How to Get a Room Upgrade at Your Hotel

Getting a room upgrade at a hotel is possible, but it is a matter of timing, strategy, and sometimes luck! Most hotels and resorts offer reduced rates to guests in case of an emergency, as an offer for an extended stay, a thank you for returning guests, or to make up for mistake/booking mishap. It helps to know managers or owners personally, but this is not always the best approach. Here are some top ways to get a reduced rate or room upgrade at a hotel, or at least open up doors for the possibility in the future! You’ll be glad you tried:

� Do make sure that the hotel or resort knows of any room issues, concnerns, or hazards that would naturally require you to move rooms. Sometimes people overlook the fact that they can change rooms if the room is truly unsatisfactory.

� Use your frequent-flier miles. At many participating hotels, they do have an option to cash in your frequent-flier miles in exchange for a reduced rate or room upgrade.

� Host a party, event, reunion, or convention at a hotel. Almost all hotels will offer a free room upgrade to all participants of your organization out of courtesy; ideally, they want your repeat business, so know that you are in good territory to negotiate for current, or future rates.

� Join a frequent-guest program. These can quickly add up, whether its through bonus points, frequent purchases, or even services at spas or in-hotel dining. Most large chains offer these types of programs, and they can be cashed in for a future room upgrade or even free hotel rooms.

âÂ?¢ Ask about specials when booking. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and most hotels offer lots of ‘phone only’ or online specials as long as these are mentioned during the initial booking. Always make sure to ask, or at least find out if you can get insight on a near-future rate drop for a reduced room rate. Some hotels will disclose this information, while others will ask you to call back; it’s worth your time to make an attempt! If you have just ‘lost’ on a potential rate drop, this is a perfect time to ask for a room upgrade instead.

âÂ?¢ Simply ask what it would take to get an upgrade; this may sound too easy, but sometimes it is in the front desk staff’s best interest to move rooms. You can make sure they know you are a potential candidate by offering to move if the option is available to you, and enjoy the perks of the room upgrade for their benefit!

� Learn about perks and upgrade groups within the hotel or chain; these are usually discovered by frequent or VIP guests, as they are given a room upgrade at each booking depending on their reservation agent or travel agent. Find out how to get your name on that list!

� Make an offer to take a room upgrade if a big mistake has been made. Many hotels will gladly give you this option in exchange for correcting their mistake and making you return.

� Ask about reduced rates for extended stays; this is often overlooked, and can be a great opportunity to increase your vacation time if you want it. Many hotels are less busy during particular days of the week, and may offer you a room upgrade or a very reduced rate simply for extending your stay. Always ask!

âÂ?¢ Believe in luck. Sometimes, it truly is about being in the right place at the right time. Be on the lookout for potential opportunities such as busy seasons or times when a hotel needs to book quickly; often they will be looking to ‘fill’ their executive or luxury suites to meet quotas, and you can make this ‘window of opportunity’ work for you if you reserve at the right time.

Making a hotel reservation or getting a room upgrade at your hotel can be easy, but it does take a little bit of strategy, and even charm! Work with the front desk as much as possible, and make yourself ‘visible’ for the opportunity to upgrade. Most hotels honor their returning guests with perks and specials, so do make a point to indicate that you are a happy (and returning) customer. There are other options including frequent flier miles, extended stays, and exchanging the upgrade for a mistake; keep your eyes peeled, and you just may be lucky on your next hotel stay!