19 ways to get upgraded at your hotel for free this summer
19 ways to get upgraded at your hotel for free this summer
Looking to upgrade your hotel experience this summer without stretching your budget? Upgrades at hotels are like little bonuses that enhance your stay, making it more comfortable and enjoyable.
Luckily, there are several simple strategies you can use to boost your chances of getting a room upgrade, and many of them just involve a bit of savvy planning and polite communication.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just in need for a little extra comfort, follow these tips to improve your chances of getting that sweet room upgrade for free this summer.
1. Join the Hotel’s Loyalty Program
When you’re part of a hotel’s loyalty program, you often get the first dibs on perks like room upgrades. These programs are free to join and the more you stay with the hotel or their brand, the higher your membership level climbs, giving you even more potential benefits.
Hotels prefer to reward loyal guests as a way to keep them coming back, so this can be a great strategy for frequent travelers.
2. Book Directly with the Hotel
Booking your stay directly through the hotel’s own website or reservation line is a good way to get noticed. Hotels often reserve their best rooms and rates for customers who book directly since it saves them fees from third-party booking sites. Plus, when you book directly, it’s easier for hotels to add free upgrades to your reservation.
3. Ask Politely
Sometimes, all you have to do is ask. When you check in, a polite request for an upgrade, if available, can sometimes work wonders. Make sure you do this courteously without demanding, as the front desk staff has considerable discretion in these matters.
If you’ve had a long travel day or are celebrating something special, mention it—you might just end up with a nicer room.
4. Travel During Off-Peak Times
Planning your stay during less busy times—like mid-week or during the shoulder season in tourist areas—can increase your chances of getting an upgrade. Hotels have more flexibility to offer upgrades when they aren’t at full capacity.
5. Mention a Special Occasion
Are you celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary or a birthday? Make sure to let the hotel know when you book your stay. Hotels often like to provide upgrades to help make your celebration even more memorable.
6. Check-in Late in the Day
If your schedule allows, checking in later in the day might boost your chances of getting an upgrade. By late afternoon or evening, the hotel will have a better sense of occupancy and might be more willing to offer you a better room at check-in.
7. Be a Repeat Guest
If you often visit the same city or area, try to stay at the same hotel each time. Hotels appreciate repeat business and are more likely to offer you an upgrade to thank you for your loyalty.
8. Use a Travel Agent
Travel agents do more than just book your trips; they often have special relationships with hotels. This can come in handy when looking for upgrades as hotels are likely to provide extra incentives to agents who bring them steady business.
9. Leverage Credit Card Perks
Certain credit cards are partnered with hotels and offer benefits like automatic room upgrades. Check your credit card benefits to see if any upgrades are available when you book using the card.
10. Book a Room Slightly Below the Top Tier
Choosing a room that is just one level below the most expensive options can sometimes lead to an automatic upgrade. Hotels might opt to bump you up to a suite if higher-tier rooms are unbooked during your stay.
11. Join Travel or Hotel Associations
Members of certain travel or professional associations often receive benefits like room upgrades. Check if any associations you belong to have partnerships with hotel chains.
12. Give Positive Feedback Publicly
Posting positive reviews on social media or travel review websites might catch the attention of hotel management. As a thank you, they might offer you an upgrade on your next stay.
13. Request a Corner Room
Corner rooms typically offer more space and better views. Asking for one of these rooms specifically can sometimes result in an upgrade, especially if the hotel isn’t at full capacity.
14. Be Friendly with the Staff
A friendly chat with the hotel staff can go a long way. When staff members know you and feel appreciated, they might be more inclined to offer you special treatment.
15. Check for Package Deals
Look for package deals or promotions when you book. Some of these might include an upgrade as part of the package, often at a lower cost than booking a room and an upgrade separately.
16. Book During a Renovation
If a hotel is undergoing renovations, they might offer upgrades to better rooms to compensate for any inconvenience caused by the construction work.
17. Mention Your Hotel Preferences
When you book, make sure to note any preferences you have for room placement, such as away from the elevator or on a higher floor. This can sometimes result in a better room if your preferences align with available upgrades.
18. Stay During Special Promotions
Keep an eye out for special promotions that hotels run. These can sometimes include perks like free upgrades for guests who book during the promotion period.
19. Write a Direct Email to the Manager
A thoughtful email to the hotel manager explaining the purpose of your visit and politely asking if any upgrades are available can sometimes lead to a positive outcome. Managers appreciate direct communication and may reward your initiative with an upgrade.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.