Checkin also has golden hours: Six secrets to room upgrades

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department, compiled and reported

When budget travelers save up money for a trip abroad, they not only need to compare flight prices but also look around for the best hotel deals. In addition to knowing the tricks for flight upgrades, there are also tips for room upgrades that you can refer to. While relying on good luck, you can also use some clever tactics.

1. Celebrate a special occasion
If your check-in date happens to coincide with a birthday, wedding anniversary, honeymoon, or other important event, consider sending an email or making a phone call to the hotel in advance. Simply and sincerely stating your request can greatly increase your chances of getting a free upgrade.
 
2. Become a hotel member
If you are a member or frequent guest of a hotel, your chances of successfully obtaining a free upgrade will significantly increase. Especially for most major hotel groups, including Hilton, Shangri-La, JW Marriott, and Four Seasons, they all offer membership upgrade benefits.

3. Check inGolden hours
Checking in earlier doesn’t necessarily mean better chances of a room upgrade. Usually, high-end suites are vacated between 2 PM and 4 PM, and it takes about one to two hours to clean them. Therefore, arriving at the hotel too early is unlikely to result in an upgrade. Additionally, hotels typically confirm the day’s cancellations by dusk, so the golden window is between 5 PM and 7 PM, when the hotel may have vacant suites available for guest upgrades.
 
4. Check in during the off-season
During peak travel seasons, hotel rooms are usually fully booked, making it harder to find vacancies for upgrades. But if you choose to travel during the off-season, high-end suites are more likely to be vacant, increasing your chances of getting a room upgrade.

5. Book directly on the official website
You might as well book directly on the official website of the hotel group. Since third-party booking platforms charge hotels a commission, many hotels often reserve their better rooms or upgrade opportunities for guests who book directly through their official websites to encourage direct bookings.

6. Target newly opened hotels
In addition, many newly opened hotels attract guests by unconditionally upgrading their rooms.
 

Free upgrade to first class? Five secrets from travel experts

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