Marriott Bonvoy is the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, and lots of people have elite status with the company. I’ll often have newly minted Platinum members and above ask me what they can realistically expect in terms of upgrades. Do suite upgrades happen, how are they assigned, and are you supposed to ask about them at check-in? I figure this is a topic worth covering here, and I certainly welcome the takes of others.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that Marriott offers Platinum status with its most premium credit card. Those with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (review) receive Platinum status for as long as they have the card.
In many ways, there are parallels between airlines and hotels when it comes to elite status. In the US, many airlines also offer unlimited complimentary first class upgrades. The issue is that airlines sell a vast majority of first class seats, so you have a large number of people competing for a limited number of upgrades.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.
