HotelChatter

HotelChatter:
What are the realistic chances of getting a room upgrade?

Super Secret Hotel Insider:
Boutique hotels usually have a wide range of room categories, ranging from small, less expensive rooms to huge, amenity-filled suites costing thousands per night. Most people don't realize that their chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade are better than they think.

HotelChatter:
What if we were headed to Manhattan. Would a room upgrade be doable then?

Super Secret Hotel Insider:
Most popular hotels - especially in Manhattan - will sell out, or oversell at least a couple of nights a week. Most of the time, it's the cheaper categories that sell out first. This is when the front desk is forced to upgrade a few lucky guests.

HotelChatter:
We have terrible luck getting lucky. Are we doomed or can this change?

Super Secret Hotel Insider:
Here are some tips to get lucky:

- Be a repeat guest. Any good hotel keeps records of individual guest histories. We want to take care of those who have spent money with us in the past, it helps solidify your loyalty to us. You don't have to stay every week, a couple of times a year is sufficient to get noticed.

- Tip big. Obviously the best way to get noticed in a hotel is to tip big. If you reserve the cheapest room category - say $250/night, discreetly slip the guy at the front desk a couple of twenties. Chances are you'll be put in the best room. This is worth it, especially if you're staying for more than a couple of days.

- Be a one-nighter, and arrive late. I would rather upgrade someone for one night, than upgrade a longer stay and risk losing room revenue for multiple nights. Often, I'll hold the upgrade for the last one-nighter to show up, hoping that somebody will no-show.

- Make it a special occasion. When making your reservation, tell the person on the phone that you are celebrating your anniversary, birthday, etc. At least you'll probably score a bottle of champagne.

- Be nice, and ask nicely. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it is the best. If you show up at the hotel, friendly and patient, ask if you can be upgraded. Tell them that you are in no hurry, and that you would be happy to wait for a better room to be available later. The more difficult you are and the more difficult you make my job, the less willing I am to go out of my way for you.

Thanks Super Secret Hotel Insider. We feel so much smarter now!

HotelChatter Disclaimer: PLEASE NOTE: These are good tips, but are no guarantee. If you reserve the cheapest room, plan on staying in the cheapest room.

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