Why are room upgrades so hard (looking at you IC Melbourne!)

[markis10]

Latest report indicates the the IC Melbourne has a new RA upgrade policy:

FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - IC Melbourne The Rialto Master Thread [merged]

RA can no longer choose between suite or club - RA gets a two -level upgrade to a King Junior suite (53SQM). Comparing to previous upgrades, this is a room that is slightly bigger than a standard room with NO separate living area. Previously the suite was 123SQM or around that.
Club Access will be sold to RA for $29.95 per day. It will not be included for RA unless you book a room with club access.
With Club access, you can choose to have the breakfast in the restaurant or in the club.

IHG is not alone here in having properties that would rather keep their best rooms empty even when checking in late PM they show as available online, why???????? For what its worth, the room described above has been redefined as a suite effectively getting them out of providing club or suite upgrades that are guaranteed!

 

[moa999]

Because like the airlines, they would prefer you paid for them.
They are also more costly, time-consuming to clean, being larger.

 

[MarcB]

Latest report indicates the the IC Melbourne has a new RA upgrade policy:

FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - IC Melbourne The Rialto Master Thread [merged]


IHG is not alone here in having properties that would rather keep their best rooms empty even when checking in late PM they show as available online, why???????? For what its worth, the room described above has been redefined as a suite effectively getting them out of providing club or suite upgrades that are guaranteed!

Yeah - I got tripped up on this at the IC Melbourne in November. Not an RA, but at some point they must've stopped Club Upgrades for their IC Ambassadors too. They said they never had, but I am sure I have had one in the past. No biggie - just kinda devalues the scheme when 90% of Aussie properties have caveats and fine print. If not for the BOGO, I'd probably have dropped this scheme by now.

 

[whatmeworry]

Some of these hotels remind me of some night clubs, which have long cues outside the nightclub but in the club there is no one.

A guess it is all a matter of perception and hence why some of these programs make you work so hard to have a slight chance at a upgrade.

PC is probably one of the worst, considering how it was once so easy to earn status but on the hand they had other concurrent paid loyalty programs to further confuse the mess.

 

[eric2011]

Yeah - I got tripped up on this at the IC Melbourne in November. Not an RA, but at some point they must've stopped Club Upgrades for their IC Ambassadors too. They said they never had, but I am sure I have had one in the past. No biggie - just kinda devalues the scheme when 90% of Aussie properties have caveats and fine print. If not for the BOGO, I'd probably have dropped this scheme by now.

I stayed at IC Melb also in November as Platinum Ambassador and got the upgrade to a club room but was told could not use club facilities. Normal room and club room almost the same, so in effect there was not really any upgrade "in the flesh", only in "the name"

 

[fall502]

Yeah - I got tripped up on this at the IC Melbourne in November. Not an RA, but at some point they must've stopped Club Upgrades for their IC Ambassadors too. They said they never had, but I am sure I have had one in the past. No biggie - just kinda devalues the scheme when 90% of Aussie properties have caveats and fine print. If not for the BOGO, I'd probably have dropped this scheme by now.

MarcB - Just wondering where do you find a BOGO?

 

[Rick93]

If it's relevant to this thread ...

I enquired to IC Sydney, for Club access in October. ( RAN Centenary Review on Sydney Harbour with mass flypast etc.)

I'll be reduced to Plat. AMB at that time. ( they recognised this )

Response was: In order to secure Club access, you will need to purchase Club access - they will then upgrade from there.

Did the booking for Twin Club City View - was modified to Twin Delux Harbour View Suite.

But there is no ref. to Club access ? They sent me a personalised email, claiming that I have Club access, but it doesn't say that on the 'modified' booking ...

Should I trust them, or send an email to clarify ?

 

[serfty]

Sydney IC changed their philosophy late last year, certainly since October.

Others may like to chime in more about this with detail.

 

[eric2011]

Sydney IC changed their philosophy late last year, certainly sine October.

"Ambassadors" may like to chime in more about this with detail.

Changed for better or worse??.. bearing in mind they were never that generous (to me)..I have a 3 night stay with them next weekend..would be interested to see how they have changed.. I've booked a King Club city veiw so at the least one would expect is an upgrade to King Club eastern harbour view room.

 

[serfty]

I'm not certain as to applicability to your situation - there's this: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ntal-sydney-club-access-42747.html#post723467

And on the FlyerTalk thread: IC Sydney Master Thread [merged] - Page 69 - FlyerTalk Forums

[edit]

On checking, it appears you won't get Club access. The change was in relation to bennies on BOGOs ...​

[/edit]

 

[fall502]

If it's relevant to this thread ...

I enquired to IC Sydney, for Club access in October. ( RAN Centenary Review on Sydney Harbour with mass flypast etc.)

I'll be reduced to Plat. AMB at that time. ( they recognised this )

Response was: In order to secure Club access, you will need to purchase Club access - they will then upgrade from there.

Did the booking for Twin Club City View - was modified to Twin Delux Harbour View Suite.

But there is no ref. to Club access ? They sent me a personalised email, claiming that I have Club access, but it doesn't say that on the 'modified' booking ...

Should I trust them, or send an email to clarify ?

My understanding and experience is that if you book a room with Club access you will get Club access no matter what room you are upgraded to. Also means that if you book a room that does not have Club access you will not get Club access even if you are upgraded to a Club room - will have to pay for Club access if you want this.

 

[Rick93]

I should have stated in my situation, as described, that I booked via PP website, using a PP BOGO.

 

[fall502]

I suggest that you contact them to confirm rather then having an argument with them if you do not receive expected benefits/services. I had issues with IC Sydney last year using a PP BOGO (no recognition of Ambassador benefits, apparently all fixed now) made the stay very disappointing.