Apply the upgrade mindset to one of luxury's most exclusive brands
I love to stay in nice hotels and resorts. I'm obviously not the Lone Ranger on this point. In fact, there's nothing quite like being in a gorgeous suite, overlooking the ocean, and enjoying the facilities of a top-notch Four Seasons hotel or resort.
These days, even Hiltons and Hyatts often charge $300+ a night. For basic hotels. Basic rooms. Meanwhile, everyone assumes Four Seasons costs double or triple that.
Not always.
In our research this month, we discovered how an an association membership – which is available to anyone – unlocks incredible opportunities at luxury hotels. I'm going to double down on that awesome strategy again this month with some added perspectives — showing how it works brilliantly at 11 Four Seasons properties (and probably more).
But first, let me paint you a picture of what's possible.
View Upgrades for Free
What image does the phrase "ocean-view upgrade" conjure up in your mind? Good things, right? Maybe a yacht on the horizon, seashells revealed from a retreating tide, happy people frolicking on the beach.
Regardless, it sure beats "parking lot view" or "dumpster view" or "brick-wall view." So, imagine replacing those less attractive views with a stunning vista of the calming ocean — an upgrade, anyway you look at it — without paying any more.
So, what if I told you that at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale, you'd normally pay a refundable rate of $519 for an “Intercoastal Room” for two nights on August 22. BUT, if you had access to a particular strategy... voilà, you could get a "Prime Ocean-View Room" for $448. For $71 less. More. For. Less.
Normal Room / View Rate Without Promo Code
Ocean-View Room With Promo Code
I'd call that a free view upgrade. Wait, the ocean-view room is cheaper. That means it’s a less-than-free upgrade, right?
Suite Upgrade for Free
Views are one thing, nice big suites are another. So the idea of a free suite upgrade kind of explains itself.
You know what drives me crazy? Those credit card programs like American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts that promise "complimentary upgrades upon arrival, when available." When available? Who wants to grovel at check-in, hoping the front desk agent takes pity on you?
If you don't use my approach, you'd pay $547 per night for a basic "Deluxe Room" (315 square feet) at the Four Seasons Houston for a two-night stay on August 12. On the other hand, an ABA member can book an "Executive Suite" (606 sf) for just $544.
That's $3 less for a much better hotel experience, AKA an upgrade no-brainer.
Normal Room Without Promo Code
Executive Suite With Promo Code
Do the math: That is a cheaper than free upgrade.
Or, you could just save 27% off the normal room by paying $369 instead of $547 ($178 / 33% off).
The Strategy Everyone's Missing
Here's where people get elite status wrong. They chase elite status, staying 50-100 nights a year at mediocre properties, all for the chance at an upgrade.
Maybe you'll get a suite. If they're not sold out. Perhaps during off off-season.
What if I told you there's a way to lock in these upgrades at the time of booking? No begging. No uncertainty. No disappointment at check-in.
For just $195 per year, you can become a member of the American Bar Association in the “Friends of the ABA” category. And no, you don't have to be a lawyer, pass the bar, or say things like "I object!" Instead, this membership lets you access negotiated rates at Four Seasons hotels that'll dwarf that $195 fee in the time it takes to bring a gavel down.
"Sustained!"
Now let's get back to how this helps you lock in those upgrades.
Holiday Magic — When Everyone Else Gets Price Gouged
"Never travel during holidays," they say. "Hotels triple their rates."
Often true. But not often with this strategy.
Look at these Thanksgiving rates at Four Seasons Westlake Village in Los Angeles. A regular Deluxe Room (450 sf) normally runs $585. But with the ABA rate, you can book a Corner Studio Suite (644 sf) for just $495. That's $90 less for a suite during Thanksgiving week.
In two words, I call this "cheaper better."
Or, just save 41% off the normal room by paying $340 instead of $585.
The 11 Hotels Where This Often Works Like Magic
We checked hundreds of date combinations across Four Seasons properties. Here are the 11 hotels where we consistently found fantastic deals:
- Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
- Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Wilshire
- Four Seasons Hotel Boston – One Dalton Street
- Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
- Four Seasons Hotel Fort Lauderdale
- Four Seasons Hotel Houston
- Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
- Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
- Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC
- Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village Los Angeles
Some hotels like Baltimore and St. Louis had deals available almost every date we checked. Others showed deals about half the time. I'm sure other Four Seasons properties offer similar opportunities if you play around with dates. We checked many hundreds of variables, but millions of combinations exist among 100+ properties and 365 days a year.
Sample Rates for Two-Night Stay in August (8-22 to 8-24)
Sample Rates for Four-Night Stay During Thanksgiving (11-25 to 8-30)
Suite Deals for Two-Night Stay August 22-24
The Bottom Line
Think twice about chasing elite status so much, that might get you an upgrade. Stop hoping the front desk agent is in a good mood. Stop paying more for less.
Because while everyone else is collecting points and crossing their fingers, you'll be checking into guaranteed suites with guaranteed views at guaranteed prices — a guaranteed upgrade in every way.
"Case closed."