Fancy a bigger, better room than you can afford on your next trip? Why not try some of these awesome tips to be in with a chance of getting a free room upgrade!
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1. Choose a rebooking agent for automatic upgrades
There are booking sites that will automatically upgrade you if a better room becomes available for the same price you booked your original room. Basically they re-book you, and cancel the previous booking.
2. Be a loyal customer
Loyalty goes a long way, and chain hotels use schemes to ensure their customers keep coming back. Some have schemes where you can upgrade 4 times a year, others ensure that they do their best to assist if an enquiry is made when booking etc. So, if you are happy to choose a Marriott hotel every time you go on a trip, get on the loyalty scheme and it won’t be long until you get that elusive free upgrade!
3. Ask at the desk – nicely and quietly
Asking for an upgrade and getting one as you check in requires some decorum. Firstly, make sure you are well presented and polite. Ask without expectation, and always make sure to ask when no other guests are likely to overhear – your request is more likely to be acquiesced if it isn’t followed by a stampede of customers wanting the same treatment!
4. Ask the concierge not the desk agent
It’s the job of the concierge to ensure that guests have a personalised and perfect stay, as such they are more likely than a desk agent to be able to pull a few strings and get you into a better room at no extra cost if one is available.
5. Book over the phone
Online booking is convenient, but lacks the personal touch needed when it comes to getting a free upgrade. If you book by phone, you can strike up a conversation, make a connection, and enquire what perks might be available to you. Wink wink.
6. Let them know it is a special occasion
If it’s your birthday or anniversary, let them know as you book in – if there is an upgrade available they may well let you have it. Do not lie to get an upgrade though, that is bad manners and you’ll have to live a lie during your stay and will feel terribly ashamed if you are found out.
7. Only stay for one night
If you are only staying for one night, especially during a less busy time of the week, your chance of a free upgrade goes up. This is because bumping you up to an available room for just one night won’t impact on a potential booking made for that room the next day.
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