IHG Platinum Elite. Anyone With Similar Experience ?

[ohiojeans]

I recently made a long distance trip . I called IHG to reserve a Holiday Inn Express for a stop over for my way there . On the phone IHG explained to me as a benefit of my status i If there is a room available they will upgrade me . I walked in to the hotel and asked the front desk lady what’s available . She pulled out a chart and showed me some suites . I then told her I have a reservation and asked for a upgrade . She replies ohh I am so sorry there is nothing I can do .

The way back I stayed in a Staybridge  Suites. Again I called IHG. Again they explained to me that as long as there is a room available they will upgrade me . I called the hotel without mentioning my reservation . I asked them if there are any larger Suites available . they responded yes . I then told them that I made a reservation with the main IHG office . Can I be upgraded to the larger Suite . The lady on the phone says sorry I don’t have time and hangs up the phone.

I am wondering if this upgrade policy is one big scam as they can always say its based on availability and then always claim nothing is available

[MosheD]

yes. IHG status is practically useless IME

[dpk4588]

The only 2 times I've stayed at IHG properties since I became Platinum Elite, I was upgraded both times. But I'm assuming that there are some sort of capacity controls on the suite upgrades they can give.

[12HRS]

just had a real nice upgrade at intercontinental monterey with platinum elite.
intercontinental san francisco spire elite just a higher floor