"HSBC's HSB code is listed across all major aggregators and rated "Sometimes" by hotelcorporatecodes.com. HSBC has a formal Marriott Bonvoy partnership (HSBC Premier cardholders receive complimentary Silver Elite status), making the brand relationship well-known to hotel staff — but this awareness cuts both ways. Finance-sector Medium calibration applies, with higher risk at NYC Midtown and London properties where HSBC has dense employee concentration."

"I don't do mobile check-in if I'm wanting to upgrade. I check the app before I go in to see if any suites are available to book during the duration of my stay. If there is I just say "Would it be possible to get upgraded to an available suite with my platinum benefit?". Of course this is typically at the hotel that I stay in about once a month for 3 day at a time for work. The front desk pretty much knows me and know that I am fairly low maintenance."

"I now always make it a matter of course to carry documents (business cards of my contacts, e-mails requesting my visit etc.) from my host company when I travel. This has always proven sufficient for the few times I've been challenged by the front desk clerk."