How to get a hotel room upgrade

Throughout my travels, I’ve encountered some less-than-ideal hotel rooms—from cramped spaces featuring only a bed to windowless chambers lacking natural light. Often, the standard room types at some hotels leave much to be desired.

Now, I make it a point to book only those rooms that I would be comfortable in; that way, any upgrades I receive feel like a pleasant surprise. An upgrade can enhance your stay, even if you don’t strictly need one. Here are seven effective strategies to secure a hotel room upgrade.

1. Attain Hotel Elite Status

One significant advantage of having elite status with hotel loyalty programs is the potential for room upgrades. Despite maintaining a high tier with each program I use, I often find that significant upgrades to suites are rare. However, I can frequently use my status to secure rooms with better views or additional space.

Each loyalty program varies in how they administer upgrades. For instance, World of Hyatt guarantees a “best room available” upgrade during check-in for high-tier members, while others may only state that upgrades can occur without any guarantees on the quality of the room. It’s crucial to understand the specific benefits of your elite status. This way, if a hotel fails to provide the promised upgrade, you can politely ask for one.

2. Utilize Upgrade Certificates

While elite status upgrades can be uncertain, upgrade certificates offer a reliable path to enhanced room types. Programs like World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG One Rewards include these certificates in their offerings. Here’s how they work:

Hyatt Milestone Rewards allow members to earn club-access and suite upgrade certificates. These can be used to enhance stays up to seven nights at the time of booking, and the rewards can even be gifted to fellow members. For instance, I used a suite upgrade award to secure a more spacious family loft instead of a standard room at Story Hotel Signalfabriken during my recent visit.

Marriott Bonvoy’s Nightly Upgrade Awards require one certificate for each night of your stay if you want to upgrade. This means for a five-night stay, you’d need five awards. Unfortunately, you only find out if these upgrades are approved shortly before arrival, and not all properties participate.

With the IHG Milestone Rewards program, you can confirm upgrades for entry-level suites, provided availability is confirmed within 14 days prior to check-in.

3. Book an Upgraded Room Type Directly

An obvious way to guarantee an upgrade is by booking a higher room type outright. While some might overlook this option, it deserves mention since upgraded rooms can sometimes be available for the same price, particularly when using points. For instance, during my stay at the Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, I switched from a beach villa to a sunrise overwater villa at no extra cost; later, I received a complimentary upgrade to a sunset overwater villa as a Marriott Titanium Elite member.

Similarly, Choice Privileges allows members to book different room types at the same point cost, enabling travelers to enjoy upgraded accommodations without extra expenses.

4. Book Through Upgrade-Friendly Programs

Another reliable method for obtaining hotel upgrades is to book through programs that guarantee or provide space-available upgrades. While elite status offers its advantages, certain premium travel rewards cards also allow for complimentary room upgrades.

For instance, the InterContinental Ambassador program grants a guaranteed room upgrade on eligible paid stays. Additionally, booking through approved travel agents may yield bonus upgrades at select hotel brands.

5. Stay During Low Occupancy Periods

Your chances of an upgrade improve significantly during off-peak seasons. When I visited the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa during low season, I successfully received an upgrade from a beach villa to an overwater villa.

Upgrades are more feasible when the hotel has considerable availability, so choosing your travel dates wisely can be advantageous.

6. Pay for an Upgrade

Sometimes, it may be worthwhile to pay for an upgrade. Hilton Honors and IHG One Rewards often provide upgrade options during booking, or you might inquire about rates directly with the hotel post-booking.

Recently, I spoke with a traveler who often secures upgrade details, especially for larger groups. If the additional cost is reasonable, he accepts it; otherwise, he considers booking a second room or switching hotels altogether.

7. Politely Request an Upgrade at Check-In

It never hurts to ask for an upgrade at check-in. If you possess elite status and the hotel has available rooms, the front desk may accommodate your request.

Be prepared, however, that requesting an upgrade may not guarantee success. Some properties adhere to strict policies regarding room types and upgrades, so it’s wise to be ready to accept the originally booked room.

Conclusion

Having spent nearly eight years living out of hotels, I have gained extensive knowledge about room upgrades and understand how challenging it can be to secure significant upgrades—even with high elite status. This makes programs like Hyatt’s suite upgrades, IHG’s confirmable upgrades, and the InterContinental Ambassador program invaluable, as they ensure a better room well in advance of check-in. Being able to confirm an upgrade reduces the uncertainty and stress that comes with relying solely on availability upon arrival.