Knowing how to score a room with a view requires planning, some intelligence and a little bit of charm. Here are FTE Hotel’s five tips for getting a free hotel upgrade.
Take advantage of the low season
Booking a room in off-peak times during the year can be the easiest way to earn yourself a free upgrade. Hotels are usually booked-out during weekends, holidays and special events, so it pays to find out what’s on in your destination and book your stay during the low season.
You can also arrive later in the afternoon, between 3pm and 5pm, when reception staff have a sense of how many rooms will be left unbooked during the night. Politely ask when you arrive and you may see yourself bumped-up to a better room.
Turn on the charm
A little small-talk and a smile can get you a long way when it comes to getting what you want. Hotel staff will be more inclined to help you out if you genuinely show interest in them and ask about their day. They deal with weary travellers coming and going on a continual basis, so if you can set yourself apart from the crowd and become memorable for being happy or funny, it can really pay.
Flaunt your special occasion
While you’re winning-over the hotel staff with your clever conversation and flashy smile, dropping your special occasion into the conversation can do the trick too. Slip your anniversary, honeymoon or birthday into the mix casually and with some subtlety. If you’re genuine, the hotel staff will be more inclined to go out of their way to give you something extra.
Join a loyalty program
When flattery doesn’t get you everywhere, it can help to be a VIP. Joining a hotel’s loyalty program and email list can keep you informed of hotel room specials and packages. Depending on your loyalty status, it can sometimes mean a free room upgrade as well.
Be a return guest and write a review
When you become a regular patron of an establishment, it’s almost always guaranteed that you’ll receive better treatment. If hotel receptionists can see that you’ve stayed in the hotel multiple times, they will be more likely to give you extra attention. Make sure the staff knows you’re a regular guest and remembers you by getting to know them as individuals.
Upon checkout, let staff know how much you enjoyed your stay and that you’ll be back. Make sure to review your stay on Trip Advisor and talk about it the next time you’re at the hotel.
