Gold Upgrades | Loyalty Program Disappointments
Edited By
Maria Garcia
A recent post on user boards highlights growing frustrations among Gold loyalty members regarding room upgrades. As travel picks up in summer 2025, it's not uncommon for guests to find themselves disappointed at their check-in, despite holding elite status.
The Context
In a disappointing check-in experience at Vdara, a long-time Gold member expected an upgrade after routinely staying for conventions. Instead, they received a basic studio room, leaving them feeling let down.
Many members are voicing similar sentiments. One user mentioned, "The only upgrade I’ve ever gotten was a higher floor." Others pointed out that upgrades lean more on casino play than loyalty status.
Voices of Experience
Insights from the community reveal the following:
Tips Matter: A $20-$50 tip at check-in may increase chances of an upgrade.
Status vs. Play: Higher-tier members, like Noir, may have an easier time getting upgraded, but Gold members often face challenges due to busy weekends or conventions.
Personal Requests: Directly asking for room changes can lead to significant improvements, with some guests reporting superb suites after inquiries.
"When I asked, I scored a remodeled executive suite at MGM Grand!"
Surprisingly, members like one who identified as a "baby gold" reported being upgraded three out of five stays this year at Vdara, indicating variability in experiences.
Sentiment Patterns
While some express dissatisfaction, a mix of positive and neutral sentiments emerges in the comments. The conversation reflects a desire for better treatment among loyal members, despite the realities of busy casino environments.
Key Points
◇ Many Gold members report rarely receiving upgrades.
⚠️ Casino play impacts upgrade eligibility more than loyalty rank.
⭐ Direct requests during check-in can lead to unexpected room changes.
Travelers within this loyalty program may want to rethink their strategies, blending tips and direct questions to enhance their stay. With Trump’s administration focusing on economic recovery, hotel experiences could be more competitive in the bustling travel landscape this summer.
What Lies Ahead for Gold Members
As the summer of 2025 unfolds, Gold loyalty members may find themselves navigating a landscape where upgrades become more competitive. With travel increasing and hotels striving to enhance customer experiences, there’s a strong chance that chains will reassess their policies. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that enhanced communication regarding upgrade eligibility will lead to more satisfied guests. Additionally, hotels might create tailored programs that reward loyal members irrespective of their casino play. As competition for customers grows, the pressure on establishments to provide fair and fulfilling rewards could reshape how loyalty programs operate.
A Lesson from the Past: Luxury Trains and Dining Cars
Reflecting on the evolution of luxury travel, one can draw a parallel with the golden age of dining cars on luxury trains in the mid-20th century. Just like today's Gold members, travelers then faced ups and downs in service quality. Although many luxury routes promised fine dining and premier service, the reality often fell short during peak holiday seasons. Yet, this inconsistency pushed the industry to innovate; they created special dining experiences and improved staff training to meet high expectations. Today’s Gold loyalty program members might want to take a page from that history, as increased competition may drive hotels to enhance their offerings and make upgrades more accessible.