Tips on How to Get a Hotel Room Upgrade
Although getting a room upgrade isn’t guaranteed, sometimes all you have to do is ask. Planning and using the right credit card can improve your chances of getting a hotel room upgraded. Here are some tips for landing you the desired hotel room upgrade.
1. Register for the hotel’s loyalty program
Hotels love their loyal customers, and they have exclusive rewards for them. You can enrol into a hotel’s loyalty program and enjoy benefits and privileges, which can make your stay more rewarding. Premium Cards like the American Express® Platinum Card gives you complimentary access to higher tiers of hotel loyalty programs.
2. Book using your Credit Card
In addition to loyalty programs, you can get complimentary access to luxury hotel programs using your travel rewards and premium cards. The American Express Platinum Cardmembers are eligible for an upgrade (subject to availability) across luxury hotels and resorts worldwide. It is a good idea to find out more about the offers your Credit Card holds and use it to make the booking.
3. Book directly through hotel website
Even though booking hotels online through a third party might seem more cost-effective, it can hinder your chances of getting an upgrade. You may not have access to many member benefits like the hotel’s reward points. These points add up with each stay and earn you complimentary stay or an upgrade.
4. Just ask
The front desk has information such as which rooms are most spacious, which have the best view or, which are the least noisy. You can consider asking the concierge politely for any available upgrades while checking in. You can also send an email to the hotel reservation desk ahead of your travel, asking them for an upgrade. More often than not, hotels oblige you when you ask.
5. Be specific in your requirements
Every time you book a hotel online, you have the option of making special requests for your stay. Filling in this information can increase your chances of getting an upgrade. Write something specific such as ‘room with a good view’ or ‘room with bigger space.’ Some hotels are willing to go the extra mile to honour your requirements.
6. Mention the occasion
If it’s your special day such as a birthday or anniversary, make sure to let the front desk know as hotels want to keep you happy. There are high chances of the staff offering you a complimentary upgrade on your room to help you celebrate the occasion. Even if they are unable to do so, they might surprise you by providing some additional perks in your room like drinks or flowers to enhance your overall experience.
7. Choose a recently opened hotel
Check into a newly opened hotel next time as they are more likely to give you an upgrade. They have more vacant rooms and want to impress the customers with their amenities and boost their reviews.
