In the US, everyone is marriot gold and hilton gold. The status really shines on international travel, especially in Asia.
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
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.
@zsm58332 ай бұрын
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.
@LukesPointsandMiles2 ай бұрын
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.
@AnthonyVenture2 ай бұрын
Agreed. I’ve learned this in real time with my wife, won’t be doing that again.
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
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!!
@johnsonious22 ай бұрын
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! 😂
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
Hahahaha 🤣 I should have!! Give me his room!!!
@AnthonyVenture2 ай бұрын
“He’s never even talked to a girl before!” 😂😂
@johnsonious22 ай бұрын
@@AnthonyVenture Curse you and your quick wit 🤣🤣
@AnthonyVenture2 ай бұрын
@@johnsonious2 😂😂😂 No you had the better joke haha!
@johnwick8602 ай бұрын
in Asia, IHG hotels recognize status (Platinum & Diamond) & will give you upgrades, cake, etc
@DoYouTakeCards2 ай бұрын
Honestly outside of points perks I haven't really seen much benefit domestically from hotel status.
@LK_EBM2 ай бұрын
Lying that it's your birthday or anniversary just for an upgrade just seems like it cheapens the stay
@PointsPrecision2 ай бұрын
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.
@jimmyjames64922 ай бұрын
Crazy experiences. Thanks for sharing + video!
@alexarauz2 ай бұрын
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.
@LalitDevraj2 ай бұрын
Love this concept and excited for this!!
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
Thanks Lalit!
@ShortJoey2 ай бұрын
Seems to me that they were being discriminatory. Sounds like Anthony got treated the best due to his white privilege.
@jw0ng232 ай бұрын
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.
@wanderingdoc50752 ай бұрын
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
@KeyKEYadventures2 ай бұрын
Very interesting, thanks for testing out all of these methods
@TheCreditFrog2 ай бұрын
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!
@luannehorne6972 ай бұрын
I would have loved to see how those last hotels were booked. Were they booked via points or cash???
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
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.
@blakinsideandout2 ай бұрын
Try this with Marriott hotels. It's fascinating
@eduardocaudillo60252 ай бұрын
Thank you for this date! Are you asking for the upgrade before you arrive through text? Or when you arrive in person?
@Trucker-X2 ай бұрын
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?
@AnthonyVenture2 ай бұрын
Calby is always testing the waters of this Points & Miles game! Great highlight of what’s possible depending on the circumstance!
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
Ha! Gotta make some waves!!
@uhmerrykan2 ай бұрын
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?
@user-qs8uq4cl3q2 ай бұрын
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.
@tooeasy42172 ай бұрын
It all depends on the font desk as well.
@MichaelCMeyer2 ай бұрын
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.
@MattClausen2 ай бұрын
Someone’s gunna learn the Midas lesson HARD
@AnthonyVenture2 ай бұрын
I’ve locked away the Midas power, great power comes with great responsibility. 🕷️🕸️
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
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.
@JuanGarcia-hr1wf2 ай бұрын
Nice video Calby, but it seems like your Hyatt experience was lackluster
@RITPA2 ай бұрын
Do hotels monitor chains when you say it’s your “anniversary” every three months?
@danielles77662 ай бұрын
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
@IanMaschal2 ай бұрын
Status is useless in the states, but you don’t even get free breakfast with explorist?
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
Unfortunately not with Explorist. But for sure; I’m starting to see status domestically is kind of nerfed. Thanks Ian!
@IanMaschal2 ай бұрын
@@CalbyNg dang that’s kinda lame. Only status I have is from cards. But at least Hilton gives you free breakfast for gold.
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
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
@Xavier_ID.2 ай бұрын
Poor Calby 😂 I can see why you would be frustrated for sure.
@James_Marshall922 ай бұрын
Sure, keep thinking that your jelly
@ExtraGuac0072 ай бұрын
I don't wan to go all Farrakhan on you, but the white guy did get the best rooms and service. 😀
@DCGEMINI2022 ай бұрын
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
@ItsMeCJ2 ай бұрын
First!
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
Wow, you actually got it this time 😜🏆
@ItsMeCJ2 ай бұрын
@@CalbyNgI ALWAYS get it!
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
Sure bud.
@fwoodbridge2 ай бұрын
I don't think you're using "pretext" in the right context.
@CalbyNg2 ай бұрын
Haha, prbly not; felt like the right word to say
@as-lh3ow2 ай бұрын
Is literally no one going to mention race ?!!
@D.I.G.Ай бұрын
No
@charliedurham42482 ай бұрын
I am done with Hilton. I think Diamond status actually works against you.
@DCGEMINI2022 ай бұрын
😅 how so
@charliedurham42482 ай бұрын
@@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
@DCGEMINI2022 ай бұрын
@@charliedurham4248 in the us it kinda sucks. Its a hit or miss but overseas is where it shines.
@DCGEMINI2022 ай бұрын
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
@charliedurham42482 ай бұрын
@@DCGEMINI202 , that's kinda the problem. Saying that gives you higher priority no matter your status, I think
@TerranceYu2 ай бұрын
Pro tip: get a non-minority last name 😉
@CesarJoel2 ай бұрын
Fun video Calby! Anniversary or someone’s birthday is a great strategy to get upgrades and gifts 🎁 Keep up the great work!🫵