HOW I GET FREE HOTEL UPGRADES

Everyone loves scoring those hotel upgrades with the sea views and beds big enough to fit four people – especially when you’ve only paid for a basic little room. Almost all of my hotel stays see me kicking back in a Deluxe, and as it happens, it’s actually really easy to do. Being the legend I am, I’m here to share with you guys how I do it – thank me later.

YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION ISN’T THAT SPECIAL

Simply saying “it’s my birthday” or “we’re celebrating an anniversary” may not be enough – loads of guests staying in the hotel will be celebrating some kind of occasion. Instead, mentioning that you’re travelling for “business” (extra points if you say it ominously) is far more likely to score you that upgrade. 

BECOME A REGULAR

Likewise to the above, if you mention that you’re a regular then they’re more likely to offer you that sweet upgrade. Props to you if you actually are  a regular – and not just because it’s a fun place to heed over multiple mistresses.

COMPLAIN

I don’t condone this one, but if you complain about your room after first stepping into it, then you can almost bet that the hotel staff will give you an alternate, likely better room. I once stayed in a hotel with peeling wallpaper and mould in their walls – free upgrades here I come.

BE NICE, LOOK NICE

Remember that please and thank-you really does go a long way – especially when matched with a smart outfit. Being polite and looking presentable can be important factors when trying to get a nicer room.

USE A LOYALTY PROGRAM

Credit card schemes such as the AMEX (not a sponsor, I swear) rewards cards often offer upgrades as part of the package. Joining a loyalty program for the hotel itself could also put you first in line for an upgrade.

USE A REBOOKING SITE

Websites such as triprebel.com and yapta.com will automatically upgrade your room should one become available for the same price you paid when booking, or give you the money back should the price drop. It’s an awesome idea, and works especially well when booked in advance.

STAY DURING QUIET TIMES 

It should be pretty obvious, but avoiding public holidays and weekends – the busiest times for hotels – should help your case when asking for an upgrade. When they’re receiving less bookings for rooms, they’re more likely to throw out their unsold upgrades.

HAGGLE AT 6PM

The prime time to ask for an upgrade is around 6pm the night of your stay, as it’s the golden time for freebies. The hour between the majority of check-ins and home-time for the workers, 6pm is when the hotel is most likely to give away upgrades due to the unlikeliness of actually selling them.

ONLY STAY FOR ONE NIGHT

It’s also a lot more likely that you will only get the option for a one-night upgrade, due to the availability of rooms. It just doesn’t seem viable that they’d offer an upgrade to someone staying three or so nights – they’d be missing out on people that actually spend money on good rooms. Same goes for the amount of people – you’re much more likely to get an upgrade as a couple than a party of six.

ASK FOR SPECIFICS

Rather than just asking for an upgrade, mention that you would like a sea view or a room on a higher floor. The latter, as a rule of thumb, tend to be nicer and more expensive the higher up you go.

BOOK THE SECOND CHEAPEST ROOM

Or the third, or the forth. If you book their most affordable room, you’re really pushing your luck to then try and score one of the most expensive. Instead, if you go one or two price bands up, the staff is much more likely to bump you up a grade or two.

There are also other things that you could do, such as not making any specific requests at the time of booking (they may allocate your room ahead of time), and even sliding a $20 note towards the receptionist (although that technically renders it not a free upgrade). I hope some of my tips help you guys kick back in a Presidential, and if so – let me know in the comments below!

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