Travel
Tips for Getting Upgraded at Your Favorite Hotel
"Sometimes, the stars all seem to align—you arrive at your hotel, weary from your travels, and check in at the front desk. The smiling clerk announces you've been upgraded, and you make your way up to your newly assigned suite, enjoying its luxuries for the cost of a standard double.
What, this has never happened to you? It's not mere fantasy—read on to find tried-and-true recommendations for getting upgraded for your next hotel stay.
Don't Be a Stranger. If there's a hotel you visit frequently, make sure the staff knows you're there and that you plan on returning again in the future. Be courteous and get to know the manager, front-desk clerks, and concierge. When you next make a reservation, contact the hotel directly, not a central reservations line. Before your arrival, get in touch with the property staff and let them know you're arriving (offering a compliment on the property, service, etc., couldn't hurt, either). Then, once you get there, politely mention your frequent visits and inquire if any upgrades are available.
Is it a Special Occasion? Mention It! Are you traveling for a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon? Be sure to tell the front desk staff. Oftentimes, to lure repeat guests and encourage good word-of-mouth, hotel staff will go out of their way to make special occasions even more memorable, and that may include an upgrade or other complimentary perk.
Be Loyal. Joining a hotel's loyalty program can go far toward getting you free upgrades and other benefits. Most programs cost nothing to join, keep track of how often you stay at a brand hotel (e.g., Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott, etc.), record your preferences (non-smoking, rooms near an elevator, favorite snacks/refreshments), and also offer free stays (usually after a minimum requirement).
Be Fashionably Late. The later in the day you arrive, the less chance there is that the hotel has filled up unused inventory (possibly including higher-class rooms than the one you booked). Just make sure you inform the staff you're arriving late—if you don't show up during standard check-in hours, there's a chance the hotel may automatically cancel your reservation.
Sweeten the Deal. My friend once got an upgrade at a Cancun hotel by smiling sweetly and slipping the front desk clerk a five-spot. Now, this may not work at every hotel, but it never hurts to offer an extra $10 or $20, if you think it may help. And a room upgrade for $20 or less, while not exactly free, still works out to be quite the bargain.
What's your favorite way to get a free hotel upgrade? Share your strategies by submitting a comment below!"
- The Best Hotel In Budapest!
Well, we don't know if it's the best, but we can't figure why anyone would want anything better. The Casati Budapest Hotel has everything you would need, as well as a helpful staff that are proud to show off the newly renovated boutique...
- Brickell Bay Offers Boutique Hotel And Spa Experience On Aruba's Exquisite Palm Beach
PALM BEACH, Aruba, Sept. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the best-kept secrets on Aruba, Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa is an adults-only resort hotel that encourages guests to enjoy the island's tropical scenery at their own pace. Aruba has...
- Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Proudly Launch Mobile Check-in & Checkout
Marriott Rewards members can now check-in and checkout online at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino with Marriott’s Mobile app. On May 6th, the Marriott mobile check-in and checkout feature was launched internationally at the Marriott...
- Tradewinds Club At The Marriott Aruba
Craving Privacy? Look no Further than the Tradewinds Club at the Marriott Aruba Luxury Resort Tradewinds Club provides a new level of affordable, yet luxurious Aruba luxury hotel accommodations Palm Beach, Aruba (PRWEB) April 1, 2010 -- Tradewinds Club,...
- Marriott Aruba Boutique Service, Brand Name
Aruba Marriott Resort opens Tradewinds Club, an intimate hotel experience wrapped in a resort setting PALM BEACH, ARUBA (September 1, 2008) The Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino officially opened the Tradewinds Club, a new concept designed with...
Travel
Tips for Getting Upgraded at Your Favorite Hotel
"Sometimes, the stars all seem to align—you arrive at your hotel, weary from your travels, and check in at the front desk. The smiling clerk announces you've been upgraded, and you make your way up to your newly assigned suite, enjoying its luxuries for the cost of a standard double.
What, this has never happened to you? It's not mere fantasy—read on to find tried-and-true recommendations for getting upgraded for your next hotel stay.
Don't Be a Stranger. If there's a hotel you visit frequently, make sure the staff knows you're there and that you plan on returning again in the future. Be courteous and get to know the manager, front-desk clerks, and concierge. When you next make a reservation, contact the hotel directly, not a central reservations line. Before your arrival, get in touch with the property staff and let them know you're arriving (offering a compliment on the property, service, etc., couldn't hurt, either). Then, once you get there, politely mention your frequent visits and inquire if any upgrades are available.
Is it a Special Occasion? Mention It! Are you traveling for a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon? Be sure to tell the front desk staff. Oftentimes, to lure repeat guests and encourage good word-of-mouth, hotel staff will go out of their way to make special occasions even more memorable, and that may include an upgrade or other complimentary perk.
Be Loyal. Joining a hotel's loyalty program can go far toward getting you free upgrades and other benefits. Most programs cost nothing to join, keep track of how often you stay at a brand hotel (e.g., Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott, etc.), record your preferences (non-smoking, rooms near an elevator, favorite snacks/refreshments), and also offer free stays (usually after a minimum requirement).
Be Fashionably Late. The later in the day you arrive, the less chance there is that the hotel has filled up unused inventory (possibly including higher-class rooms than the one you booked). Just make sure you inform the staff you're arriving late—if you don't show up during standard check-in hours, there's a chance the hotel may automatically cancel your reservation.
Sweeten the Deal. My friend once got an upgrade at a Cancun hotel by smiling sweetly and slipping the front desk clerk a five-spot. Now, this may not work at every hotel, but it never hurts to offer an extra $10 or $20, if you think it may help. And a room upgrade for $20 or less, while not exactly free, still works out to be quite the bargain.
What's your favorite way to get a free hotel upgrade? Share your strategies by submitting a comment below!"
- The Best Hotel In Budapest!
Well, we don't know if it's the best, but we can't figure why anyone would want anything better. The Casati Budapest Hotel has everything you would need, as well as a helpful staff that are proud to show off the newly renovated boutique...
- Brickell Bay Offers Boutique Hotel And Spa Experience On Aruba's Exquisite Palm Beach
PALM BEACH, Aruba, Sept. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the best-kept secrets on Aruba, Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa is an adults-only resort hotel that encourages guests to enjoy the island's tropical scenery at their own pace. Aruba has...
- Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Proudly Launch Mobile Check-in & Checkout
Marriott Rewards members can now check-in and checkout online at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino with Marriott’s Mobile app. On May 6th, the Marriott mobile check-in and checkout feature was launched internationally at the Marriott...
- Tradewinds Club At The Marriott Aruba
Craving Privacy? Look no Further than the Tradewinds Club at the Marriott Aruba Luxury Resort Tradewinds Club provides a new level of affordable, yet luxurious Aruba luxury hotel accommodations Palm Beach, Aruba (PRWEB) April 1, 2010 -- Tradewinds Club,...
- Marriott Aruba Boutique Service, Brand Name
Aruba Marriott Resort opens Tradewinds Club, an intimate hotel experience wrapped in a resort setting PALM BEACH, ARUBA (September 1, 2008) The Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino officially opened the Tradewinds Club, a new concept designed with...