How To Get A Hotel Upgrade


Used to be that if you dressed nicely and asked politely, you can get an airline upgrade to first-class. Those days are largely gone.

But it’s still possible to work your way into a better hotel room.

Here are some tips:

1. Contact management before you arrive: Let them know if you’ll be celebrating a special occasion.

2. Book a mid-price room: You’re more likely to be upgraded if you’re not in the cheapest hotel room.

3. Timing counts.  Large city hotels tend to be busier during the workweek. For a smaller hideaway in the  country, try midweek. 

4. Arrive during mid-afternoon.

5. Dress up a bit. If you look first class, you might get to stay first class.

6. Be personable and friendly: Ask nicely. Mention that you’d be happy to mention the counter clerk’s name in customer evaluations.

7. Be specific: For example: “Would it be possible to be upgraded to an ocean view?”

8. Mention relationships: If your company does a lot of business with the hotel, let the hotel know.

9. Take advantage of minor misfortune: Laundry lost? Noisy neighbors? Kindly let management know that   an upgrade will  wipe the slate clean.  

10. Tip nicely. Thank the concierge. Write a letter to the manager. It will be remembered.