For hotel upgrades, do you have a better chance with Virtuoso, AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts or another program? A TravelSort client writes “What are the odds of an upgrade “at the time of arrival” with the various programs -Virtuoso, AMEX, Andrew Harper…etc. We usually try to go for the upgrade “at time of booking” because our results with the “at arrival” chances have been poor.”
This is a great question, although there's not a simple answer because in my experience upgrade chances often depend on a number of other factors, not just the program. Here are my tips to improve your chance of an upgrade:
1. Guaranteed Upgrade at Time of Booking
As this client points out, there are a few Virtuoso hotels that offer a guaranteed upgrade at time of booking, so this is the way to go if such a hotel is available for your destination. In addition to select Virtuoso hotels, some hotels' preferred partner programs, such as Four Seasons Preferred Partner, have special guaranteed upgrade at time of booking offers, so check with TravelSort or your travel advisor. Also see Virtuoso Confirmed Upgrade When Booking: Top 10 Hotels
2. Travel at Off-Peak Times
You're much more likely to be able to enjoy an upgrade at arrival if you're not traveling during peak holiday season, such as around New Year's or the hotel's peak season(s). Naturally if the hotel is fully booked or very full during your time, you're unlikely to be upgraded no matter which program or agent you booked with.
3. Book a Hotel with a Preferred Partner Program
I can't stress enough that if you prioritize upgrades, the best luxury hotel to book with is Four Seasons, reserved as a TravelSort Client or other member luxury travel advisor with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, or other preferred partner programs such as Peninsula PenClub, Dorchester Diamond Club or Mandarin Oriental Fan Club. That's because these programs prioritize their own preferred partner bookings ahead of all other programs, such as AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts, Virtuoso, Andrew Harper, etc.
4. AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts 4pm Late Check-Out Can Reduce Your Chance of an Upgrade
I sometimes reserve client stays with AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts, when AMEX is offering a property specific amenity that the client prefers, a 4th night free benefit not offered by Virtuoso, or because the client needs a 4pm late check-out. Be aware, however, that the fact that the 4pm late check-out is guaranteed can work against you in terms of securing an upgrade during busier periods. That’s because the hotel may know they need your room for another guest’s check-in on your check-out day, and a 4pm late check-out wouldn’t allow the hotel to clean and get the room ready for the next guest in time for a 3pm or 4pm check-in time. Hence, you are less likely to get the upgrade than a client booking through Virtuoso, where the late check-out is not guaranteed.
5. Always Ask at Check-In
Another point I need to emphasize is that you should always ask at check-in if a Virtuoso upgrade or AMEX FHR upgrade is available (depending on which program you booked with). While I mention clients’ special occasions and how much they would appreciate an upgrade, most hotels do tend to decide non-preferred partner program upgrades right at time of arrival, so it's best if you the client ask at check-in. Of course, for my clients who are checking into NYC hotels when I’m in NYC, I usually personally go to the property the day of arrival before the guest arrives, provide the client's preferred amenity, and ask the hotel for an upgrade. This helps–the other day my client enjoyed a double upgrade at a Virtuoso property simply because I asked for it in person while dropping off a welcome amenity.
What's your experience with Preferred Partner vs. Virtuoso vs. AMEX FHR and other hotel upgrades?
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