Oh for sure 👍 I was thinking about that while making this video. My mom recently went to Hong Kong with Discoverist and got a suite upgrade; she didn’t even have to ask.
That is super interesting. I really think it's crap shoot between the hotel management and the actual front desk worker. I think there are some legit techniques as far as upgrades but (maybe i'll take a hit for typing this) lying about an anniversary or birthday is just all around bad - for so many reasons.
I could see that; of course this was only a small scale test and non international so I doubt it works all the time. But I agree lying about this stuff all the time is probably gonna bite back one day. So I am definitely not saying do it all the time. Thanks for stopping by Luke, hope you had a great time on your vacation! Looked awesome!!
I'd like to provide an outlier here. Back in January when I traveled to Redlands CA I stayed at the Marriott's SpringHill Suites, and since I have the Platinum status thru the Amex Brilliant card the reception did actually give me a corner room on the highest floor, and they did honor the 4pm check out. But prior to that I stayed in Towneplace Suites at Tucson and they only gave me a regular room on the 2nd floor. So imo it depends on the location and when you stay, some slightly rural places might have the chance to get upgraded. But I still agree with the consensus that everyone in the US has status and hotels treat you better at overseas. So generally I dont expect a lot when stay within the US and only focus on getting elite nights for higher/lifetime status.
I like the Regency Dulles. After my Amex hotel credit was used, I went there between Christmas and New Year last year (before the devaluation) for 4 off peak Cat 1 nights. I asked for free parking and they said yes with no status. I later found out that parking is pretty much on the honor system, which explains why they didn't actually care, but it still never hurts to ask.
As a Hyatt Globalist I just completed my 60th night this week. I used a suite upgrade award for 14 nights (in Egypt and Greece) and the rest of the stays I was upgraded to a suite on just my status. Most recently this week a $1800 night Park Suite View at the Park Hyatt Vienna. In my experience having Globalist status AND saying that it’s your first time in the city…goes a long way.
Appreciate the context Calby. I agree with the Venture plan, though, I wish your comparison was for Hyatt Globalist, since it is a big diff (IMO) in status from Explorist. nice video, appreciate the funny clips for entertainment.
Y'all need to come to Asia or South America. Mid to high level status is ridiculously OP. I agree, no reason to shoot for status if you're mostly staying in US hotels
Oh good point Luanne! Honestly though we booked it fairly similarity. Hyatt Regency (Hotel No. 1) we all booked with points. Thompson (Hotel No. 2) Anthony and CJ booked with points; while I booked using cash. Waldorf & Pendry (Hotel No. 3) Anthony booked with Amex FHR, CJ booked using Free Night Certificate, and I booked with Amex FHR.
Thanks for the video, Calby. Do you think speaking up about a first time visit or anniversary has any effect when the hotel booking was made through an OTA?
As someone else said, domestically and for work travel, I'm mainly interested in the points boost with top earned status. I'll push for upgrades and perks on vacation, though, probably, but I won't have high expectations. I currently have earned diamond status with Choice and Wyndham. Were your statuses earned or matched?
Yep, that’s why at the end I suggested not to do it all the time. But when it is your anniversary or birthday maybe speak up; because I don’t think a lot of people know to say something.
It kind of make sense since they want to bring the best experience to new customer. So as long as you are not really loyal to a particular brand, status is probably not worth pursuing.
I would revise and specify elite status. When, where, and which elite tier are important. Chase Hyatt explorist status is useless. Hyatt elite status not valuable until you reach Globalist highest tier where you get free meals, free parking, no resort fees, and other amenities. Then again I got free breakfast and free parking at the Hyatt Place in Wesley Chapel, FL last month with my lowly explorist status. Time and place. I stayed at the IHG Holiday Inn Waterpark, Orlando, FL and had temporary promotion diamond highest elite status. I had separate check in queue, free food, free WiFi, and other amenities. However, I still had to pay for parking, resort fees, swimming pool, waterpark, arcade, laser tag puzzle, movie theater, and entertainment fees even if I did not use them. If the USA everyone that has a travel credit card has elite status so you do not get significant treatment. However, I have heard that in Asia and Africa elite status has significant privelage as they do not have travel credit cards for easy elite status. Instead people on South East Asia have mattress runs in one star Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott to easily earn top tier elite status benefits.
