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Getting a free room upgrade at a hotel can turn a standard stay into a much more luxurious experience, but many travelers don’t know how to go about it.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to increase your chances of scoring that upgraded room without paying a dime.

Whether you’re looking for a room with a better view, a larger suite, or exclusive access to amenities like lounges or club-level perks, there are strategies you can use to make it happen.

So, let’s dive into some of the best hotel upgrade tips that will help you get those free room upgrades!

What Kind of Upgrades Can You Expect?

Before we get into the strategies, let’s talk about the types of upgrades you might be aiming for.

Different hotels offer different perks when it comes to upgrades, so it’s good to know what’s possible:

• View Upgrade: This is one of the most common types of upgrades. You could go from a room overlooking the parking lot to one with an ocean or city view.

• Larger Room: Sometimes, it’s not about the view but the space. Getting bumped from a standard room to a junior suite (or even better, a full suite) means more room to relax.

• Higher Floor: A room on a higher floor can mean better views, more peace and quiet, and, in some cases, premium amenities.

• Access to Exclusive Areas: If you’re lucky, you might get a room that gives you access to club lounges where you can get free breakfast, snacks, and even happy hour drinks.

• Suite Life: This is the holy grail of upgrades. A suite often comes with a separate living area, sometimes a dining space, and of course, next-level luxury features like a bigger bathroom, better tech, and maybe even a killer view.

Now that you know what’s up for grabs, let’s get into how to snag these upgrades.

Top Hotel Upgrade Tips

Here are some key strategies you can use, no matter where you’re staying, to boost your chances of landing that free upgrade.

1. Sign Up for the Hotel’s Loyalty Program

If you’re not already a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, you’re missing out on one of the best and easiest ways to get free upgrades.

It doesn’t even matter if you’ve never stayed at that hotel chain before—just signing up can give you a leg up.

Loyalty programs are often tiered, and while the top levels (like Marriott Bonvoy Platinum or Hilton Honors Diamond) have the best shot at upgrades, even entry-level members can score perks.

You might not get upgraded to a suite right away, but booking as a member will often push you ahead of non-members in the upgrade pecking order.

Pro Tip: Some credit cards automatically give you a higher tier in hotel loyalty programs.

For example, certain Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors credit cards will grant you elite status just for being a cardholder, which greatly increases your chances of upgrades.

2. Book Directly with the Hotel

Third-party booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com are super convenient, but when it comes to getting a free upgrade, booking directly with the hotel is the way to go.

Hotels love direct bookings because they don’t have to pay commissions to those third-party sites.

When you book through the hotel’s website or app, you’re more likely to be treated as a “preferred” guest and have a better chance of being offered an upgrade.

3. Check-in Later in the Day

While early check-in is appealing if you want to start enjoying your vacation right away, checking in later can give you the upper hand when it comes to upgrades.

By mid-afternoon or evening, the hotel staff will have a clearer idea of what rooms are still available and may be more willing to offer you an upgrade if premium rooms haven’t been booked.

Pro Tip: Aim for checking in around 4 or 5 p.m. By then, they’ll know which rooms haven’t been booked, and the chances of a free room upgrade improve.

4. Ask Nicely

You know what they say—“You don’t get what you don’t ask for.”

One of the simplest hotel upgrade tips is to simply ask for an upgrade.

Be polite, and friendly, and approach the staff with a smile when you check in.

Say something like, “Do you have any complimentary upgrades available today?” and you’d be surprised how often that works.

Here’s where you can play up the charm: If you’re celebrating something like a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday, mention it casually at check-in.

Hotels love to make special occasions more memorable, and you might just find yourself upgraded to a suite or a room with an awesome view.

It never hurts to ask!

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5. Travel During Off-Peak Times

Want to increase your chances of getting a free upgrade? Travel during less busy times.

Hotels are more likely to have empty rooms—and therefore be more willing to bump guests to better ones—during off-peak seasons.

This means avoiding major holidays and peak travel times like summer vacation.

If you can, try booking during the shoulder season (just before or after peak season) when hotels are still trying to fill rooms but aren’t packed to capacity.

6. Use a Travel Agent with Connections

This might seem old school, but booking through a travel agent who has good connections can sometimes lead to unexpected perks, including free upgrades.

Some agents, especially those specializing in luxury travel, have relationships with hotel chains and can secure upgrades on your behalf, even if you don’t have elite status.

Many travel agents are part of special networks that get exclusive deals, including upgrades for their clients, so this can be a great resource to tap into if you’re planning a special trip or just want to add a little luxury to your stay.

7. Leverage Special Occasions

If you’re staying at a hotel to celebrate a special event—like an anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday—be sure to mention it when you check in.

