade you if they know that you are coming. For some unknown reason the various systems in the hotels don't flag status well enough. Also, unlike most 5 Star properties, I don't think ICs hold a daily management meeting to discuss arrivals and guests with their teams.

Using the old saying "If you're part of the problem, then you're part of the solution" then make that soloution by sending a quick introductory email to the Guest Services Manager of the property stating what time you will be arriving, and your status level (so long as it is Platinum or above) It works for me.

In terms of other non-IHG properties. Well the same works for me at Marriott, which is the other group where I have FT Status. There's no point having the "Do you know who I am?" conversation once you arrive. Play fair and let the hotel know you're arriving, that's what I say.

Tris ;-)

But what Tris.  and I are saying is by following a  simple plan of asking by Email giving your PC number and booking ref there is a 90% plus chance of getting the upgrade. If it works for us in the UK then it should for you to.

I am so glad the email beforehand worked and that you had an excellent time in New York.

During my seven years as a member,the last 4 being platinum status i have been upgraded 95% of the time. Ive found the best place for upgrades are Asia and the UK.

I was recently upgraded to a club room at the Crowne Plaza Crawley.. Excellent

This weekend got upgraded but generally do not have to ask as ussually stick to the same hotel only asked if ,

it is new staff we do not know.

A small twist to this question......

I booked 2 nights at a Holiday Inn last Thursday and Friday. We checked and were told that we would be in an Executive Room due to my Platinum PC status. 2 great days were had and at checkout I was presented with my invoice. We had paid for the room only several days in advance and nothing else was bought in the hotel, so no bill to settle. I folded the invoice up without looking at it until we got home. The description of the rate was for Bed and Breakfast. That was total news to me. We had never been told that our upgrade also included breakfast. It would have been very nice to have.

Looks like I'll be quizzing the reception staff a little closer in future.

Had confirmed our next trip to IC Cannes, upgraded to a seafront Deluxe from a rear facing Classic (think that means Standard)

Simply on PC status

Never

and its for a simple reason - I'm wheelchair bound.   Please don't read that as "they won't because" its "they can't because" (in most properties)

As I have been informed its not a case of not wanting to, its a case of only making so many rooms accessible, and because they need to cater for the entire guest range they don't create accessible rooms at the different levels.

Hence my "sneaky" campaign to get PC to change from "room upgrade" to "facility upgrade!" - by that I mean give the guest a choice of "upgrade" be it free internet, free breakfast, better room.....  let the choice be theirs .....  not only is it fairer to all, but more meaningful....   i mean a suite is nice but when you check in at 11pm and have a car waiting at 6am.....  how much is a suite worth....  compared to breakfast that might not have been in your rate!

However on the IC front - every time (once beyond my status) as in IC's they seem to have at least one of each level (standard, club, suite) that can take a wheelchair or other disabled user.  Another reason to love the ambassador program.

--

In fairness to the group re the PC elite side. - they have some wonderful people both on the ground and in corporate management roles that are always ready to debate and improve the program and facilities where they can (and they do!), and its partly for this reason I changed my hotel of choice from another large chain to IHG.

You make a very valid point!  Especially in the case of 'wheelers" it would be nice to have an option available for their upgrade such as a breakfast inclusion as you mentioned.

Maybe a fruit basket would be nice too.

Well then I must be awfully lucky, because it's rare when I don't get an upgrade of some kind.  MOST times, they have a bottle of water and snack for me at check in.  They don't always TELL me I've been upgraded, but upon going to the room I discover it.  At the very least, they'll put me on the floor with special perks.  Some hotels, a different view also indicates an upgrade, so it is different from one property to another.

Just this week, I used points for a mini-vaca with the fam, and that was automatically upgraded to the executive level.

Not once in my last 6 years as a member!

Platnium member...         I've gotton a bottle of water etc but don't remember the last time I got a room upgrade, and, I travel every other week for my job.

