Getting a free hotel upgrade might sound too good to be true, but it's actually more doable than you think. Most travellers miss this opportunity because they don't realise how easy it is.
Money-saving expert Fred Harrington, CEO ofProxyCoupons, has detailed his top tip to get a free room upgrade. He began by saying, "Travellers usually assume upgrades are reserved for VIP guests or those willing to pay extra. But hotels often have available upgraded rooms sitting empty, and they'd rather give them to polite guests than let them go unused."
How to receive a free hotel room upgrade
According to Fred, guests should send a brief yet polite email asking for any upgrades 24 to 48 hours before their scheduled check-in.
Hotels can identify which rooms will be vacant in advance and confidently offer complimentary upgrades without worrying about walk-in guests or last-minute bookings.
When emailing the hotel, address it to the front desk manager or the guest services team. Contact details can usually be found on the hotel's website or by calling the main phone number.
Fred advised: "Start by mentioning your reservation confirmation number and check-in date. Then simply explain that you're celebrating a special occasion - whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon - and politely inquire if any complimentary room upgrades might be available."
Fred also recommends writing: "If you have any availability, we would be grateful for any room upgrade you might consider." A travel expert spoke to Condé Nast and agreed that politeness and kindness go a long way.
They shared: "If all else fails, you can always simply ask about upgrades when you're checking in. If something's available, a little kindness and a smile might get you an upgrade, or a hotel may offer you a paid upgrade at a discount if you just ask."
The travel site also highlighted that before booking your hotel stay, double-check third-party sites such as Booking.com. For free, Booking offers a loyalty program that unlocks three different levels the more you book:
- Genius Level 1: 10% discount on select stays and rental cars
- Genius Level 2: 10-15% discount on stays and rentals, plus free breakfast and room upgrades on select stays
- Genius Level 3: 10-20% discount on stays, 10-15% on rentals, with free breakfast and room upgrades on select stays
Sign up for Booking.com's loyalty programme by clicking here.