Nah, you haven't experienced the true five star hotel experience until you enjoyed a full pillow menu, two whole boxes with tea collection and a robot massage chair
Right! Hilton can be powerful; however, one thing I noticed I have a problem with is the lower brands can be very inconsistent and sometimes quite gross, haha
@@DCGEMINI202, I am not sure, but I know that at least a couple of times I have checked in at the same resort as a friend who only has Gold and she got upgraded and I didn't. Not sure, maybe they just don't like me, lol. Maybe that have a stricter upgrade "formula" for Diamond. Idk, but I know it hasn't benefited me in the US at all
In the US, everyone is marriot gold and hilton gold. The status really shines on international travel, especially in Asia.
Oh for sure 👍 I was thinking about that while making this video. My mom recently went to Hong Kong with Discoverist and got a suite upgrade; she didn’t even have to ask.
That is super interesting. I really think it's crap shoot between the hotel management and the actual front desk worker. I think there are some legit techniques as far as upgrades but (maybe i'll take a hit for typing this) lying about an anniversary or birthday is just all around bad - for so many reasons.
Agreed. I’ve learned this in real time with my wife, won’t be doing that again.
I could see that; of course this was only a small scale test and non international so I doubt it works all the time. But I agree lying about this stuff all the time is probably gonna bite back one day. So I am definitely not saying do it all the time. Thanks for stopping by Luke, hope you had a great time on your vacation! Looked awesome!!
I'd definitely be salty if I saw Anthony get a better room, I'd tell the front desk girls that he's not even married, he's a priest! 😂
Hahahaha 🤣 I should have!! Give me his room!!!
“He’s never even talked to a girl before!” 😂😂
@@AnthonyVenture Curse you and your quick wit 🤣🤣
@@johnsonious2 😂😂😂 No you had the better joke haha!
I'd like to provide an outlier here. Back in January when I traveled to Redlands CA I stayed at the Marriott's SpringHill Suites, and since I have the Platinum status thru the Amex Brilliant card the reception did actually give me a corner room on the highest floor, and they did honor the 4pm check out. But prior to that I stayed in Towneplace Suites at Tucson and they only gave me a regular room on the 2nd floor. So imo it depends on the location and when you stay, some slightly rural places might have the chance to get upgraded. But I still agree with the consensus that everyone in the US has status and hotels treat you better at overseas. So generally I dont expect a lot when stay within the US and only focus on getting elite nights for higher/lifetime status.
in Asia, IHG hotels recognize status (Platinum & Diamond) & will give you upgrades, cake, etc
Seems to me that they were being discriminatory. Sounds like Anthony got treated the best due to his white privilege.
Lying that it's your birthday or anniversary just for an upgrade just seems like it cheapens the stay
Honestly outside of points perks I haven't really seen much benefit domestically from hotel status.
Crazy experiences. Thanks for sharing + video!
Yeah I was in a Marriott in the US so upgrade not expected (and didn’t happen). They had a nice M Club lounge though!
I like the Regency Dulles. After my Amex hotel credit was used, I went there between Christmas and New Year last year (before the devaluation) for 4 off peak Cat 1 nights.
I asked for free parking and they said yes with no status. I later found out that parking is pretty much on the honor system, which explains why they didn't actually care, but it still never hurts to ask.
As a Hyatt Globalist I just completed my 60th night this week. I used a suite upgrade award for 14 nights (in Egypt and Greece) and the rest of the stays I was upgraded to a suite on just my status. Most recently this week a $1800 night Park Suite View at the Park Hyatt Vienna. In my experience having Globalist status AND saying that it’s your first time in the city…goes a long way.
Appreciate the context Calby. I agree with the Venture plan, though, I wish your comparison was for Hyatt Globalist, since it is a big diff (IMO) in status from Explorist.
nice video, appreciate the funny clips for entertainment.
Calby is always testing the waters of this Points & Miles game! Great highlight of what’s possible depending on the circumstance!
Ha! Gotta make some waves!!
Love this concept and excited for this!!
Thanks Lalit!
Y'all need to come to Asia or South America. Mid to high level status is ridiculously OP. I agree, no reason to shoot for status if you're mostly staying in US hotels
Very interesting, thanks for testing out all of these methods
Thank you for this date!
Are you asking for the upgrade before you arrive through text? Or when you arrive in person?
I would have loved to see how those last hotels were booked. Were they booked via points or cash???