I'm platinum level and I get upgraded most of the time. The exceptions are HI Express (nothing to upgrade to) and when hotel is full and again there is nothing to upgrade to. On some occasions, the check-in desk don't even mention the upgrade they just give you the room number. Sometimes I make a point of asking for access to the Executive floor to see what happens and on some occasions I've been told I have access anyway. On one occasion at a Candlewood Suites I arrived very late and had to collect my key from the safe only to find I wasn't in the upgraded room. Next morning I asked for the upgrade and it was give to me with no objections or quibbles.

If you don't get an upgrade, then ask for one. if you don't ask you don't get !!

Never when staying in the UK, however on a recent trip to California it happened every single time, but then service is so much better in the US compared with the UK

Since reading the tips on this site I have e-mailed in advance twice and both times been upgraded so it appears to work.

On one occasion it was an Executive Room and the other it was a half bottle of wine.

Jubbly

Mike

Not really Danny

Normally just put a header with my Platinum Membership Number and the Booking Reference and then a cursory note to say

Hi

Looking forward to staying on 'date'.

I anticipate arriving around 'time' and as I will have guests I expect to have 3 of us dine at night.

Regards

Mike

It's a shocking state of affairs that we have to discuss ways of "engineering" an upgrade.

Surely IHG should take from this thread that the upgrades are still not working for 75% of the people? I'm hanging my head in shame and putting on the record that I also email every property before arrival to let them know I am coming as a way of securing an upgrade.

Tris ;-)

Tris,

I couldn't agree more, there seems to be great differences in how PC Platinum members {not including Ambassador members} get treated in the US and UK, after all regardless of how it it marketed there is no guarantee with promoted Platinum member benefits..........possibly they should review the process and treat all levels with the same revere as Ambassador's - although I appreciate that membership is purchased {$150??}.

Possibly increase the amount of stays to warrent that level i.e. 80 for platinum or introduce a black level at 80+ so you do get the automatic upgrades as with Ambasador???? Surely a loyal customer who spends large amounts of money with ICH, it isn't asking too much to recognised everytime??

Si

Surely they could have a 'preferences' section as part of our profile Amanda, as I have with my preferred airlines?

That way they could at least try to give you what you prefer or if it's not available they could greet you professionally with a "we see that you prefer a suite but unfortunately they are all taken. However we've given you your second choice of complimentary wine"

Just a thought but as they appear to be very much into interaction it surely can't be too difficult.

Mike

Yes and I sometimes use that but as has been pointed out we are told we will be upgraded if available but more often than not

have to ask and that is the gripe.

If they didn't say it nobody would bother I suspect.

Mike

Iristina,

I agree and think it is a great suggestion and somthing that could be implemented. Thank you

Amanda Kehoe

Intersting comment about the wine.In my experience the hotels that are more likely to give me a complimentary beer or wine are also the ones most likely to upgrade me. In these cases, I find I generally get both.

Amanda,

I love points. The hotel where I am staying right now gave me a slip at check-in that I could redeem for extra points or a beverage or other free items. I do not recall the other free items because I already turned it back in for the points.

When I receive vouchers, I like it when I can choose my "freebie" option. When I travel for business, I appreciate the free glass of wine more since this is not a reimbursable expense. I also like it when the coupon says "or $4 off a higher value beverage." I do not always like the house brands, so this is great. When I travel for pleasure, I prefer a free appetizer or breakfast because that is a better value when I'm paying for it.

Since its been asked

the difference in price between 'room grades' [I know the program states an upgrade can be a better view, and the room is in the same class] I would say on a pure 'stay basis' is about $40 dollars a night. (obviously not between exec and suite!)

So to me that would encompass (per night!) :

A bottle of wine and some water

or

Breakfast for two

or

internet for stay

or

room upgrade

or

5000 PC points

or

40 dollars off spa treatment (if at the property)

or

Room service breakfast (for those with breakfast in their rate)

or

In room gift package - prehaps soft drinks, nibbles and a free movie

I imagine that if 'suite' was available as a request preference, then everybody would go for that :)

I for one don't ask at check-in for a a couple of reasons the main two are

• I shouldn't have to - if there is an upgrade it should be done, if not a quick reason why is nice
• I am often in presence of people that means I'd rather not ask.

All this thread keeps throwing up is that unlike other reward / loyalty programs, the lack of clarity that surrounds it is not welcomed by those that should be being rewarded by it.

