How to Get Free Upgrades in Hotels

Hotels allow you to feel at home when in a new place and can be just as special as experiencing the sights, activities and adventure that a new area has to offer. A free upgrade makes your stay even more memorable as it's not only an opportunity to enjoy the gift of luxury, but it gives you a story to tell friends about that time your skill and tact earned you a better hotel room.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step 1

Join the loyalty program or preferred members club of every hotel you frequent. Join reward programs for airlines, rental cars and credit cards because most of these have business relationships with hotel chains and are likely to offer specials such as upgrades. Sign up for a hotel credit card at hotels that offer that service because points put on the card can be used toward rewards such as a free stay or upgrade in addition to other amenities.

Step 2

Ask about upgrades when making your initial reservation. Mention your associations with rewards programs or travel clubs because they may be affiliated with the hotel. Also mention if you mostly use the same brand of hotel. The employee taking the call is likely to keep in mind the request even if no upgrades are available at that time.

Step 3

Call to confirm the room within three days of arrival and use this opportunity to ask again about upgrades. Even if talking with a different hotel employee, tell her that your previous inquiry about upgrades was unsuccessful and that it's still an option for you if she has anything available.

Step 4

Ask about upgrades again when checking in and tell the front desk manager if you're at the hotel for a special occasion. Honeymoons, birthdays and anniversaries can be reasons for free upgrades or discounted rates if you share your excitement when talking with the receptionist and hotel staff.

Tips & Warnings

Ask about upgrades when staying at a hotel for just one night because even a higher-class room can be sold again the next day when you check out. This works best on a weeknight when the hotel is under-booked because hotels have more business on weekends and holidays. Always be courteous. Hotel employees often deal with customers who behave as if they're overstressed so being one of those who make them smile goes a long way toward endearing yourself to the staff.

Always be courteous. Hotel employees often deal with customers who behave as if they're overstressed so being one of those who make them smile goes a long way toward endearing yourself to the staff.

Article Written By Chris Passas

Chris Passas is a freelance writer from Nags Head, N.C. He graduated from East Carolina University in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He has written online instructional articles since September 2009.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...