That's why I don't mind Hilton Diamond via AMEX CCs. We've never had issues with any of the food credits, etc. Upgrades aren't always consistent - but then we didn't have to stay 60 nights. Fair enough. Earning status through stays seems silly to me. You've earned the highest level - say Hyatt Globalist - yet you still have to jump through the hoops to "ask" for a suite & HOPE they give you one (when really the hotel is looking for a reason NOT to upgrade you). Thanks for the info + video!
Great point! Diamond is so easy to earn so if you don’t get upgraded it’s no big deal compared to something like Marriott/Hyatt. My only counter is that especially with Hyatt I am doing almost all of the nights anyways since Hyatt points are so easy to earn. This means that having Globalist is **huge**
I have a relatively new Amex Platinum, and I just tried my Hilton gold status for the first time in Amsterdam. Front desk only gave me a canal view as the room upgrade. I need to practice asking more assertively. :)
We go to Vegas for a volleyball tournament. How should we go about getting an upgrade when we were forced to purchase our room stays as a group? Stay and play programs. Or how to ask for a room with mini fridge coffee maker extra fans for sleeping? Because the basic double bed options don’t have those items and we need to keep the Gatorade and food cold. Love your suggestions.
Having a status equal to or exceeding those you mention in three of the 4 companies (mostly earned "the hard way"), I rarely ever find a suite available for upgrades. Particularly with Marriott, it almost NEVER happens. Loyalty means virtually nothing, it seems to me. Rules 1, 2, 3, and 4 seem to yield little, if any, benefit. Can you share some of your real-world experiences in a total of 30 nights or so of staying with one company? (in various hotels, of course)
For people with no status, preferred partner programs like Prive and STARS, are best. Hotels will tend to prioritise those bookings over others. Even better when Globalist status is stacked with Prive benefits.
Just an FYI on booking through Amex FHR: Actually getting the elite benefits can sometimes be difficult because the hotel often sees it as being booked through Expedia. The most trouble seems to come from Vegas and Hyatt, especially when booking prepaid which is required for the Amex Platinum hotel credit. I've been denied Hyatt elite night credits for a FHR booking even after calling in.
Good point! While personally I haven't had issues with either Hyatt or Hilton honoring benefits, it is still important to note that there is a small chance of problems occuring. I have heard the main issue is with MGM and Vegas since MGM only honors elite benefits if actually booked directly and not with a preferred partner.
Sadly I hear that a lot about Marriott Platinum. I am tempted to go for it but the lack of consistent upgrades makes it harder for me to justify. Especially since a lot of my stays will be at Ritz-Carlton.
>Awesome to see a space themed background on your computer. >The eyes in the thumbnail are something that are creepy for lack of better wording. >Do you have a website in the works yet?
Yes you can still get room upgrades as an Explorist but it seems to be much less consistent than the Globalist upgrades. If you can't get Globalist yourself, I would advise trying to find a Globalist who you trust that is willing to make Guest of Honor reservations for you.
Upgrade is always subject to availability, nobody will give you a free upgrade if the property is fully booked or are we supposed to downgrade someone else to fulfill your ego BS? Next time dont book the cheapest room.
When did I ever say that I expect an upgrade when the hotel is full? I specifically said to go during off peak times since the hotels can't upgrade you if they are full. Getting an upgrade isn't "ego BS", it's literally marketed as a benefit of elite status with each major hotel chain. If they don't want to be providing upgrades to their elites, then they shouldn't market it as a perk.
Yes please share more about your trip to Vegas!
Will do! :)
Great and informative, love it. 👍
The cover photo is absolutely amazing
Right?!?!
Thank you so much!
That's why I don't mind Hilton Diamond via AMEX CCs. We've never had issues with any of the food credits, etc. Upgrades aren't always consistent - but then we didn't have to stay 60 nights. Fair enough. Earning status through stays seems silly to me. You've earned the highest level - say Hyatt Globalist - yet you still have to jump through the hoops to "ask" for a suite & HOPE they give you one (when really the hotel is looking for a reason NOT to upgrade you). Thanks for the info + video!