I'm all for losing an 'upgrade' to ensure another guest gets there special day made very special, but I'd put money on the fact that we who chat in this forum actually directly or indirectly are the people that keep IHG going.

I think the best thing IHG / PC could do at this stage is be clear about how they define upgrades, and how a guest can spot they have been.  With other programs clearly showing what they offer it still strkes me as strange that PC still uses so many riders and ambiguous words.

As Holiday Inn is rebranding, Priority Club Members will see a change. With the changes, staff will focus on arrival and welcome. The 'Stay Real' experience will ensure that the staff will treat guests like individuals. Each hotel will have a "Guest Champion" that focuses on Priority Club Members and is responsible for training staff to better meet those needs. Currently, many of the Holiday Inn's are undergoing rebranding and are training in the "Stay Real" program. All Holiday Inn employees will go through an extensive "Stay Real" training program to ensure guests receive the level of service they expect.

Respectfully,

Amanda Kehoe

Les,

Currently, there is an option for members to post about their experiences, including recognition, that one can report on in the post survey sent to some members after a completed stay. I'm glad you take the time to fill these out. They are looked at by the hotel staff and are used in grading the hotel. Each hotel is required to meet a certain score.

Also, please share your experiences in the Priority Club GuestBook about your experiences. 

Thanks,

Amanda Kehoe

Les,

Sounds like a good idea and I'd volunteer as well, I did pose the question once if this sort of information was gathered from HI mystery shoppers on upgraded, had to ask or not..........but I haven't heard anything, if they don't collate possibly they should????

As for questionnaires, I gave up a long time ago as I thought it was a fruitless exercise as I never got any response.

Si

Being a 'sad' person with Platimum Elite level on Priority Club (and in the top 5% of guests acording to my Christmas card) and several other hotel loyalty cards I usually 80-90% of the time get an upgrade without asking.  The secret is to get your priority club number on the booking and to book a standard room.  Sometimes you dont get one but the hotel is usually full.  HI express its not possible but Platimun members get free internet access (I'm using it tonight :-) )

So recently stayed in Hong Kong and Koln, got an upgrade.  Had to ask at Brussels and then got given one.  The exception is the Holiday Inn Reading South in the UK where the past 6 times but the last one I have stayed I have never been upgraded.  However writing to the HI website produced a different reaction last time I stayed and got an upgrade.  Hopefully they'll continue the trend.

Its easier than getting an upgrade on flights.... now theres a different topic :-)

with regard to the HI express - which county are they in?

thanks for the additional info

There are new rebranded Holiday Inn hotels that are called--Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. Here is an example of one in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The hotel has suites that feature a couch in a seperate living type or "multimedia" area. They are very similar to the executive rooms in a Holiday Inn. An example of another brand new Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Georgia has suites that offers premium amentities, more space, sleeper sofa, microwave, refrigerator, and 2 flat screen TV's. This hotel also has executive corner suites. The Atlanta/Buckhead Holiday Inn & Suites offers apartment style one and two bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens which is similar to the Staybridge brand.

In Canada, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites downtown Vancouver offers executive rooms with or without a balcony,  and suites that have 2 bathrooms like member NAY1965 mentioned.

Hope that helps,

Amanda Kehoe

Just returned from the Carlton in Cannes, France and we had booked a classic room. This is a basic en suite room whith a nil view. We had a

high floor Deluxe sea view at least two grades if not three higher. I still do not understand why other guests do not get upgrades unless they do not advise the hotel of their status until they arrive and expect the hotel to conjure an availability late at night at short notice.

Happy to say this happens pretty much most time...I do usually jead to the same locations, (mostly Crowne Plazas) and as well as being Platinum PC,  I have a pretty good number of nights in the 6-7 hotels I mainly head to.

While I hope I never get to the stage of "expecting" an upgrade, I do look forward to seeing what happens...I travel for work (mainly) and its great staying in some rooms I could never otherwise afford / justify.

Agree with a previous poster, in that if my Wife and Daughter come along on a trip we dont seem to get the same upgrades...upsets her more than me though!

cheers

P

Just been upgraded again !

