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!

BUT BEFORE YOU DO – WHY NOT SHARE THE LOVE AND PIN THIS POST?

Having just returned from a gorgeous hostel stay, I’ll be the first to admit that my mindset in regards to travel accommodation used to be that they’re just places to rest, and can be as low-quality as they like. After all, I have stayed in rotting rooms in Dublin, pest-swarmed hotels just out of Istanbul, and windowless holes in Warsaw – and couldn’t have cared less. Or at least, that was until I decided to lay down in a luxury hotel, having been swept in with the promise of spa treatments and a panoramic view of the capital.

Trailing a room with windows thrice as long as the super-king-sized bed, with my own dining area and large nude-coloured washroom with a deep-set tub and glass shower, I had stepped into a world unimaginably different to what I was used to. Laying back in my armchair with the option of pastries and desserts brought to the door, I felt like I could happily spend my days exploring the chambers of the hotel – if only I could summon the intent to leave the room.

The rules of day-to-day life seem to disappear upon entrance to the hotel – think mid-morning cocktails in the luxury lounge and casual dips to the Hammam. Arise greeted by charming staff serving breakfast sourced from local farmers, located less than five minutes away from the main shopping district. Easy city links surpass the hotel, with the calm pace of Welsh life awaiting the front door step.

Everyone knows that I’m inexplicably in love with Wales, and so it’s no question that the capital is one of my favourite places to venture to. The bustle of city life intertwines with the laid-back nature of the country, and comes together in a mix of welcoming locals, endless places to explore, and Welsh cakes. The hotel is located within easy travel distance to Cardiff Castle, the Wales Millennium Centre, and Cardiff Bay – and for any Gavin and Stacey lovers out there, a trip to Barry Island is not off the table.

The hotel restaurant is an expert in “bistronomy” – French fine dining with an unpretentious twist. The casual atmosphere and waiters with a genuine interest in their guests renders a dining experience that is worth more than just food – and with luxe decor and design, every aspect of taste is catered to.

I would arise each morning swathed in pristine bedsheets with the sun falling on me through the silky blinds, opening my eyes to the Victorian architecture and early-risers bustling outside. How would I begin each day – a trip to the spa, a dip in the pool, a French breakfast brought to the dining area of my room?

Starting with the base rate of £97 per night, the Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa makes a luxe stay affordable. The spacious rooms, Jacuzzis, and opulent room service are features I have missed out on during so many trips away, but my opinion has now definitely been altered.

Now, over to you guys – what’s your mindset on hotels? Do you think you could ever be swayed? Let me know in the comments below!

To find out more about some of the best ways to spend a weekend in Cardiff, check out my friend Amber’s post on her recent trip to the city!