How to Get a Free Hotel Upgrade

Hotel
Publish Date: June 14, 2022 / Categories: Hotel

There are around 9 million guest rooms open to the public in the US. They range from budget-friendly motel rooms to luxury penthouse suites. But believe it or not, there are ways to pay budget-friendly prices for comfort and luxury.

Coco Chanel once said, “The best things in life are free” That is certainly the case with a hotel upgrade. And getting a free hotel upgrade is the secret to paying rock-bottom prices for a night of glamor.

So, if you want to take advantage of this travel tip, read on to discover our expert guide on how to get a free hotel upgrade!

Avoid the Peak Tourist Season

The easiest way to snag yourself a free hotel upgrade is to travel outside the peak tourist season. Hotels don’t have high demand during the low season, so they find new ways to lure customers into the empty rooms. 

Hotels slash room prices by around 20-50% outside of their peak months. Many even go as far as offering better rooms for the cost of the cheapest room available. Most of the time, the offer is on the hotel’s website, so there’s no extra work involved.

Every region has a different peak season due to the weather or seasonal events. So research when the off-season is for your desired location.

Avoid Booking With Third-Party Websites

You can use third-party booking websites to check for the lowest prices but never book a room with them. You are more likely to earn a free hotel upgrade by booking directly with the hotel. 

If you notice the price of a hotel room on a third party is cheaper, ring up the hotel and let them know. At the very least, they will price match. During the low season, you might also be offered a complimentary meal, bottle of wine, or a free upgrade.

Drop Dates and Special Occasions

After speaking with hotel staff, she said dropping dates is a great way to receive or be rejected an upgrade.

If you’re going for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or an anniversary, mention it. The hotel staff will go out of their way to ensure you have a fantastic experience. And hopefully, stay again in the future.

The problem is that it’s becoming more popular, and visitors expect rewards. Hotel staff can sense when customers are desperately seeking a free hotel upgrade. If they do so, they might lose the opportunity.

So low-key mention the dates and occasions and don’t come across as needy. 

Book With New Hotels on the Block

New hotels have empty rooms and want to fill as many from the word go. The best way of getting people into the hotel rooms is by offering a free room upgrade. So if they don’t mention it on their website, ring up or ask about it when you arrive. 

The new hotels on the block also don’t have many reviews. But offering guests better rooms will cast a positive outlook on the establishment. 

Join a Hotel Loyalty Program

Surprisingly, only 24% of travelers sign up for a loyalty program. Only a small sum of people sign up for the programs since most don’t believe they get better deals. 

Well, we’re here to tell you that most people are wrong and that you should sign up for one today!

Hotels are known for offering guests free hotel upgrades. Do you think they’ll give one to a first-timer or someone who stays once a month?

Of course, they will give it to the regular traveler to say thank you and keep them coming back.

The most popular programs are Wyndham Rewards, IGH Rewards, and the Marriott Bonvoy program. 

The Late Check-in Technique

This travel tip is a secret within the hospitality industry. Fortunately, we have friends on the inside.

We know it’s tempting to arrive at the hotel close to the check-in time. But you might miss out on a free hotel upgrade.

In this digital world, most people book hotel rooms online in advance. So by 7 pm that evening, the hotel should know how many rooms they still have available. And if they can upgrade you.

If you don’t want to carry your bags with you all day, arrive at the hotel in the morning. Then, ask if you can store them at the hotel until you check in. When you return in the evening, pick up your bags, check in, and seek out if there’s an upgrade available.

Just Ask for a Free Upgrade

Sometimes it’s as simple as asking if you can get a free upgrade. After all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

You’re not losing out on anything by asking, so don’t be afraid. But there are a few ways to go about doing so. 

The best time to ask is when checking in and when there are no other guests around the reception. If others hear your conversation about an upgrade, everyone else will expect one, too. 

Another clever way is by asking for a room with the best view. The more expensive rooms have better scenery from their window than a standard one. If rooms are available with a nicer view, the staff will likely upgrade you. 

Be Friendly to the Hotel Staff

Last but not least is by being friendly to the hotel staff. And it is vital if you’re visiting an extended stay hotel

If you’re rude to the staff, they can make your life less comfortable, especially if staying for a long time. On the flip side, if you’re polite, they can go the extra mile to give you an unforgettable experience. Including upgrading your hotel room!

Time to Find Your Free Hotel Room Upgrade

Traveling and moving from place to place can be an exhausting experience. So it’s important to have a comfortable hotel room to recharge at night. 

You can get a comfortable space to recharge and save your hard-earned cash. All that’s left is to contact us today and find accommodation that best suits you!