I checked in to a Candlewood Suites in Kansas City for 2 week last Friday.The guy at the front desk explained that they normally offer upgrades as a matter of course for Platinum members but they were sold out over the weekend and suggested I check with them on the Tuesday. I even saw on their checkin sheet at the time the words "no upgrade available". I have just been to see frontdesk and the swapped me from a studio to a nice comfortable 1 bed suite without any arguments - where I am currently sat typing this append (via their free internet) !

You did not mention if you emailed the hotel a couple or so days prior to confirm your staus and ask for confirmation of your upgrade. I would also ask, during your stay, to see the GM and put the question to him and even draw his attention to your post.

I get them all the time  at IC's with Amb membership. With CP and HI, I will usually get best available, If I ask for it.  sometimes I get a comped breakfast; sometimes not..

But if I  don't ask for it , I don't get it.

I wonder if you have followed the advice given in my blog to improve your chances of an upgrade? such as Emailing ahead of your arrival indicating any preferences you may have. As it has been mentioned just turning up late in the day , when all rooms have been allocated , does not bode well for an upgrade. Try following the recommendations and I wish you sucess.

http://community.priorityclub.com/people/ronaldchadwick/blog/2009/08/20/booking- a-room-to-get-the-best-chance-of-an-upgrade

I just haqd to ask, so far into the year and you have yet to get to Platinum, Are you signed up for all the points offers Q$ bonus points . It is far easier to gain the points requirement than the number of nights.

try this site to find bonus oportunities

http://www.priorityclubinsider.com/all-current-points-offers/

Platinum Elite— Stay 50 or more nights or earn 60,000 points
• All Gold elite benefits plus:
• Complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability)
• Guaranteed room availability (72 hours in advance)**
• 50% bonus in base points

Wow! It seems I am missing out a lot with these bonus things... I don't quite understand it, surely this scheme is to

award loyalty, not web browsing? I don't have time to go through all these offers and master the art of bonuses. I must stay on average at least once a month but only manage a rubbish 30-40k points. I even have a PC credit card I spend a fortune on

Thanks Mike!

I have had a look and can't find much in the way of offers in Europe. Double points seems to be it at the moment. Sounds like you are doing really well with the points! Doesn't look like I really use IC hotels enough to benefit from most of the offers etc. Thanks for the advice though, I will keep my eyes out for more offers in the future.

Usually the offers are advised to you in the E news letter often not to apparent. This list shows every offer world wide some you may not be eligible for. However it does not take to long to work your way down the list.. If you look upon 25000 points being a free night in a reasonable Crowne plaza at say £185 PN  ($300) and it takes you an hour to do the logging on to achieve that , not a bad hourly rate??

Hello30 to 40,000 points can mean up to 8 free nights at a hotel. With gold status you might not get a lot of recognition but you can try to achieve platinum status by utilizing the promotions that PC has. Check out www.flyertalk.com they have a section for the IHG hotels. It's nice to be recognized as an elite member at a hotel but for me it's more important to maximize the points that I can get.

I do agree with you that the PC platinum recognition is close to none existing, but as said in my previous post, PC is by far more superior then MR in respect of points earning.

You can achieve platinum status with PC either trough nights or points and most of us become platinum fairly early throgh points, while with MR you have to stay the 75 nights to become platinum.

E-mailed ahead for my stay last night at the HI Doncaster A1(M) jct.36

No upgrade

Best upgrade I ever had was at the InterContinental in Malta.  Booked a club room and got upgraded to the Presidential Suite.  Superb, massive balcony, kitchen and living area.  There was a piano!  A piano people....

I have stayed 87 nights so far this year and should top 100 before year end.

Upgrades come more often now.

This is the sort of Email I like to get, having requested an upgrade. Also booked the least expensive room that now is half the going rate. I guess it

helps to be a proffesional holiday maker.

"

Dear Mr. Chadwick,

Thank you for choosing intercontinental Mauritius Resort for your coming stay.

It is with great pleasure that we will upgrade you to our Executive Ocean view Suite with Private Jacuzzi.

It will be on the 2^nd floor which is our top floor room.

Any further information please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards,

Jameel Joomun | Guest Relations Manager

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort"