How To Get a Hotel Upgrade

  • June 3, 2009
  • 5,207 Views
Please install Flash

Okay, Mr. Thrifty, you reserved the least expensive hotel room that you could. But your inner Donald Trump doesn’t want to settle for low-frills. Go ahead, it never hurts to ask.

You Will Need

  • Inquisitiveness
  • Good manners
  • Bribe money
How To Get a Hotel Upgrade: Step 1

Step 1

Before you book your room, check any credit card rewards program upgrades or other certificates that you have to see if you can get an upgrade that way.

How To Get a Hotel Upgrade: Step 2

Step 2

Decide what you want out of your upgrade. Would you like a larger room, an extra bed, a better view? It will probably be easier to get an extra bed than to move from a single room to the Presidential suite.

How To Get a Hotel Upgrade: Step 3

Step 3

When you check in, ask your clerk for an upgrade. If the hotel isn’t filled to capacity, he may be willing to do so in order to give the hotel a good name and lure you into becoming a regular customer.

The later you check in, the better your chances of getting an upgrade.

How To Get a Hotel Upgrade: Step 4

Step 4

Remember your manners. Be polite, friendly, and flexible. If you’re told there’s nothing available, accept it. The hotel doesn’t owe you an upgrade, and the more you act like it does, the less likely you are to get one.

If an employee has given you an upgrade, it is always a good idea to get his name and write a note to the management saying how wonderful he was.

How To Get a Hotel Upgrade: Step 5

Step 5

If the hotel doesn’t have an upgrade available for the full length of your stay, ask if it has one available for part of it.

If you’re visiting a hotel that has a loyalty program, join up. Even if you only visit that hotel—or another in the chain—once or twice, having a membership card will suggest that you’re a loyal customer, deserving of an upgrade.

How To Get a Hotel Upgrade: Step 6

Step 6

As a last ditch attempt, you can try greasing a few palms. Such behavior is typically frowned upon, but if you’re hell-bent on living in the lap of luxury, it’s worth a try.

According to Forbes, the Penthouse Suite at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes is one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world, with a nightly rate of over $37,000.

Something wrong?

Report This How-To

Cancel

Comments (2)

HeatherM

Nice cinematography! Love the convo's!

over 2 years ago by HeatherM

Reply
beavertalk

Excellent advice~ Checking in later in the evening works!

about 1 year ago by beavertalk

Reply

or to post a comment. Or, sign in using your Facebook to comment
and share your activity with your friends

Video is in Travel (31 videos)