Ever thrown envious glances towards the executive suite only to check into your single room? Or wish you could enjoy a sea view instead of overlooking the car park? Well, sometimes it’s possible to get that little bit more out of your hotel stay – by bagging a nicer room than you’ve paid for. So just for a bit of fun, we thought we’d share some insider knowledge on the best ways to get a hotel room upgrade – for free…
1) Don’t book the cheapest room
For a free upgrade, don’t book the cheapest room and then ask to be upgraded. The more you pay for a room at first, the more likely an upgrade will come your way.
2) Stay short
As in, you’re more likely to get an upgrade on short stays (i.e. just one night) because the hotel knows they’ll be able to sell the room at its normal price again the following day.
3) Choose your time carefully
The quieter the hotel, the more chance you’ll have of securing an upgrade. So travel off-peak and out of season. Try arriving after 6pm when the hotel knows which rooms are likely to stay empty. Or, ignore that and arrive on the busiest days (e.g. when a conference is going on). There’s a possibility all the standard rooms will be full, so the only choice is to upgrade you to a better alternative.
4) Don’t make requests in advance
If you make a special request the hotel may assign you a specific room in advance. If you don’t, you may not be assigned a room until check-in – meaning a better chance of an upgrade!
5) Just ask
As the saying goes, ‘if you don’t ask you don’t get’. And it couldn’t be truer here. But remember to be specific. Do you want a sea view? Internet? A fridge? It helps if staff know exactly what you want.
6) Be nice
Being polite, pleasant and smiley goes a long way in life, and it’s no different when it comes to securing a hotel upgrade. But maybe stay clear of blatant flirting with the staff. Cringe!
7) Become a regular
Hotels are more likely to do favours for regulars. So if you often travel to the same destination, stay in the same hotel. Look out for frequent guest schemes too – they offer extra little rewards.
8) Be special!
If it’s a special occasion, say so. Birthdays, honeymoons etc. are all good reasons for a bonus upgrade. If you’re special yourself (a celeb, a doctor?) let it be known – in the nicest way of course!
9) Do something in return
So you’re wanting a hotel to upgrade you. But what have you ever done for them? Think about what you could do in return – or what you’ve already done – and tell them. It’s all about give and take!
10) If there’s a reason, complain
If you’re genuinely not satisfied with your room, raise it with the hotel. Tell them why the room doesn’t meet your reasonable expectations and there’s a good chance you’ll get that upgrade. So next time you’re eyeing up the honeymoon suite from your standard twin, bear in mind the tips above and see where it gets you. But remember, no one’s entitled to a free upgrade, it’s just a bonus if you manage to wangle one.
