7 Insider Tips to Get an Upgrade at Hotel Check-In

As a Travelista reader, there’s a high chance you’re already a confident female traveller, but do you know the insider tips that will give you the best possible chance to get upgraded at hotel check-in?

Combining industry insider tips and over 10 years as a travel writer, our Editor’s mini-guide to get an upgrade at hotel check-in is a must-read. Let’s get started.

7 Insider Tips to Get an Upgrade at Hotel Check-In

1. Consider Joining some Hotel Loyalty Programs

This is a great option if you tend to book with the same hotel or hotel group on a regular basis. Joining the loyalty programmes of large and international hotel groups is one of the easiest ways to build your status as a repeat customer, thus unlocking potential upgrades and perks. Some of the biggest international hotel loyalty programmes include IHG Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Honours, Best Western Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt. 

If you tend to book with all different hotels, you could consider joining the loyalty programme of your preferred hotel booking site instead. These programmes allows you to unlock discounted rooms and free room upgrades as you reach new milestones. 

2. Use Credit Card Perks

Lots of credit cards offer travel perks, including free airport lounge access, air miles and free hotel upgrades. For example, as an American Express Platinum card holder, you automatically gain Gold Status on the Hilton Honours Hotel Loyalty Programme, automatically unlocking room upgrades and exclusive benefits at 6,600+ properties worldwide. This is just one of many travel benefits of this particular credit card. 

Each credit card will come with its own unique set of travel perks, so it’s worth taking some time to decide on the one you will get the most value out of. 

3. Leverage Off-Peak Booking

The best time to get hotel upgrades is during off-peak travel periods, when the hotels are not operating at capacity. The quieter the hotel, the better your chances of an upgrade. Quieter periods will vary for each hotel depending on its locality and seasonal changes. Start by asking ‘Is the hotel busy at the moment?’. If the member of staff replies with something like ‘actually, we’re very quiet at the moment’, this could be a natural way to then ask ‘would there be any rooms available for an upgraded’.

4. Mention a Special Occasion in ‘Special Requests’ when Booking

If you’re hotel booking is to mark a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary, it’s a great idea to mention in the special requests box, at the point of booking. If you’ve already made the booking, don’t worry. You could still call the hotel in advance of your stay to let them know and to query if there is anything special they can offer to mark the occasion. Alternatively, you could simply mention it at the point of check-in at the hope of a spontaneous and on-the-spot upgrade. 

5. Book via Platforms That Help to Facilitate Upgrades

Using a platform like PrivateUpgrades can help you to find upgrades that match your specific travel needs and preferences. You’ll get the best perks and much more at the hotels where you stay. Before travelling anywhere, try getting into the habit of seeing what’s available on PrivateUpgrades in your destination. It’s always nice to get something for nothing. 

6. Authentic Manners and Courtesy Go A Long Way

Did you know that luxury hotels build a customer profile on every guest who visits? They note down details about all their preferences, from a certain preferred room to their favourite vintage wine. This is so that they can provide an even more tailored experience should they return to the hotel again. As well as this, its likely they’re also noting down guest demeanour and expectation.

The staff at these luxury hotels go above and beyond the call of duty to serve every guest who stays. Often these efforts go without thanks or appreciation from the discerning guest. This is why genuine courtesy and appreciation can go a long way with the front-of-house staff. 

That level of kindness and appreciation could get them to provide you with an upgrade without you ever asking. Be courteous and kind with the mindset that you ask for nothing in return. It might reward you in the long run.

7. Just ask!

This direct approach isn’t for everyone, but if you feel confident enough to, you can simply ask the front desk if there is any availability for an upgrade. Of course, if you’re a repeat guest, the hotel has low occupancy or you’re celebrating a special occasion, you’ll have a better chance. But also, they may just upgrade you because they’re feel like it! Some hotels leave allowance for a certain number of random guest upgrades per month, so you might just fit into their quota. The worst that can happen is they politely say no. As they say, nothing ventured nothing gained. 

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the thrill of a luxury hotel upgrade. They can transform and elevate your entire travel experience and you get to enjoy something that you may likely have been out of budget. Hotel upgrades can add huge value to your trip at no additional cost and certainly help to make special memories that last a lifetime. By following some or all of our tips, you’ll be in the best possible position to score a luxury hotel upgrade on your future travels. 

Remember that you’re not going to strike gold every time, but these tips will give you the very best chance to get an upgrade at hotel check-in. Keep persevering and your efforts will be sure to pay off. 

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