Over at The Lobby, Starwood Lurker explains various reasons why a Platinum member might not get the upgrade to a suite that he or she wants … even when a suite appears to be for sale on a hotel’s website.

I think that he gives hotels a bit of a pass, because despite the examples offered hotels do lie about available inventory. There are hotels that just do not like to offer upgrades simply because a hotel guest has stayed lots of nights in other hotels that are affiliated through a common loyalty program.

But it’s important reading nonetheless — understanding just what kinds of upgrades you’re entitled to and what bumps in the road might prevent you from getting them is essential to scoring a suite.

Know what room to ask for. Know if it’s available. Offer to wait until it’s available if a current guest hasn’t checked out yet. If it’s important enough to you, go to your assigned room now but ask if you can be moved to a suite later in your stay.

I may be in the minority here, but I find it worth it..