With the excitement rapidly settling in from my newly-booked first-class trip with Singapore Airlines to Sydney, Australia, I took it upon myself to start looking at hotel options. From what I hear, Sydney is relatively expensive, so the first thought that crossed my mind was: time to use those Club Carlson points!
Between Kevin and I, we’ve racked up over 300,000 Club Carlson points from the “Big Night Giveaway” promotions, so using 150,000 points for a 3-night stay at the category-6Â Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is a great redemption.
Immediately after completing my booking, there was a notification on the next page that said, “your reservation is eligible for a complimentary upgrade”. Since complimentary and upgrade are some of my favorite words, you bet I clicked on it to learn more.
Turns out that the hotel is using eStandby Upgrade, a hotel up-sell service by Nor1 that offers guests an opportunity to commit to standby upgrade after making a reservation if one should become available at check-in. After researching this program, I’ve come to learn that that select properties across many hotel chains including Hyatt, Hilton, Radisson, and Kimpton are using this stand-by upgrade system as a way to benefit both the hotel guests and the property.
Not only does the hotel entice the consumer by offering them a shot a securing a better room at a cheaper price than the standard room rate if it should become available, but the hotel also receives perks too, such as extra revenue and better inventory management.
In my case, I originally booked an Atrium Room, and after booking, the upgrade options were presented to me ranged from a complimentary upgrade to a Premier Room all the way to to an additional AUD 299 for a Presidential Suite. While I do not have the particular desire to pay for an upgrade, I was happy to see that a complimentary standby upgrade was offered to me, and of course, I took it.
Has anyone had any experience with the eStandby Upgrade program?
Glad you got an upgrade with your award stay! I also confirm the free upgrade and print the list. Before checking in I look at room availability and use the list to ask for another free upgrade with the front desk clerk. Why not try contacting the hotel before your stay to see if they will upgrade you to the business class room with free lounge access?
The program is used extensively by Hilton in Europe. My favourite bit of booking a room is getting to see my upgrade options immediately after I’ve clicked to book!