How to Get Free Hotel Room Upgrade

Written By Casey E

How to Get a Free Hotel Room Upgrade: Insider Tips & Tricks

Who doesn’t love the idea of checking into a hotel and being surprised with an upgrade to a luxurious suite or a room with a breathtaking view? While free hotel upgrades aren’t guaranteed, there are strategic ways to increase your chances of scoring a better room without spending an extra dime. From leveraging loyalty programs to knowing the best times to check in, here’s everything you need to know about securing a complimentary hotel upgrade.

1. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs

Hotels prioritize their loyal customers, and membership in a loyalty program can significantly boost your chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade.

How It Works:

  • Most major hotel chains, like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt, offer free room upgrades as a perk for elite members.

  • The more frequently you stay, the higher your status, and with higher status, the better your chances of getting upgraded to a premium room or suite.

  • Even if you don’t travel often, simply signing up for a loyalty program can put you ahead of non-members.

Pro Tip: Many hotels offer instant elite status through credit cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, which grants Gold Status and potential upgrades.

2. Book Directly with the Hotel

Third-party booking sites may offer great deals, but hotels prioritize guests who book directly through their website or loyalty program.

Why It Works:

  • When you book directly, hotels have more flexibility to offer upgrades compared to reservations made through online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Booking.com.

  • Direct bookings often come with extra perks like late checkout, free breakfast, or bonus points.

Pro Tip: Call the hotel after booking and politely inquire about available upgrades. Mention if you're celebrating a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, honeymoon) to increase your chances.

3. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Hotels are more likely to offer free upgrades when they have unoccupied premium rooms. Visiting during off-peak times means fewer guests competing for those coveted rooms.

Best Times for an Upgrade:

  • Midweek stays (Tuesday–Thursday) often have better upgrade availability compared to busy weekends.

  • Avoid holidays and major events when hotels are at full capacity.

  • Traveling to business-centric hotels on weekends can also improve your chances, as they cater to corporate travelers during the week.

Pro Tip: Call ahead and ask about occupancy rates. If the hotel isn’t fully booked, you may have a better shot at an upgrade.

4. Be Polite and Ask Nicely

Sometimes, all it takes to get a free upgrade is asking the front desk staff nicely during check-in.

How to Ask:

  • Use friendly, positive language: “Do you have any complimentary upgrades available today?”

  • If you’re celebrating something special, mention it: “We’re here for our anniversary—do you have any available suite upgrades?”

  • Show genuine appreciation for any effort they make.

Pro Tip: Dress well and arrive with a smile. A good first impression can go a long way in hospitality.

5. Check-In Late in the Day

Timing matters when it comes to hotel upgrades. Checking in later in the afternoon or evening can improve your chances.

Why?

  • By late afternoon, the hotel has a better idea of available rooms and cancellations.

  • If higher-category rooms remain unbooked, they may offer you an upgrade rather than leaving them empty.

Pro Tip: If you're arriving early, politely mention you’re willing to wait for an upgraded room rather than checking in immediately.

6. Use a Credit Card with Hotel Perks

Many travel credit cards offer complimentary hotel upgrades as part of their perks.

Best Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades:

Pro Tip: Always book hotels using your travel rewards credit card to unlock additional perks like free breakfasts, late checkouts, and upgrades.

7. Mention Special Occasions

Hotels love to make special occasions memorable, and mentioning a birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary could increase your chances of an upgrade.

How to Do It:

  • Mention your celebration at the time of booking and again during check-in.

  • You can say something like: “We’re celebrating our honeymoon—do you have any complimentary upgrades available?”

Pro Tip: Some hotels will even add free champagne, desserts, or personalized touches to your room if they know you're celebrating something special.

8. Be Flexible with Your Room Type

If you're open to different room configurations, you may be more likely to get an upgrade.

How It Helps:

  • If a hotel has extra suites but is overbooked in standard rooms, they may upgrade you to balance availability.

  • Being flexible with bed types (king vs. two queens) can also work in your favor.

Pro Tip: When booking, choose a lower-category room with upgrade potential rather than the cheapest option.

9. Stay at Newly Opened Hotels

New hotels often offer complimentary upgrades to enhance guest satisfaction and generate positive reviews.

Why?

  • They want to impress guests and build a loyal customer base.

  • Staff members are eager to create a great first impression.

Pro Tip: Search for recently opened hotels in your destination and book during their soft opening phase.

10. Utilize Travel Booking Services with VIP Perks

Certain booking platforms offer exclusive hotel perks, including free upgrades.

Best Platforms for VIP Hotel Upgrades:

Pro Tip: Booking through a high-end concierge service can increase your chances of receiving an upgrade.

While free hotel room upgrades aren’t always guaranteed, using these strategies will significantly boost your chances. Whether it’s signing up for loyalty programs, leveraging credit card perks, or simply being polite and asking, small efforts can lead to big rewards. Next time you check into a hotel, use these insider tips and enjoy the luxury of a complimentary upgrade!

Casey E
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