Great point!
Diamond is so easy to earn so if you don’t get upgraded it’s no big deal compared to something like Marriott/Hyatt.
My only counter is that especially with Hyatt I am doing almost all of the nights anyways since Hyatt points are so easy to earn. This means that having Globalist is **huge**
Loved it!
Really entertaining and informative video. Great job
I am really happy you enjoyed it!
There are plenty of more coming!
❤️❤️nice video!! Your channel is on the right path!!
Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me!
I have a relatively new Amex Platinum, and I just tried my Hilton gold status for the first time in Amsterdam. Front desk only gave me a canal view as the room upgrade. I need to practice asking more assertively. :)
We go to Vegas for a volleyball tournament. How should we go about getting an upgrade when we were forced to purchase our room stays as a group? Stay and play programs. Or how to ask for a room with mini fridge coffee maker extra fans for sleeping? Because the basic double bed options don’t have those items and we need to keep the Gatorade and food cold. Love your suggestions.
Having a status equal to or exceeding those you mention in three of the 4 companies (mostly earned "the hard way"), I rarely ever find a suite available for upgrades. Particularly with Marriott, it almost NEVER happens. Loyalty means virtually nothing, it seems to me. Rules 1, 2, 3, and 4 seem to yield little, if any, benefit. Can you share some of your real-world experiences in a total of 30 nights or so of staying with one company? (in various hotels, of course)
For people with no status, preferred partner programs like Prive and STARS, are best. Hotels will tend to prioritise those bookings over others. Even better when Globalist status is stacked with Prive benefits.
Just an FYI on booking through Amex FHR: Actually getting the elite benefits can sometimes be difficult because the hotel often sees it as being booked through Expedia. The most trouble seems to come from Vegas and Hyatt, especially when booking prepaid which is required for the Amex Platinum hotel credit. I've been denied Hyatt elite night credits for a FHR booking even after calling in.
Good point! While personally I haven't had issues with either Hyatt or Hilton honoring benefits, it is still important to note that there is a small chance of problems occuring. I have heard the main issue is with MGM and Vegas since MGM only honors elite benefits if actually booked directly and not with a preferred partner.
One of the best videos on youtube
Hilton has rooms that don’t even show on the site but will show as an upgrade
Give us ALL the Hyatt hacks please!
Hi Shaun Lane. You never mentioned IHG Hotels & Resort highest rewards program.
I did mention Diamond but I didn’t mention Royal ambassador since it’s something so difficult to achieve for most
@@TheTravelLane okay 👌.
I’m Marriott platinum and have never ever been upgraded!! So frustrating. When I was Hyatt globalist they treated me like royalty
Sadly I hear that a lot about Marriott Platinum. I am tempted to go for it but the lack of consistent upgrades makes it harder for me to justify. Especially since a lot of my stays will be at Ritz-Carlton.
>Awesome to see a space themed background on your computer.
>The eyes in the thumbnail are something that are creepy for lack of better wording.
>Do you have a website in the works yet?
If I cannot get the globalist status from Hyatt. Can I still get benefit to be a explorist?
Yes you can still get room upgrades as an Explorist but it seems to be much less consistent than the Globalist upgrades.
If you can't get Globalist yourself, I would advise trying to find a Globalist who you trust that is willing to make Guest of Honor reservations for you.
All you have to do is tell them you watched this entire video
Upgrade is always subject to availability, nobody will give you a free upgrade if the property is fully booked or are we supposed to downgrade someone else to fulfill your ego BS? Next time dont book the cheapest room.
When did I ever say that I expect an upgrade when the hotel is full? I specifically said to go during off peak times since the hotels can't upgrade you if they are full.
Getting an upgrade isn't "ego BS", it's literally marketed as a benefit of elite status with each major hotel chain. If they don't want to be providing upgrades to their elites, then they shouldn't market it as a perk.
@@TheTravelLane My brother bet me 10€ that I couldn't get an answer from you, thanks (Y)