How much I paid for a Deluxe Suite upgrade at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

My family visited Orlando last month.  We rented an apartment for most of our stay except for the last day.  We decided to change it up with a final night stay at Waldorf Astoria Orlando.  While I’ve stayed at this hotel before, it is a first for a few in my party.  Since we were traveling in part to jointly celebrate both Mother and Father’s Day, we’d thought it’d be a memorable way to wrap up our vacation.

We booked two standard deluxe rooms using the Hilton anniversary night certificates.

Since I’m a Hilton Diamond member, I know I could be upgraded to an enhanced room, on a space available basis.  At Waldorf Astoria Orlando, this “tier” upgrade is simply a room with a better view.  While I have had very good experiences at this hotel, I also don’t typically expect upgrades beyond what was reserved.

Get a Roll-away Bed or Look for Guaranteed Paid Upgrade?

We needed an extra bed for one of the rooms. The choices was straightforward:  Either pay $50 for a roll-away bed (which may not even be possible in a 2 queen bed room), or look into the suite options.  I was hoping to get a upgrade offer email and it came.  The only suite upgrade option was the Deluxe Suite at $109.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decided to wait until closer to check-in date to upgrade, as I need some flexibility if I need to change my travel plans.  Besides, we were checking-in on a slow day of the week (Monday).  I was in no rush.

A Second and Better Offer from the Hotel!

As we got closer to the arrival date, I got in contact with the hotel about possible early arrival.  The response also provided additional details about the hotel, including an option to upgrade via paid, guaranteed upgrade.   I was interested so I inquired.  As it turned out, I can upgrade to the same Deluxe 2-Queen suite (with Queen sofa bed in living room with no balcony) for an additional $80 plus tax, per night.

I also have the option to upgrade to the “Luxury Suite with balcony and Nature Preserve view” for an additional $140 plus tax, per night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

I decided to opt for a paid but guaranteed suite upgrade.  It made more sense than to get a roll-away bed, and it makes for a more comfortable stay too (945 square feet).   It also ended up working out incredibly well for us.  The room has a kitchen table space which we used.  We also got great views – we got a corner unit deluxe suite with the Disney views. Even though I had already seen the fireworks from parks, it never gets old…

While the stay didn’t end up being a true complimentary night, I think paying $80 out of pocket was still a steal.  After all,  the hotel typically charges for the deluxe suite somewhere in the range of $450-600 USD.   In my mind, I’m thinking, my $80 paid upgrade deal is a pretty “suite” deal.

 

Have you gotten a great hotel guaranteed room paid upgrade offer?  If so, what was your best deal?