Oh good point Luanne! Honestly though we booked it fairly similarity. Hyatt Regency (Hotel No. 1) we all booked with points. Thompson (Hotel No. 2) Anthony and CJ booked with points; while I booked using cash. Waldorf & Pendry (Hotel No. 3) Anthony booked with Amex FHR, CJ booked using Free Night Certificate, and I booked with Amex FHR.
Try this with Marriott hotels. It's fascinating
Thanks for the video, Calby. Do you think speaking up about a first time visit or anniversary has any effect when the hotel booking was made through an OTA?
It all depends on the font desk as well.
As someone else said, domestically and for work travel, I'm mainly interested in the points boost with top earned status. I'll push for upgrades and perks on vacation, though, probably, but I won't have high expectations. I currently have earned diamond status with Choice and Wyndham. Were your statuses earned or matched?
Someone’s gunna learn the Midas lesson HARD
I’ve locked away the Midas power, great power comes with great responsibility. 🕷️🕸️
Yep, that’s why at the end I suggested not to do it all the time. But when it is your anniversary or birthday maybe speak up; because I don’t think a lot of people know to say something.
Nice video Calby, but it seems like your Hyatt experience was lackluster
It kind of make sense since they want to bring the best experience to new customer. So as long as you are not really loyal to a particular brand, status is probably not worth pursuing.
I would revise and specify elite status. When, where, and which elite tier are important. Chase Hyatt explorist status is useless. Hyatt elite status not valuable until you reach Globalist highest tier where you get free meals, free parking, no resort fees, and other amenities. Then again I got free breakfast and free parking at the Hyatt Place in Wesley Chapel, FL last month with my lowly explorist status. Time and place. I stayed at the IHG Holiday Inn Waterpark, Orlando, FL and had temporary promotion diamond highest elite status. I had separate check in queue, free food, free WiFi, and other amenities. However, I still had to pay for parking, resort fees, swimming pool, waterpark, arcade, laser tag puzzle, movie theater, and entertainment fees even if I did not use them. If the USA everyone that has a travel credit card has elite status so you do not get significant treatment. However, I have heard that in Asia and Africa elite status has significant privelage as they do not have travel credit cards for easy elite status. Instead people on South East Asia have mattress runs in one star Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott to easily earn top tier elite status benefits.
Do hotels monitor chains when you say it’s your “anniversary” every three months?
Nah, you haven't experienced the true five star hotel experience until you enjoyed a full pillow menu, two whole boxes with tea collection and a robot massage chair
Status is useless in the states, but you don’t even get free breakfast with explorist?
Unfortunately not with Explorist. But for sure; I’m starting to see status domestically is kind of nerfed. Thanks Ian!
@@CalbyNg dang that’s kinda lame. Only status I have is from cards. But at least Hilton gives you free breakfast for gold.
Right! Hilton can be powerful; however, one thing I noticed I have a problem with is the lower brands can be very inconsistent and sometimes quite gross, haha
If im with a girl i always say its my anniversary. If im with my boys i say its a business trip. Works 80% of the time. Especially at hiltons
Sure, keep thinking that your jelly
Fun video Calby! Anniversary or someone’s birthday is a great strategy to get upgrades and gifts 🎁 Keep up the great work!🫵
Poor Calby 😂 I can see why you would be frustrated for sure.
I don't wan to go all Farrakhan on you, but the white guy did get the best rooms and service. 😀
I don't think you're using "pretext" in the right context.
Haha, prbly not; felt like the right word to say
Is literally no one going to mention race ?!!
No
First!
Wow, you actually got it this time 😜🏆
@@CalbyNgI ALWAYS get it!
Sure bud.
I am done with Hilton. I think Diamond status actually works against you.
😅 how so
@@DCGEMINI202, I am not sure, but I know that at least a couple of times I have checked in at the same resort as a friend who only has Gold and she got upgraded and I didn't. Not sure, maybe they just don't like me, lol. Maybe that have a stricter upgrade "formula" for Diamond. Idk, but I know it hasn't benefited me in the US at all
@@charliedurham4248 in the us it kinda sucks. Its a hit or miss but overseas is where it shines.
If im with a girl i always say its my anniversary. If im with my boys i say its a business trip. Works 80% of the time. Especially at hiltons
@@DCGEMINI202 , that's kinda the problem. Saying that gives you higher priority no matter your status, I think
Pro tip: get a non-minority last name 😉
interesting experiment 🧪 🧐🤔 great video 🔥