1. How to get a Free Upgrade on your Hotel Room
Hotels overbook their hotels in the hope that they will be able to fill all of their rooms. Unfortunately
for them they still do not manage to succeed. With people canceling, rooms not being ready, or changes
in scheduling many rooms are left empty for the night. These rooms represent and opportunity for you
to bump up to a nicer stay for free. Some rooms may be bigger, have a better view, have two sinks, or
larger closets.
Along with the rooms there are also many other perks like late checkout, free movies, and more. To
help you get the room you are looking for here are some tips.
1. Ask – This comes first and foremost. A lot of people are afraid to ask for
a nicer room when it is certainly not taboo to do so. Slip the front desk
attendant a tip and they will feel motivated to search for your room. They
are actually allowed to upgrade your stay because of special occasions
including the recent occasion when you gave them that twenty. These front
desk attendants have access to rooms along with other perks and they will
give you more hoping for another tip. If you arrive in the evening the desk
attendant will more likely know what rooms have not been filled so if you are
going to ask you’ll have better luck later in the day.
2. Mind Your Manners – This is a reoccurring theme in the service industry but it does not just
apply to the employees. The front desk attendant has to work long hours and over weekends dealing
with the stress of upset guests. Having a polite guest is a relief and your attitude can actually make a
large difference when it comes to their willingness to give you a better room.
3. Book Smart – There are two big things that
influence your ability to get a better room. The first is
where you book. Discount sites like Priceline or
Expedia place you in a different category. Individuals
at the desk will be less willing to place you in a nicer
room when you paid a discount price. If you are
hoping for the better stay, try booking on the hotel’s
website. Another part of booking smart is purchasing
a mid-range room. This will present less of a jump to a
suite than your original base room would. Desk attendants will help you with small jumps while they
may feel uncomfortable with the big ones.
4. Tongue of Silver – Now don’t be manipulative but certain things you say will increase the
likelihood of getting a better room. The first is special occasions. If it is your birthday this week or your
anniversary or any other occasion, make mention of it to the desk attendant. Who wants to end your
happiness on your special day? The second thing you can do is name drop. This really only applies if you

2. have any names to drop but if you are influential or have the ear of an influential person the hotel may
want to treat you well in hopes that you bring the future business of others.
5. Loyalty and Novelty – I am grouping these two together to limit the number of points but
loyalty and novelty are two separate ways of getting a great room. Loyalty involves being a member of
the hotel’s program or perhaps having one of their credit cards. Make
sure to have your card information ready for the desk attendant so
when they do see or you mention you are a member of the loyalty
program it is very easy for them to verify and offer you rewards. The
second idea involves novelty. Find smaller, newer hotels like Hotel
Zero, a hotel in Norwalk, CT. These smaller hotels like who are still
trying to create a fan base. These newer hotels will try to make you
part of their love-group by giving you perks.
Photo Credit: Zitona, Marco Belluci, Justin R,