Ask the expert: How to get the best hotel room (without paying more)

Whether it’s a higher floor, a room with a view or a little extra space to stretch out in, upgrades can make a good hotel stay even better. And the best part? You don’t always have to pay for the privilege. We’ve gathered expert advice on how to increase your chances of a complimentary upgrade using charm, timing and a few clever strategies that seasoned travellers swear by.

1. Shout about special occasions

Whether it’s a proposal, an anniversary or a birthday, it’s always worth letting the concierge team know, so that they can make a stay as memorable as possible. In essence, memorable stays are what we are here for and our guests being happy spur us on.
Takis Melitsiotis, general manager at The Halyard Liverpool, part of IHG’s Vignette Collection

2. Do your pre-stay homework

Always contact the hotel directly a few days before arrival. A friendly call or email expressing excitement about your stay and mentioning a special occasion (even if it’s just a relaxing getaway) can go a long way. Front desk staff often have discretion over upgrades and polite guests who communicate in advance are more likely to be remembered when rooms are being assigned.
Jules Cook, group director of sales for The Relais Retreats

3. Embrace off-peak

If you can, arrive mid-week and check in later in the day (after 4pm). By then, the front desk staff have a better idea of available inventory and if there’s a nicer room unclaimed you’re in a better position to ask for it. Hotels are often quieter mid-week, so upgrades are more likely to happen when there’s less pressure on room stock.
Joanne Robinson, Spring Hotel Group

4. Stay on a Sunday

Sundays are one of the best-kept secrets in luxury hospitality. With fewer guests checking in, weekend guests heading home and business travellers not yet arriving, the lower demand means more flexibility when it comes to room allocation, meaning Sunday guests are more likely to be upgraded or placed in premium rooms.
Raphael Herzog, general manager at De Vere Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire

5. Be loyal

Most hotel loyalty schemes offer benefits such as complimentary room upgrades, so joining one is often the easiest way to secure one. If you’re hoping to move up several room types, it’s worth speaking directly to the reception team – they often have the flexibility to offer discounted upgrade rates on the spot.
Darryl Walker, commercial director, Frasers Hospitality EMEA

6. Fill in the feedback form

Guests who take the time to give thoughtful feedback through a survey, on online feedback platforms or directly to the team, often stand out. It shows engagement, and hotels are more likely to recognise and remember you on a return visit, especially when considering discretionary upgrades.
Asja Samp, rooms manager at Hyatt Regency Churchill, London

7. Always ask (politely)

Don’t be afraid to ask. Not in a cheeky “Any chance of a suite?” way, but in a kind, human way. Let us know it’s a special trip or that you’ve been meaning to stay with us for ages. The hotels I own – and the ones I love staying at – always look after guests who connect on a more personal level.
Grant Maunder, owner of The Brecon, Bern

8. Go high or go home

Sometimes we’ll shift guests who’ve booked higher room types into even better ones to free up the most in-demand categories. That’s more common in smaller, independent hotels than in high-end luxury ones, where fewer guests paying premium rates often makes more sense especially when resources are tight.
Martin Cometto, general manager at Lime Tree Hotel, London

9. Know who’s who

The best tip I can give is to try and contact the person responsible for room allocation directly and remember that this varies from hotel to hotel. At Skiathos Princess, for instance, it’s the front office manager, while at Aegean Suites, it’s the hotel manager. Let them know you’re open to options. Sometimes, you might score a complimentary upgrade for the last couple of nights or even longer.
Panagiotis Petris, hotel manager, Aegean Suites, Skiathos

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