HotelChatter

Second, where is the correlation between occupancy and the number of upgrades available?  What if all of the better rooms actually are reserved and only lower category rooms available?  Are you suggesting that we "check one more time" to downgrade someone else so that you can receive their room? (Yes, I have had people tell me that).

Third, the upgrade you want may be available tonight, but not for the rest of your stay (because someone else is paying to have that room later in the week).  Do you want to upgrade for one night and then move to another room, or would you prefer to stay in the same room for the duration of your stay (even if it's not an upgrade)?

I could go on about the realities of organizing reservations in a hotel and the misconceptions that abound, but I think you get the point--it's not as simple as it seems, and you should not assume they are "giving you the run-around."  Trust me, we weren't.

As someone who also works in hospitality, more specifically in Rooms & Reservations, I have to mirror the above. While it may sometimes be the case that a hotel is not fully committed, there is little correlation between the percent of rooms occupied and number of upper-tier rooms available. It's not uncommon (especially in high-demand cities or high-compression dates) for inventory to skew towards top-tier category rooms and suites, and it is obviously bad practice to ever downgrade a guest who indeed is paying rack rate for these coveted rooms. So, yes, there may be times when a hotel is running, for example, 80% occupancy, with the available 20% remaining being run-of-house/lower-tier rooms.

Another excellent point... The desired room may be available tonight, but is it available throughout the duration of your stay? If it isn't, do not pass GO; do not collect $200.

Now, I'm a fan of Josh. Have been for a while. I watch the show, find him entertaining, enjoy his HC contributions, but I will just put it out there: any guest who demands an associate "check inventory again because they 'happen to know' the occupancy" comes off as arrogant and entitled, qualities that seldom lead to getting the desired end-result. (Well, depending on the hotel brand and staff, anyway)

That's not to say Josh doesn't have the right idea, though. Instead of asking for a hotel's overall occupancy (a poor metric to go by), figure out which room type you want and find out if that particular room type(s) are available, and go from there.

V is right, hotels are much more complicated than most people think they are, but given the availability and the right attitude from a guest, you'd be surprised how simple and seamless it can all become. Remember, in hospitality, kindness is key (and goes both ways).

I use the AmEx Fine Hotels and Resorts program all the time - it's true that if a hotel is running a super-cheap Pricelinish special, AmEx won't offer it with the FHR benefits.  But on my last reservation, I got a rate of $260 through the hotel web site, $279 through Travelocity, and $200 through AmEx with all the benefits.  

The lunch/dinner/spa treatment/hotel credit is offered once per stay, so if you're only staying for one night this can turn your deal into something surreal - an off-peak night at a good rate could net you more free stuff than you're paying for the room.

(And Mr. Flagg forgot the fourth FHR benefit - 4pm checkout.)

Has anyone heard of the 'Andrew Harper' program, which has basically similar amenities as AMFH but without the guaranteed 4pm c/out?

A tip on asking for upgrades, be gracious when you check in, and dont demand or enquire for an upgrade at the time of check-in, when you get to the room and you dont like what you see, come back down and ask the same receptionist if they had any better rooms as you think the room is "noisy:dark:smelly:small:or anything that doesn't sound goofy". Most hotels want their guests to feel comfortable and happy with their stay and they may upgrade your room without charge.

But a caution for those AMFH card holders, don't think you have an all access pass when you check in, be nice and we will treat you well, be demanding and we will be less inclined to assist.

If they say yes, ask the rate, then say it's a bit too high....so they don't hold them hoping you'll turn up for them.  Be polite.

Then when you arrive, you'll know there are a few rooms open in the category you want. If they give you the run around, simply say you checked the website an hour ago and saw aailability.