Asking for room upgrades

[Barquentine]

I've heard that sometimes people ask for a room upgrade when they get to their hotel. I've never tried this and assume that, if available, one has to pay the higher room rate. On the other hand, i was wondering if people try this in the hope of getting a free upgrade? Does anyone know if that's possible ever? Thanks.

[craft1948]

I've had free room upgrades, and free cabin upgrades............if you don't ask you don't get.

[dzug]

There are stories about 'bribing' the check in clerk with a £10 or $20 note to get a 'free' upgrade.

Trouble is they are told is a sure fire, works every time vein - and I'm sure it doesn't.

[Clanad]

Most people that travel a great deal receive "points" from the airline as well as the hotel chain(s) they frequent. With these points one can request a hotel room upgrade. Often their "points" account is not charged for the upgrade, more often if the hotel is not really busy.
The points system, at least here in the U.S. entices frequent travelers to use one brand of either the airline or hotel and perhpas even car rental companies...

[jno]

craft, your answer makes perfect sense and yet... I've asked for upgrades and not got them and I've got upgrades when I haven't asked for them.... but I've never got one when I've asked for it!

[dzug]

http://www.frontdesktip.com/faq/ ???

[thugulike]

I've often asked, with a large smile, when checking in for one of their most beautiful rooms. If they have a nice room available they will give it to you. No need for a bribe. Business is tough if the trade right now and the hotels are really trying hard.

[Dee Sa]

I am usually very pleasant to check in staff, very polite, have everything they need ready for them and then I enquire are you full or is there any chance of an upgrade please, works in th US or in larger hotels not always possible in the smaller rooms. If you are unhappy when you get to your room, leave luggage there and go back down, wait patiently to see the person who checked you in and explain nicely and quietly [ they dont like other guests to hear] what the problem is with the room, loudly complaining wont help at this stage.
Trouble is that most Brits hate to make a fuss and put up with almost anything, so thats what gets allocated to them.
If this doesnt work and you are still not happy demand to see the general manager not the floor manager and really go to town with the complaint [ no swearing it just makes you look second class].

[NoMercy]

It really depends how busy things are. I flew with Monarch and asked for a window seat, they gave me extra legroom window seat with nobody sat next to me !! When I picked up Car from airport, they gave me Vauxhall Insignia for same price as Toyota Yaris (and I didn't even ask for that) :-) and several times I have had room upgrades in London Hotels. The Meridien in Piccadilly gave me a junior suite (£650 per night) for the same price as the room I booked (£205 per night) as they didn't have my room ready when I arrived and I had to spend first night at the Grosvenor Park instead. If you are smartly dressed and very charming, they will likely consider giving you upgrade if you ask nicely.

[Barquentine]

Thanks for all your replies - they are all really helpful. Cheers.

[do_you_travel]

I did get an upgrade at my arrival at the hotel in Budapest and without asking for it. I was supposed to have a nice room but in change I got a huge and luxurious suite with a view. If the hotel has sold all other rooms before you arrive, and you have booked, then for sure you are going to get an upgrade.

[LoftyLottie]

If I don't like a room or an apartment then I have asked to change and got another. Once got a villa instead of a studio apartment!!