Maui: Upgrading rooms
 

I'm so sorry about the triple post. I didn't know what I was doing.

This may seem like a silly question...
I've read alot from this site and others that many people have received upgrades upon check in on Maui hotels (ie. reserve a cheaper Mountain view and get upgraded to ocean view).

Do the check in people offer this, should you ask for it, or any other tricks to get the upgrade. Is it possible at places like the 4S, Fairmont, or Grand Wailea? Thanks a bunch!

We usually stay at condos in Hawaii and unless something is wrong with the condo it is hard to get upgraded.

One resort on the Big Island (Waikoloa Beach Marriott) upgraded us from partial ocean hotel room to ocean front without us having to ask for an upgrade.

Grand Wailea upgraded us very nicely in October upon our request, though it was probably the low season for GW.

I have read here that sometimes if you mention that you are travelling on your honeymoon or anniversary, sometimes this can help persuade staff to give you an upgrade or champagne, or in our experience a free video of the hotel property (Hanalei Bay Resort). :S-

<<<<I'm so sorry about the triple post. I didn't know what I was doing.>>>

So you posted again?

It's usually nothing personal if no one responds to your question. Most often it means that no one has anything valuable to contribute.

Now that I have read the posted question 3X it has stirred me to comment further that if you are booking a room online, and it pictures or lists certain amenities-it is very helpful to have those printed online documents with you in case you end up in HI with a (<i>downgraded</i>) room that does not match what is pictured online.

As an example, I recall reserving a room with a &quot;kitchenette&quot;((?)) that turned out to be nothing more than a microwave oven and a coffee pot, and after repeated calls we managed to get them to bring us at no charge a mini-refrigerator. :S-

Sometimes when there are few reponses it's because a question has been asked so many times people get tired of answering it. This exact question is asked several times per year and there are many responses in the archives.

Secondly, if Rugtown is staying at the GW or 4S or KL there won't be any need to bring copies of website photos. You'll never get less than what's promised at one of these luxury hotels (with regard to room amenities).

To answer the main question, if the hotel is booked full, it doesn't matter much what you do, you won't get an upgrade without paying for it (and possibly not even then). If it's a quiet week at the hotel and it's your anniversary or honeymoon, you'll likely get an upgrade if you're friendly, polite and respectfully inquire to the desk attendant as to the likelihood that an upgrade would be possible for your special occasion.
Remember that there are numerous honeymooners checking in almost daily at most of the popular luxury hotels on Maui, so this request is thrown at the desk personnel a lot. It is a very special occasion for you, but a daily thing for them.

To have the best idea possible whether or not you cna get an upgrade, find out how full the hotel will be for your dates (not always easy info to obtain), or book your stay through an agent with connections (www.virtuoso.com for example) or with a premium credit card like AmExpress Platinum.
Good luck.