Many hotels want to make those occasions extra special for guests, and this could mean a free upgrade to a better room, complimentary champagne, or other perks.

While you don’t want to go overboard, a polite mention of your special occasion can increase the likelihood of a little something extra.

8. Stay at New or Recently Renovated Hotels

New hotels or those that have recently undergone renovations often want to make a great first impression on guests.

These properties may be more willing to offer upgrades, either to encourage positive reviews or simply to show off their best rooms.

If you’re staying at a hotel within its first few months of opening or reopening, you might just find yourself bumped up to a nicer room simply because they want to wow early guests.

How Major Hotel Chains Handle Free Upgrades

Now that we’ve gone over general tips, let’s look at how specific hotel chains handle upgrades.

While most of the strategies apply across the board, some chains have their own quirks and policies you should know about.

1. Marriott International

Marriott’s Bonvoy program covers a lot of hotels, from budget-friendly Courtyards to ultra-luxurious Ritz-Carltons.

If you’re part of Marriott Bonvoy, you’ll have the best shot at free upgrades as a Platinum or Titanium Elite member.

These upgrades can include suites, rooms with better views, or those on higher floors.

Upgrade Strategy: If you hold a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you’ll have an even better chance at upgrades, since many of these cards come with elite status.

Pro Tip: If you’re staying at one of their higher-end properties like a St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade, especially if you’re celebrating something special.

2. Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Hilton’s Honors program gives its top-tier members (Gold and Diamond) the best chance at upgrades, including suites.

Diamond members are almost guaranteed an upgrade if there’s availability, and you may even score access to the Executive Lounge, which offers free breakfast, snacks, and evening cocktails.

Upgrade Strategy: Hilton is known for being generous with upgrades, especially if you stay on weekends.

If you’re a Gold or Diamond member, ask for an upgrade, and mention any special occasion to sweeten the deal.

3. Hyatt Hotels

World of Hyatt is another loyalty program that rewards frequent travelers with upgrades, especially for Globalist members.

Globalists can even use Suite Upgrade Awards to guarantee an upgrade to a suite.

Hyatt hotels like the Andaz and Park Hyatt brands are known for providing top-notch service and upgrades.

Upgrade Strategy: Mention any special occasion when you check in, as Hyatt hotels often go above and beyond to make stays special.

4. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

IHG, which includes brands like InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn, offers room upgrades to Platinum Elite and Spire Elite members.

If you’re staying at a Kimpton, they’re known for fun perks like surprise upgrades or gifts, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Upgrade Strategy: Join IHG’s Ambassador program for guaranteed upgrades at InterContinental properties, and don’t hesitate to mention special events.

5. Accor Hotels (Fairmont, Sofitel)

Accor’s ALL program is a bit more selective when it comes to upgrades, but top-tier members like Gold and Platinum can expect upgrades to better rooms based on availability.

Upgrade Strategy: If you’re staying at a Fairmont or Sofitel, aim to travel during off-peak times, and don’t forget to ask politely for an upgrade.

Other Clever Ways to Get Free Upgrades

1. Hotel Credit Cards

As mentioned earlier, certain hotel-branded credit cards can grant you elite status, which is a fast track to upgrades.

If you’re a frequent traveler, these cards are worth considering, as they often come with other perks like free nights or resort credits.

2. Corporate or Group Bookings

If you’re traveling for work or attending a conference at the hotel, you might be able to score an upgrade through the group’s corporate rate.

Hotels often reserve better rooms for large groups, and if they don’t fill them, they may be willing to upgrade individual guests.

3. Compliments and a Smile

Never underestimate the power of kindness.

Complimenting the front desk staff on their service or the hotel’s appearance can sometimes lead to an upgrade.

Being polite, engaging, and friendly can make a huge difference in how you’re treated by hotel staff.

Make the Most of Your Upgrade

Once you’ve secured that free upgrade, make sure to enjoy all the perks that come with it.

If you’ve got access to an Executive Lounge, take advantage of the free breakfast, drinks, and snacks.

If you’ve been upgraded to a suite, savor the extra space, and if you’ve got a room with a view, be sure to snap a few pictures to remember the experience.

Lastly, leave a positive review or let the staff know you appreciated the upgrade.

You never know—it might help you secure future perks at the same hotel chain.

Your Path to Free Room Upgrades

Getting free room upgrades at hotels doesn’t have to be a rare occurrence.

By following these hotel upgrade tips, leveraging loyalty programs, and politely asking at check-in, you can significantly increase your chances of enjoying a better room at no extra cost.

Each hotel chain has its own quirks and policies, but the key is to be friendly, flexible, and know when to ask.

So, the next time you check into a hotel, put these tips into action and enjoy your upgraded stay!

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