1. Ross Moffat is a travel enthusiast and writes for
luxury hotel site Crisp White Sheets home to its
latest hotel at Gilpin Lodge
*

2. *
* Communication is crucial in winning a hotel
upgrade; both in how you communicate directly to
the hotel and how you intend to communicate with
your friends, family and wider social network.
*Talk of your excitement to stay at the hotel and
build up the visit as a substantial experience and
something you have been looking forward to for a
long time.
*This gives the impression that you will likely
promote your stay (and its quality) across a number
of channels to a wider audience of people.

3. *
* Always enquire and book over the
phone rather than using websites.
*Whilst the price will remain static
online, speaking to a person over
the phone allows you to negotiate a
better deal.
*Enquire about special deals or daily
rates and see if you can get a
better deal from a hotel keen to
book up empty rooms.

4. *
* It may seem risky but you’d be surprised how
effective it can be in securing a cheaper hotel
deal.
*Try your luck on the day and try to negotiate a
cheaper deal.
*Hotels are keen to operate at full capacity and are
unlikely to turn away business even if your offer is
below their standard rate.

5. *
*It’s important when attempting to negotiate
an upgrade or cheaper rate that you are
speaking to the correct person.
*Make sure you talk to someone with the
know-how and the authority to offer you an
upgrade or discount.
*Speak directly to the concierge and build up a
relationship with as many staff members as
possible boosting your chance of getting a
more personalised or preferential service.

6. *
*A handy tip for boosting your chances of
better service is to tip before your visit.
*Waiters and housekeeping staff expect a
tip after your stay but by choosing to tip
before your visit shows that you are
confident and assured in the level of
service and will likely guarantee that you
receive the best service at the hotel.
*You may even get some freebies or
additional amenities.

7. *
*It may be seen as a cliché but hotels are more likely to
give out discounts, upgrades or special deals for guests
staying for a special event or occasion.
*Whether it is birthdays, weddings, engagement parties
or anniversaries by tying your stay to an event you will
have a far higher chance of getting an upgrade or
discount.
*Let the hotel know well in advance of your stay what
special occasion you are celebrating giving them
plenty of time to sort out any arrangements.
*Don’t be shy to promote your special occasion in
emails or comments – you can even outright ask for an
upgrade. You’d be surprised how often that works!