A former hotel receptionist has revealed a surprisingly simple insider trick that can significantly increase a guest's likelihood of scoring a complimentary room upgrade. The key, she insists, is all about perfect timing.
The Check-In Mistake Most Guests Make
Amy Jones, who worked front desk shifts while at university before becoming a travel journalist, says many travellers get it wrong by asking for an upgrade at the worst possible moment. She warns that requesting a better room during the standard 3pm check-in or on a busy Friday night offers only a "very slim chance" of success.
During her time at a 35-room luxury hotel and spa, she learned that complimentary upgrades were usually planned the night before. Key cards were prepared in advance, often for guests celebrating special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Once the afternoon rush begins, staff have little room to manoeuvre.
Why Early Arrival is the Golden Rule
Jones's top tip is straightforward: arrive early. While many guests aim to turn up at or after the official check-in time to avoid waiting, this strategy backfires if you're hoping for an upgrade.
"If you turn up early and let us know it's a special occasion, even if you didn't mention it when booking, we've got time to shuffle some rooms around," she explained. This flexibility vanishes once the hotel gets busy, making early birds the first to benefit from any last-minute changes or spontaneous cancellations that free up premium rooms.
More Than Just Special Occasions
While birthdays and anniversaries are a common path to an upgrade, they are not the only way. Sometimes, staff goodwill or a sudden cancellation creates an opportunity. In these instances, the first guests on the scene are in prime position.
Arriving early also provides another advantage: it gives you time to view your initially assigned room. If it doesn't meet expectations based on online photos, you have a window to politely request a change before the hotel's inventory becomes too tight.
Ultimately, Jones concludes that timing is "crucial" for having specific requests honoured. Her advice offers a practical, no-cost strategy for travellers seeking a little extra luxury on their next stay.
In related travel news, a content creator recently shared a separate hack involving linking loyalty accounts to earn free hotel nights, highlighting the ongoing quest for savvy travellers to enhance their experiences.
