5 Tips to Score a Hotel Room Upgrade

Traveling is a joy, but there’s something uniquely delightful about stepping into a hotel room that exceeds your expectations. Upgraded rooms offer more space, better views, or exclusive amenities that can significantly enhance your stay. While upgrades aren’t guaranteed, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances. Here are five tips to help you score a hotel room upgrade on your next trip.

Join Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are one of the most effective ways to secure a hotel room upgrade. Hotels value repeat customers and often reward them with perks such as room upgrades.

Sign Up for Free

Most hotel loyalty programs are free to join. Sign up for the programs of the hotels you frequent or plan to stay with. Brands like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt offer extensive networks and numerous opportunities for upgrades.

Accumulate Points

Stay at the hotel chain’s properties whenever possible to accumulate points. Even if you're not traveling frequently, your points can add up over time. Use hotel credit cards linked to these programs to earn points even faster.

Leverage Your Status

Loyalty programs often have tiered membership levels. As you move up the tiers, the benefits become more attractive. Higher-tier members are more likely to receive room upgrades. If you’re a frequent traveler, it may be worth consolidating your stays with one hotel chain to achieve a higher status.

Book Directly with the Hotel

Booking directly through the hotel’s website or reservation line can increase your chances of an upgrade. Hotels prefer direct bookings because they avoid paying commission fees to third-party booking sites.

Use the Hotel’s Website

When you book directly through the hotel’s website, you’re more likely to be identified as a loyal customer. This can lead to better treatment, including the possibility of an upgrade.

Call the Hotel

Calling the hotel directly to make a reservation can also be advantageous. This allows you to establish a personal connection and politely inquire about the possibility of an upgrade. Mentioning a special occasion, like an anniversary or birthday, can sometimes help.

Avoid Discount Booking Sites

While booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com can offer great deals, hotels are less likely to provide upgrades to guests who book through these platforms. Hotels prioritize guests who book directly because they retain more of the booking revenue.

Timing is Everything

The timing of your request can greatly influence your chances of getting an upgrade. Hotels have a limited number of upgraded rooms, and these are often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check-In Late in the Day

If you check in late in the afternoon or early evening, the hotel staff will have a better sense of their room availability for the night. At this point, they may be more willing to upgrade you if the upgraded rooms haven't been filled.

Avoid Peak Times

Try to avoid checking in during peak times when the front desk is busiest. Early afternoon is usually less hectic, and the staff may have more time to accommodate your request.

Stay During Off-Peak Seasons

Traveling during off-peak seasons or weekdays can also increase your chances of an upgrade. Hotels are less busy during these times, making them more likely to offer upgrades to fill their higher-category rooms.

Make a Good Impression

A little kindness and courtesy can go a long way when it comes to securing an upgrade. Hotel staff are more inclined to help guests who treat them with respect and friendliness.

Be Polite and Friendly

From the moment you walk into the hotel, be polite and friendly to the staff. A smile, a kind word, and a positive attitude can make a significant difference.

Compliment the Hotel

When checking in, compliment the hotel or the front desk staff. Genuine compliments can create a positive interaction, and the staff may be more inclined to grant your upgrade request.

Mention Special Occasions

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, let the front desk staff know. Hotels often go out of their way to make special moments even more memorable, which can include room upgrades.

Ask for an Upgrade

Sometimes, the simplest way to get what you want is to ask for it. Politely inquiring about the possibility of an upgrade can often yield positive results.

Be Direct but Polite

When checking in, ask directly if there are any complimentary upgrades available. A polite and straightforward request is often well-received.

Use Your Status

If you have loyalty program status, mention it when asking for an upgrade. Staff are more likely to accommodate requests from loyal members.

Be Willing to Pay

If a complimentary upgrade isn’t available, consider asking about paid upgrades. Sometimes, hotels offer upgraded rooms at a reduced rate. This can still be a great deal and provide you with a better room than you initially booked.

Bonus Tips

Use Special Offers and Promotions

Keep an eye out for special offers and promotions that include room upgrades. Hotels often run these promotions during slower periods to attract more guests.

Book the Best Room You Can Afford

Sometimes, booking a slightly higher category room increases your chances of an upgrade. For instance, if you book a deluxe room, you might be upgraded to a suite.

Join Frequent Flyer Programs

Some frequent flyer programs are linked to hotel loyalty programs. If you’re a frequent flyer, check if your airline has partnerships with hotel chains that offer reciprocal benefits.

Travel Agent Assistance

If you book through a travel agent, they might be able to secure an upgrade on your behalf. Travel agents often have established relationships with hotels and can leverage these connections.

Conclusion

Scoring a hotel room upgrade can transform your stay, providing you with added comfort, luxury, and a sense of exclusivity. While upgrades are never guaranteed, joining loyalty programs, booking directly, timing your requests, making a good impression, and simply asking can significantly increase your chances. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an enhanced hotel experience on your next trip.

Remember, the key to success often lies in a combination of preparation, timing, and a positive attitude.