We’ve all been there – after hours of flying, belt-removing and queuing, you’ve finally hauled your luggage into the hotel lobby, collected your keys and entered your room with wide-eyed expectations. Seconds later, expectation turns to horror as you spot unstuffed pillows, mice-copulation, and a decrepit old bag lying in your bath tub, Shining-style. Just how wrong were the room’s photos, and is there any way you can grab a cheeky upgrade to more opulent surroundings?
The good news is that yes, hotel upgrades do happen (certainly a lot more than flight-seating upgrades) and happen a lot more frequently than you think. We all know the key DON’TS when you it comes to attempting to blag an upgrade (crying like a little girl, peeing in an expensive room to mark your territory), but which are the best tools at your disposal to ensure you’ll be living a life of luxury during your stay?
1. Do your research
Find out what are the peak periods and hours for the hotel each day, and avoid them. The less busy the hotel is, the more likely they are to cater to your whims and have time to listen to your needs. Similarly, the less busy the destination, the greater the number of available rooms. Check in as late as you possibly can too, as you’ll have a better chance to be upgraded to these available slots, or to at least pay a reduced rate if you haven’t pre-booked.
2. Join the hotel’s guest loyalty scheme beforehand
Find out if your hotel is part of a chain, and if so, be sure to join their guest loyalty scheme. The majority of hotel chains run such schemes, and generally can be joined online prior to your stay, free of charge. Many hotels are keen to provide preferential treatment to these customers in the hope of building brand loyalty and encouraging repeat business. Whether or not you’ve been a long-term visitor to the chain’s various locations, or literally signed up the day before, joining a loyalty scheme and flashing a membership card is a great way to bolster your chances.
3. Tell them it’s your birthday
Why not? Sometimes it’s better not to over-think these things, and though desperate, mentioning that it’s your birthday when you’re checking-in can pay dividends. More importantly, think of why you deserve the upgrade first – are you celebrating a milestone birthday, or perhaps a honeymoon? No matter your excuse, be sure to be discreet – if you’re in a queue you won’t want anyone else hearing, or borrowing your tactics. Speaking of queues, try to place yourself behind an irritable customer – once they’ve exasperated the staff you can wait your turn and step in, a polite and charming fellow surely deserving of a lofty upgrade to mark his 30th birthday.
4. Look the part
As we’ve mentioned, getting a hotel room upgrade is a lot more than being in the right place at the right time, so you should plan your outward appearance just as diligently as your hopeful request – we’re fairly sure no-one in a Liverpool FC tracksuit has ever gotten an upgrade, unless they genuinely played for the team. So make sure you both look and act the part – avoid jeans, jumpers, and perhaps inform the staff that you are on business, and don’t want to be disturbed. Either way, if you’re visiting any higher class establishments it will be important to blend in – think Don Draper, not Don Conroy.
5. Don’t be pushy
Remember, no matter how sincere or deserving you may come across – as long as you’re not paying for the privilege, you don’t really deserve the upgrade. Therefore always remember to be respectful to staff and never push too strongly in your request, no matter the outcome. Manners go a long way and since you’re looking to engage in a battle of wits with your front-desk gate-keeper, make sure to keep yours and also keep your cool. There’s no sure-fire guarantee of success, but those who don’t ask, don’t get.
