After years of traveling, I wanted to know the secrets that others had for getting upgrades at a luxury hotel without paying top dollar. We all enjoy receiving an upgraded room upon check-in at a luxury hotel.  Read on, because below will be 5StarTips🌟 for how to increase your chances of a suite upgrade! These secret tips will help you gain that “suite” hotel luxury room upgrade!

(1) 🌟    Sign Up for a Hotel Loyalty Program and Earn Status

Pick a hotel that you enjoy and is in locations you prefer, and sign up for their loyalty program.  Loyalty programs are free, and the advantages and perks when earning status can offer a significantly enhanced experience.  I enjoy and have reward status at both the Hyatt and Marriott. As a status member, I often receive a room upgrade or suite. Because I have invested for years in these programs, I am now at a level with both programs that I am usually upgraded to a suite for the standard room cost.

5StarTip🌟: It is important to stay loyal to whatever rewards program you choose. Like a savings account at the bank – your investment over time will pay off!

(2) 🌟  A Credit Card with the Hotel Chain

There are several hotel credit cards that offer great benefits for their cardholders.  One of the benefits can be a high status for just becoming a cardholder. For example, I have a Ritz-Carlton Chase credit card that gives me Platinum Elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program.  At this level, I have the benefit of being upgraded to the next level room at no extra cost. There are other wonderful benefits with these cards such as VIP access to the concierge lounge or a free breakfast.

5StarTip🌟: Ritz-Carlton is part of the Marriott Rewards Program. This program has recently expanded and now offers benefits at over 6,700 Hotels. 130 Countries. 29 Brands.

(3) 🌟   Check Available Inventory before Check-In:

One of my most valuable tips for receiving an upgrade on a room at a luxury hotel is to know the inventory of rooms that are available.  An hour or so before check-in, search on either the hotel’s website or their phone app by looking up a new reservation for a stay that night. This will show you the inventory that is available and what room types for which you might request an upgrade.  When checking in, ask for a specific room type that you know is available. This method works especially if you have status with the hotel chain. I have had fantastic success with this technique in enjoying an upgrade to an Always5Star suite. Note: This research will also let you know if the hotel is short on rooms and room types and an upgrade is not available.

(4) 🌟  Stay at a Business Hotel on the Weekends

Luxury business hotels, especially located in a downtown area or near an airport, often offer great deals on their luxury suites on weekends.  Most of their business is during the week and the rates are much higher then. I have often enjoyed fabulous suites at luxury business hotels on the weekend at a fraction of the cost.

(5) 🌟     Never be afraid to ask!

If you do not have a status or a hotel credit card, always kindly request if there are any upgrades that they can offer you.  It can be a very effective way to receive a complimentary upgrade.  I just recently stayed at a Relais & Chateau privately owned luxury hotel.  I did not have status or other advantages when I requested the upgrade. I just gently asked if it was possible and the front desk clerk said: “The suite is available and we are having a slow weekend, we are happy to upgrade you.”  However, will this always happen?….No….but the few times it does work, it is worth it!

Final Thoughts:

You do not have to pay top dollar to enjoy an upgraded room.  Most importantly, I am happy to share that, when using these five tips I have shared, I have been upgraded about 75% of the time.  I have often shared these tips with my friends, and they too have shared that these tips have worked for them as well.  Please let me know your experiences with your suite upgrades. Cheers to a “suite” life!

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