20 Ways To Get Free Upgrades at Resorts and Hotels
Travel Mid-Week for Free Hotel Upgrades
Getting free upgrades at a resort or hotel is the dream for travelers looking to save a buck or enjoy a more luxurious stay. It's not always easy to get anything free, but there are a few tips and tricks worth trying. Here are 20 ways to get free upgrades at resorts and hotels.
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1. Join the Loyalty Program
Becoming a member of a hotel or resort's loyalty program is the easiest way to get complimentary upgrades. Often, you can receive upgrades even at the entry level.
2. Book Directly with the Hotel
Hotels love it when you eliminate the middleman and book directly with them. This helps them avoid paying commissions to a third party, and they'll be more amenable to giving you an upgrade. Mention your direct booking at check-in and see if they offer anything.
3. Leverage Elite Status
Holding elite status with a hotel or via an airline can increase your odds of getting a sizeable upgrade. Many hotel programs recognize elite members and like to reward them. You should only have to present your proof of elite status to open a doorway to upgrades.
4. Use Co-Branded Credit Card Benefits
Premium or hotel-branded credit cards often include automatic elite status, upgrade credits, or complimentary room-category enhancements. These perks are an easy way to get hotel or resort upgrades, so it's worth switching credit cards if the benefits of your current one aren't appealing.
5. Travel Off-Peak or Midweek
The availability of upgrades is often dependent on hotel occupancy. The trick to getting an upgrade is to book a stay during off-peak times or midweek. When the hotel is less full, you are more likely to convince them to upgrade your room or give you an extra perk or two.
6. Mention a Celebration or Special Occasion
Hotels and resorts love being your choice for a special occasion. Mention if you're on a honeymoon, just got married, celebrating an anniversary, or if it's your birthday. Politely let the staff know without overselling the moment you're celebrating.
7. Be Polite, Personable, and Pleasant
Human interaction still counts for something. A warm smile or compliment can go a long way toward getting a free upgrade from the appreciative hotel staff. Try to build some rapport from the moment you check in and feel out whether they like you enough to offer a perk.
8. Time Your Check-In Strategically
By checking in later in the day, the hotel or resort manager might have a better idea of what they can offer you with respect to an upgrade. After the afternoon check-in time, managers have a better understanding of occupancy and what rooms are available, which can help you out.
9. Ask Directly and Politely
Sometimes the simplest approach is the best. If you're feeling up to it, directly ask the manager if they can give you an upgrade. Be careful not to sound entitled when the better approach is to be gracious.
10. Call the Hotel on the Day of Arrival
A polite day-of call to the hotel front desk to ask about room availability can be effective. Speak to the front desk or reservations managers and express excitement about your upcoming stay.
11. Use the Hotel's App
To boost activity and downloads of their app, hotels might offer free upgrades as an incentive. Via the app, you can request upgrades or get a notification when an upgrade is being offered as part of a promotion.
12. Message the Hotel's Social Media Accounts
A polite direct message on Instagram or Facebook to a hotel's account can work surprisingly well. Social media teams are often given the green light to offer free upgrades, and they work directly with front desk staff to coordinate.
13. Build Relationships Over Time
Being a repeat guest of a hotel or resort can really pay off. Over time, you can be seen as a valued guest, and the goodwill can translate to perks and upgrades.
14. Use Corporate, AAA, or Association Memberships
By using corporate travel programs or professional associations, you can receive priority treatment that may include free upgrades. Always bring your proof of membership to your hotel and present it during check-in.
15. Link Loyalty Accounts Across Partners
Hotels often partner with airlines, credit card companies, and travel platforms to offer deals and upgrades. Link your frequent-flyer or credit card profiles to your hotel account to see if it makes you eligible for upgrades. It often does.
16. Book Multiple Rooms or a Longer Stay
If you're flexible and can swing it, book multiple rooms for a group or commit to a longer stay to encourage the hotel to upgrade one or more of the rooms. Hotels and resorts appreciate the business and are often willing to show their appreciation with upgrades and perks.
17. Mention You're a Travel Professional or Influencer
If you genuinely work in travel or have a strong social media following, then mentioning either of these can result in a free upgrade. Hotels and resorts want the good press and will work extra hard to ensure you have a great stay.
18. Be Flexible
Hotels are difficult to operate, and appreciate when a guest is flexible. If you're open to a later check-in time or having to wait for your room to be cleaned, you could kindly ask for a free upgrade in return.
19. Ask the Manager
If the front desk can't accommodate a free upgrade, then respectfully ask the manager to see if they'd be more willing. Managers have the discretionary power to make an upgrade happen, so get on their good side.
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20. Tip Well
Tipping the front desk and hotel staff well during the first few days of your visit could net you a free upgrade for the remainder of your stay. Don't overdo the tipping, however, because this doesn't always work out.
