{"id":19574,"date":"2016-07-14T16:00:04","date_gmt":"2016-07-14T16:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=19574"},"modified":"2021-10-28T16:53:23","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T16:53:23","slug":"hotel-hacks-get-upgraded-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/hotel-hacks-get-upgraded-check\/","title":{"rendered":"Hotel hacks: How to get upgraded at check-in"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever heard this phrase when checking into a hotel<\/a>: \u201cYou\u2019ve been upgraded.\u201d If so, you know it\u2019s a warm a fuzzy feeling that makes you want to break out in a Super Bowl\u2013style touchdown dance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Any time I roll up to the front desk of a hotel<\/a> with multiple room categories, a stay enhancement is the one<\/em>\u00a0thing on my mind. I\u2019m not sure why I\u2019ve become so obsessed, but upgrades have become my travel catnip, even if the perk is petite! <\/span><\/p>\n

Traveling nonstop for the past 10 years, I\u2019ve learned that a hotel upgrade at check-in is not a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Play your cards right and the chances are pretty strong. Just remember this golden rule: Never ask for an upgrade\u2014the power of suggestion is a much stronger strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to work toward making it happen. See you on the club\u00a0floor!<\/span><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Spiff up<\/b>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Appearances matter, so spiff UP for an UPgrade (read: You need to look the part to hang out in the club lounge, or on a suite-level floor). As important as it is for you and<\/em>\u00a0your attire to look pulled together, appearance is only part of the equation; non-verbal communication such as posture and poise also play a big role. So, when you approach reception, make sure your appearance and attitude are clothed in style. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Have a hook<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s do a role reversal for a second; put yourself in the hotel\u2019s position. If you arrive at a front desk, barely utter a word, bark your last name, and don\u2019t even feign a smile, why would the agent want to enhance your stay? However, if you waltz up looking sharp and smiley and<\/em>\u00a0tell them you\u2019re there to celebrate a special occasion (of any<\/em>\u00a0sort), you\u2019re going to pull at their heartstrings, because, after all, agents are humans too. Always have a hook to increase your chances of reaching hotel heaven.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Understand occupancy<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re traveling over the holidays or a weekend, know that many well-managed hotels \u00a0have employees whose entire job is involves filling rooms to achieve high occupancy. Traveling in shoulder season or during off-peak days (aka: period of lower occupancy) increases your chances of experiencing the hotel\u2019s finer side (read: better staff-to-guest ratio, more pool\/beach chair choice, more attentive service, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n

When occupancy is high during peak times or a conference fill, there\u2019s only so much a property can do as far as playing room roulette on your behalf. However, other extra perks such as spa passes, happy hour comps, or a surprise fruit plate may still be available if the hotel is feeling generous and\/or you\u2019ve given them a reason (see points 1 and 2 above) to shower you with extra amenities.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Play the long game<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re keen to open a hotel\u2019s Pandora\u2019s Box of perks, play the long game. First, email your accommodation in advance to advise of your arrival time (or request an earlier check-in), what occasion you\u2019re celebrating, and why you\u2019re excited about your stay. As a follow-up, call them a few days before your arrival and share the same information to ensure it\u2019s on your guest folio. Finally, if the front desk agent does not mention any of the items you emailed or called about at check-in, bring them up to ensure they are added into your stay profile (thereby alerting a third person of your plea). <\/span><\/p>\n

While all this may seem a tad repetitive, here are the facts: Because hotels have many staff members, requests can occasionally fall through the cracks. With the long-game approach, you\u2019re ensuring there\u2019s no possible way your message will be lost. Investing 10 minutes to gain a 10th floor view is worth it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Viewfinder Tip: Hoping for coveted access to the club lounge? Consider\u00a0paid access! While most hotels are not quick to comp lounge entry, they may offer access at a discounted rate.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

5. Suggest an enhancement versus an upgrade <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, never use the word upgrade. Think and speak in terms of enhancements and be specific with your suggestions<\/em>. For example, if you want a room upgrade, inquire, \u201cDo you have anything on a higher floor?\u201d or \u201cDoes this room have a view?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Alternatively, if you\u2019re happy with your room and are trying to make headway into the world of hotel extras, say \u201cI love the breakfast here, is it included in my rate?\u201d or \u201cI\u2019ve read so many incredible reviews about the spa, I\u2019d love to surprise my [significant other] with a hydrotherapy pass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As much as jet-set guests know how and when to suggest stay enhancements, they are also realistic. For example, don\u2019t expect to overnight in the presidential suite if you book the cheapest room category. In the same way, don\u2019t expect club-level lounge access if you\u2019re not a frequent visitor\u00a0and\/or part of the loyalty program. Be realistic in your expectations and your upgrade hope.<\/span><\/p>\n

Want more hotel hacks? Check out our series:<\/strong>
\n7 ways to MAXimize your stay as a hotel guest<\/a>
\nWhat NOT to buy at hotels<\/a>
\nEtiquette Rules for guests<\/a>
\n7 hacks for booking the perfect hotel room in Vegas<\/a><\/p>\n

What tried and true\u00a0methods have worked for\u00a0when it comes to hotel enhancements?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ascending to hotel heaven\u2014the realistic way!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19575,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1786,1859,1780,1797,1787,1802,1781,1776],"tags":[1328],"authors":[2232],"class_list":["post-19574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-company","category-hotels","category-inspiration","category-luxury","category-news","category-top-lists","category-travel-tips","category-type-of-vacation","tag-boutique-hotels","authors-trip-styler","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHotel hacks: How to get upgraded at check-in | Expedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/hotel-hacks-get-upgraded-check\/\" \/>\n<meta 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