How to Get a Free Room Upgrade at a Hotel

Have you always wanted to stay in one of those "fancy" hotel rooms but just can't see paying the listed rate for them? Well, I've got a secret for you. You can get them quite often without paying those requested rates. You aren't always going to be able to get a free upgrade on your hotel room, but if you set that as your goal then even if you fail you still might get a bargain price. One of the biggest things to keep in mind when seeking out a hotel room upgrade is that it never hurts to ask. Of course if you are traveling for a special occassion make sure you mention that when inquiring about the free room upgrades. Finally, your arrival time can actually help your chances at getting either a free hotel room upgrade, or a discounted hotel room upgrade.

Too often people are afraid to ask about upgrades for their hotel rooms. They are afraid of being labeled as "cheap". Well, who is going to know other than yourself and the hotel employee working at the desk. How often are you going to run into them after your stay at that hotel. Chances are extremely likely the answer is never. So, when you check into a hotel, just casually ask "how many rooms are available that are upgrades over the room I am in?" when checking in. Then you can sort of jokingly say "so, what would I need to do to get into one of those". If they desk clerk likes you and it is a minor upgrade they might just go ahead and do it for you for free. Keep in mind sometimes an upgrade in your mind such as a room near an elevator or with a special view is not costing the hotel anything to provide so don't be afraid to ask. If they have those rooms and they are not booked you are likely to be offered a "free upgrade" or a discount on the published rate. If the clerk quotes you a cost that is not a discount ask them "can I check back with you later if there is anything we can do if those rooms are still available?". If they say yes, ask them what time and check back with them. Remember the worst they can say is "no". I've done this before and received calls shortly after I checked in thinking I had failed in my attempt being offered an upgraded room at little or no additional cost.

Don't be shy to let the hotel clerk know why you are asking for the hotel room upgrade if it is for a special occasion. If it is for a birthday, anniversary, wedding proposal, or some other celebration let them know. That can always help influence them into considering giving your request more thought and possibly honoring it. Again, don't be bashful about sharing this news with the clerk. Keep in mind though you should be honest. They will be sort of suspicious if you say it is for an anniversary but you are just booking the room for yourself. If you are saying it is for a birthday of one of your guests in the room, make sure that person knows you told the clerk so they aren't confused if the clerk says "oh, happy birthday" sometime during your stay to them.

My final tip for getting a discounted or free hotel room upgrade is to consider your arrival time. If you arrive right at check-in time it is unlikely a hotel will honor a request for a discounted upgrade, let alone a free one. Yet, if you arrive later in the evening your chances increase. Keep in mind though if you arrive after the time that management leaves their offices, there might be nobody there that has the authority to give you a discounted or free upgrade, so don't arrive too late.

Regardless of when you arrive though, make it clear you might be interested in an upgraded room. This way as the night progresses and if there are discounted upgrades to be had, the clerk or manager will be aware and might contact you.