We’ve started getting upgraded a lot at hotels when we travel and one of my favorite things is getting an upgrade to a beautiful room with more space and a gorgeous view. The thing is, getting upgraded at hotels is a whole lot easier than getting upgraded on flights, so I try to really take advantage of upgrades at hotels when traveling. It’s actually a lot simpler than you think and here are some good options to try to get that beautiful corner room!
Contact the Manager Before Your Stay
Even if I’m not working with a hotel on a media stay for a trip through my blog, I will often email the general manager of the property a couple weeks before our stay and introduce myself, mention I’m a travel blogger and that I’ll be reviewing the hotel after my stay. Even if I’m not getting a deal on the hotel through my blog, the majority of the time they will offer a complimentary upgrade because they want you to have the best experience possible for your review. Hotels hate nothing more than bad reviews online that anyone can find on the internet, so when you can, ask. It definitely can’t hurt!
Create Connections with Staff
I work a lot with hotels and hotel chains when we travel and keep a list of contacts for major brands or companies so that when I know I’ll be heading to another one of their hotels, I can keep that connection alive. Keep your network active and when you know where you’ll be headed, many times those connections you’ve already made can really help to put you in for an upgrade.
Ask at Check In
If all else fails, go ahead and ask if there are any upgrades possible at check in. Explain that you’ve had a horribly long travel day or you’re celebrating a special occasion and chances are if you ask nicely and they have a room available, they’ll offer some sort of upgrade.
Join Loyalty Programs
Travel really is becoming all about loyalties, whether it’s airlines or hotels, companies really want to promote their brands and they want your loyalty. Some hotel loyalty programs offer upgrades when available as well as offering free nights that you could potentially use for your own upgrade down the road.
Emily says
when you introduced yourself to the manager, did you include the stats of your blog or it does not need to be that formal?
Casey says
Great question! I basically send an email saying, I’m Casey and I write the travel blog Land of Marvels and will be in (whatever city) in (whatever date). I mention that my blog has thousands of followers through blog followers and social media (though I don’t give exact numbers unless they ask). And basically just compose a nice email saying I’ll be reviewing the hotel and wondering if they could assist in an upgraded room or experience. Usually they will jump at the chance! Hope that helps!
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
I’ve never thought to use my blog as leverage! Do you think this works for all types of hotels– or only medium-tier, upper-tier? And I have the same question as Emily! Thanks for sharing this!
Casey says
Answered Emily’s question below… so take a look at that. As far as what types of hotels, I’ve had good experiences with hotels across the board… small, large, expensive, not expensive, chains, boutiques… I think it works in most cases!
Jordan Beck Wagner says
That’s such a good idea to email a few weeks before! I have the same question as Emily, do you include stats or anything?
Casey says
I answered Emily’s question below… but here is what I said: “I basically send an email saying, I’m Casey and I write the travel blog Land of Marvels and will be in (whatever city) in (whatever date). I mention that my blog has thousands of followers through blog followers and social media (though I don’t give exact numbers unless they ask). And basically just compose a nice email saying I’ll be reviewing the hotel and wondering if they could assist in an upgraded room or experience.”
Annessa says
Great tips! I’ve never thought of any of these!
Casey says
It’s super easy and usually always works!
Macy Gutermuth says
These are great tips! I will be using my blog as a wager from now on 😉
Casey says
Yes! Our blogs are such good tools.. after all we do spend so much time reviewing things already… why not use it to our advantage?
Monica Mont says
I love this! Actually just did it at a hotel in LA . I told them that I was having a horrible day and when I asked for an upgrade, they gave me a price. I took it and then when I checked out the charges were reversed and the hotel manager emailed me hoping I had a good stay. It was great! HELPFULL POST!
http://www.theregoesmonica.com
Casey says
Yea, it really is amazing what just being nice and mentioning something can do. The thing is, if the room isn’t full, it’s not costing them anything extra to put you in an upgraded room so if you get a good person, they’ll help you out!
Nath @ Borderless Travelers says
Great tips!!! I’ll make sure to try them, thanks!
Casey says
Excellent!
Kristin says
I think it’s all about creating the connection, whether it’s through reaching out and communicating with new or old contacts or leveraging that loyalty program. Hotels do reward overtures that show you have a relationship with them or want to improve your relationship with them. Great post!
Casey says
Totally! And people respond to that and want to help you.