5 Ways to Land a Hotel Room Upgrade

Upgrading your room can elevate your travel experience, adding a touch of luxury. An upgrade can mean different things: sometimes it's a better room type than you booked, like a suite with separate living and sleeping areas, or it could simply be a room with a more appealing view.

Getting a complimentary (or nearly complimentary) room upgrade is both an art and a science. Knowing the key dos and don’ts can significantly improve your chances. Here are five essential tips for securing a hotel room upgrade, regardless of the type of accommodations you desire.

Understand how (and where) to make your booking

The method you use to book a hotel can greatly influence your chances of receiving an upgrade. If the hotel is part of a larger chain, being strategic about the booking platform becomes even more crucial.

To boost your chances of receiving an upgrade, it’s best to book directly with a specific hotel or hotel chain. Major hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt typically offer upgrades only to those who reserve through their official websites or apps.

However, there are exceptions to the “book direct” guideline. Some luxury third-party services, such as American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Edit by Chase Travel, can also facilitate upgrades based on room category availability. (Unfortunately, transitioning from a basic room to the top suite without an additional cost is unlikely to occur anywhere.)

For those seeking a high-end experience, collaborating with a travel adviser can be advantageous in obtaining upgrades. Certain travel advisers—such as agents affiliated with Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, or the prestigious luxury travel network Virtuoso—often have access to exclusive upgrades. For instance, the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, is part of Virtuoso, and advisers from this network frequently manage to secure upgrades upon arrival.

Achieve elite status in a loyalty program

Obtaining elite status with a prominent hotel chain, boutique collection, or online travel agency can enhance your chances of landing that sought-after upgrade.

For example, members of World of Hyatt’s highest tier, Globalist, enjoy the benefit of space-available upgrades to suites even before checking in. This could mean upgrading from a standard king room to an ocean-view suite at the Pacific Ocean-facing Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, California. Even entry-level elite members, known as Discoverists, can receive a “preferred room,” which may include a room on a higher floor or with a more desirable view.

Elite perks aren't exclusive to large chains. Independent hotels within collections like The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), such as the renowned Greenwich Hotel in New York City, prioritize upgrades for their Leaders Club members. These guests enjoy benefits from the start (no status needed), including a one-category upgrade upon arrival, complimentary daily continental breakfast, and late checkout.

Certain online travel agencies also provide elite-like advantages to loyalty program members. For instance, Expedia’s OneKey offers room upgrades when available at VIP Access properties for Gold and Platinum elite members.

Choose the right travel credit card

Some travel credit cards provide complimentary automatic elite status or expedited paths to achieving it. As noted earlier, elite status can help travelers secure upgrades to higher room categories, depending on availability and other criteria.

Even if hotel stays aren’t frequent for you, having elite status during your visits can enhance your chances for an upgrade. For instance, the World of Hyatt Credit Card grants automatic Discoverist status within the World of Hyatt program, while the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card provides automatic top-tier Diamond status with Hilton.

Inform them about your special occasion

If you’re celebrating something special, make sure to inform the hotel staff before your arrival. Whether it’s an anniversary or birthday, mentioning it during booking or sending an email to the front desk in advance can improve your chances for an upgrade.

Some hotels may assign rooms and upgrade categories a day or two prior to your arrival. It’s also a good idea to confirm with the front desk during check-in.

Upgrade by using points or simply paying for it

In the days leading up to your check-in, hotels might send personalized upgrade offers via email, allowing you to book a suite or superior room using points. Additionally, at check-in, many properties will provide options for unsold premium rooms or suites at significant discounts. This is a fantastic way to secure a nicer room without breaking the bank.