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By: Jimson on Fri May 16, 2008

Hotels are mighty expensive – from under a hundred dollars to upwards of what it might cost for a little plastic surgery. Given this, a bit of wrangling, haggling, and down-right plotting to get a cheaper or better hotel room is more than justifiable, it’s an obligation!

Ask Early For an Hotel Upgrade
When you call the hotel to make your reservation, inquire about an upgrade. Repeat the same question when you call to confirm your room prior to arrival, and ask one final time when you check in. Because the hotel business is so unpredictable – cancellations, people leaving early – there are often many rooms vacant in a hotel at one time. Asking three times for a hotel room upgrade might seem a bit over-bearing, but if your mother taught you any manners, use those.

Book Your Hotel Room Directly
Booking directly with the hotel will save the hotel commission cost – that is, the money they would have to pay out to brokers or agents. Because the hotel is saving money, they’re more likely to give you an upgrade, and many companies, including Hilton, Starwood Resorts, and Marriott will offer best rate guarantees.

Be Polite!
It’s important to make nice. The hotel industry is like any service industry in terms of how many jerks the average employee has to deal with. Use some of that good breeding to your advantage and treat the employees well, smile, and you’ll find they’re more receptive . If you can be flexible with your check-in and check-out time, you’ll often find hotel staff will be more likely to give you an upgrade.

Travel At Different Times
The best hotel room upgrades will come your way if you holiday away from peak vacation times and stay during week nights. Also, booking a room for one night makes it more likely you’ll get an upgrade, because they don’t have to worry about it being tied up the next day, and will be able to sell it for its regular price.

Sign Up!
Many hotel chains have Hotel Loyalty or Frequent Guest programs that reward you for stays at their hotels. If they don’t, simply making your presence known by chatting up the staff, talking about previous times you’ve stayed, and how you’ve enjoyed it. It’s more likely you’ll get preferential treatment than the random straggler who’s in town for a wedding. Before you leave, leave a hand-written letter of gratitude, remarking in it how pleasant your stay was, and making sure to include your contact information!

Play Them Off Each Other!
Call reservations managers at the hotels in the area you’ll be staying and get competing quotes for hotel rooms. Often, you'll be offered a reduced price on your hotel room, or barring that, the reservations manager will offer you an upgrade on your hotel room for no extra money, just to get your business.

And a final point to remember, when you're attempting to get a hotel room upgrade, it can’t hurt to tip!