How Four Seasons Preferred Partner Upgrades Work (and How to Maximize Them
How Four Seasons Preferred Partner Upgrades Work (and How to Maximize Them)
For travelers who choose Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, every detail matters. These properties are known for flawless service, refined luxury, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But what many travelers don’t realize is that there’s an insider way to make a Four Seasons stay even better: booking through the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program.
At the heart of this program are complimentary room and suite upgrades—a benefit that can transform your trip. But how exactly do these upgrades work? Are they guaranteed? And how can you maximize your chances of getting the very best room or suite available?
In this guide, we’ll go deep into how Four Seasons Preferred Partner upgrades work, how Stars Desk leverages its direct relationships to secure them, and practical tips to help you get the most out of your next stay.
What Is the Four Seasons Preferred Partner Program?
The Four Seasons Preferred Partner program is an exclusive invitation-only program available only through a select group of top luxury travel advisors, including Stars Desk. Unlike loyalty programs that require points or tiers, Preferred Partner benefits are available to every client who books through an authorized advisor—no fees, no membership required.
Preferred Partner benefits always include:
Daily breakfast for two, either in the restaurant or in-room.
Hotel or resort credit (usually $100–$200 per stay, sometimes more).
Complimentary room upgrade (one category, or sometimes two).
Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability).
Welcome amenity and VIP recognition from hotel management.
These benefits apply across all Four Seasons hotels and resorts worldwide and are always combinable with Four Seasons’ own promotions (like “Stay Longer” or seasonal offers).
How Do Preferred Partner Upgrades Work?
The most valuable Preferred Partner benefit is the room or suite upgrade. Here’s how upgrades typically work:
Standard Upgrade Policy
Most Four Seasons properties offer an upgrade of one room category at the time of check-in.
For example, booking a Garden-View Room may result in an upgrade to a Partial Ocean-View Room.
Guaranteed Upgrades at Booking
Many Four Seasons properties now participate in special promotions where Preferred Partner guests receive a guaranteed upgrade at time of reservation, not just at check-in.
In select cases, this can even be a two-category guaranteed upgrade, meaning the value of your stay instantly increases the moment you book.
Stars Desk Advantage: Pre-Arrival Upgrades
Beyond the official program, Stars Desk works directly with hotel sales directors and management.
In practice, this means we often secure additional upgrades a week before arrival or just before check-in, so your suite is confirmed before you even set foot on property.
This level of service is not something you can achieve when booking direct or through online travel sites.
Why Guaranteed Upgrades Matter
A guaranteed upgrade is not just a nicer view—it can mean a completely different experience:
More space: A one-bedroom suite vs. a standard room, ideal for families or longer stays.
Better views: Oceanfront, panoramic city views, or even villas with private plunge pools.
Exclusive amenities: Suites often include private terraces, dining areas, or access to club-level lounges.
These upgrades can easily represent thousands of dollars in additional value during a week-long stay, at no extra cost to you.
How to Maximize Your Chances of an Upgrade
While upgrades are never something to expect, there are proven strategies to increase your chances:
1. Book with a Preferred Partner Advisor
This is the foundation. If you book directly with Four Seasons or through an online travel site, you won’t receive Preferred Partner recognition or upgrades. Booking with Stars Desk ensures your reservation is flagged for priority.
2. Choose Your Room Category Wisely
Booking the lowest category room limits your upgrade options. For example, if a property’s entry-level room is already in high demand, you might not get moved up. Instead, book a mid-tier room to position yourself for a meaningful upgrade into premium suites or top-view categories.
3. Travel Off-Peak
Staying during shoulder season or midweek increases upgrade availability. Properties are more likely to release premium rooms to Preferred Partner guests when occupancy is not at 100%.
4. Share Special Occasions
Hotels love to celebrate. Mention birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, or other milestones when booking. These details can tip the scales in your favor for an upgrade (and often extra surprises like champagne or cake).
5. Take Advantage of Guaranteed Upgrade Offers
Some Four Seasons properties run seasonal Preferred Partner promotions that guarantee an upgrade at time of booking. Stars Desk will always check which properties are offering these so you can lock in extra value immediately.
6. Rely on Pre-Arrival Advocacy
What sets Stars Desk apart is not just booking your stay, but actively working with hotel management before you arrive. We check in with the property a week before your stay to request available upgrades and reconfirm preferences, and then again just before check-in to maximize your chances of securing the best possible suite.
Real Examples of Upgrade Scenarios
Four Seasons Maui: A client booked a Partial Ocean-View Room. Through Preferred Partner, they were guaranteed a one-category upgrade. Thanks to pre-arrival advocacy, they were moved two categories up into an Oceanfront Prime Room before check-in.
Four Seasons Paris George V: A client celebrating an anniversary was confirmed into a Junior Suite one week before arrival instead of waiting until check-in—saving nearly €2,000 per night.
Four Seasons Bali at Sayan: Entry-level suite bookings often upgrade into Riverside Villas when available, giving guests a private pool and expansive indoor-outdoor space.
Why Book With Stars Desk?
When you book directly with Four Seasons, you’ll pay the same published rate (known as Best Available Rate), but you won’t get the Preferred Partner benefits. With Stars Desk, you always receive:
Daily breakfast for two.
Resort credits ranging from $100–$200 per stay.
Welcome amenities and personalized VIP service.
Complimentary upgrades (one or even two categories).
Pre-arrival advocacy to secure upgrades before check-in.
There’s no additional cost to you—the rates are identical to booking direct. The difference is in the relationship and advocacy you receive.
Common Misconceptions About Preferred Partner Upgrades
“Are upgrades guaranteed at every hotel?”
Not always. Unless the hotel is running a guaranteed upgrade promotion, upgrades depend on availability. However, Stars Desk’s pre-arrival process significantly increases the likelihood.
“Can I combine Preferred Partner with other offers?”
Yes. Preferred Partner benefits are combinable with Four Seasons’ own promotions (e.g., free nights, seasonal discounts).
“Does booking through Stars Desk cost more?”
No. You pay the same rate as booking directly with Four Seasons, with extra perks included.
The Bottom Line
The Four Seasons Preferred Partner upgrade is one of the most valuable ways to enhance your stay. With many properties now offering guaranteed one- or two-category upgrades, plus the added advantage of pre-arrival upgrade confirmations through Stars Desk, the value is extraordinary.
For travelers who want the very best rooms, views, and recognition at Four Seasons, booking through an authorized Preferred Partner advisor is essential.
At Stars Desk, we don’t just make a reservation—we advocate for you before arrival, liaise with hotel management, and maximize your experience from the moment you book.
👉 Ready to unlock exclusive upgrades at Four Seasons? Contact Stars Desk today to start planning your next stay.
