How Free Room Upgrades Work (And How to Increase Your Chances)

Anyone who’s ever arrived bone-tired and jet-lagged at their hotel, only to be treated to a complimentary upgrade at check-in knows the joy of the hotel freebie or perk. While hotel room upgrades might seem like they’re the stuff of chance, there are actually several reasons why hotels treat guests to grander rooms and complimentary perks. 

Understanding how the process works and how you can increase your chances of a generous deal on the house can change the way you travel. Hotel occupancy, loyalty status, and timing are some of the key factors that determine whether your double room will transform itself into an ocean-side suite or you’ll be stuck with the parking lot view.

What Are Free or Complimentary Hotel Room Upgrades?

Complimentary hotel room upgrades are better deals or additional service-related perks that you get at check-in. You don’t have to pay any extra money. Sometimes you’ll get a better room, with a nicer view, or a balcony. Other times, you may receive complimentary amenities, such as free breakfast, parking, or access to members-only areas.

Hotels offer free upgrades for many logistical reasons, including lower demand and price matching. From their perspective, it’s better to have a premium room occupied than have it go empty. It’s also generally up to the discretion of the person working at the front desk, so a positive, friendly attitude can increase your chances of getting a better deal.

How Hotel Room Upgrades Typically Work

Hotels offer upgrades to increase customer loyalty, fill premium inventory, and reward customers with whom they have a good rapport, especially if these customers are celebrating a special occasion. Learning why hotel room upgrades are less sheer luck and more the product of predictable circumstances can increase your chances of getting one.

Filling premium inventory

Instead of letting premium inventory sit unused, hotels will often offer it as a free upgrade. The hope is that doing this will secure customer loyalty, as visitors overwhelmingly appreciate upgrades and freebies. A free upgrade also often leads to positive customer reviews and word of mouth feedback, encouraging other guests to book. 

Shoulder and off-season deals

As peak season ends and demand drops, hotels are far more likely to offer free room upgrades, even at higher-end hotels and resorts. 

Visitors who book during weekdays in destinations that cater more to weekend travelers have an even greater chance of cashing in on upgrades and additional complimentary perks, such as breakfast or parking. Similarly, destinations that cater primarily to weekday, business travelers, may offer more perks for stays that fill rooms on weekends. 

Case-by-case upgrades

Usually, the power to grant upgrades and access to perks rests with one person: the one checking you in. Factors like loyalty programs and vacant, higher-end rooms certainly come into play, but your fate ultimately rests in their hands. 

Friendly people who arrive at slower check-in times and ask politely for upgrades are more likely to receive the white-glove treatment. Always mention special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, when you request the upgrade, as the hotel may be more inclined to offer a good discount to make your stay even more memorable.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Hotel Room Upgrade

You can increase your chances of getting a hotel room upgrade and savor that suite success by following a few simple steps. Although upgrades are never guaranteed, even during the off-season or when you have a big anniversary, you can certainly increase your odds.

Book directly

Booking directly is one of the best ways to improve your chances of getting a free upgrade. You’ll be able to use your hotel points, establish a personal relationship with the hotel, and often secure a better price, even without the upgrade. 

Online travel agencies, or OTAs, sometimes tack on fees and don’t let you earn or redeem hotel points when booking. Plus, since most online travel agencies take a substantial commission, sometimes as high as 35%, their rates can be higher too. Booking through an online travel agency may lock you into a specific room, making it logistically less feasible to obtain an upgrade.

The downside to booking directly is that researching individual hotel options can be tedious. Luckily, DirectBooker is developing AI-powered tools that make this easier by integrating verified hotel listings and direct booking options into conversational AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. Soon, you’ll be able to compare hotels and connect directly with the property to book, which unlocks perks like upgrades and special requests without the middleman.

Position yourself in the best light

Whether you request an upgrade before or at check-in, there are a few ways to effectively plead your case, politely and respectfully. Mentioning special occasions, celebrations, or anniversaries is a great way to emphasize the importance of the stay and request special treatment or perks. Also, plan to arrive in the mid-to-late afternoon, ideally between 2 and 4 pm, when there’s a general dip in visitors, and hotel staff will be more likely to give you their full attention. 

If you have a social media presence, consider checking out and commenting on the hotel’s social media accounts in advance. Although hotels are becoming much more judicious about the influencers they partner with, it still couldn’t hurt to casually mention that you follow them. Just walk the line carefully.

Use loyalty programs like hotel or credit card points

Many hotels offer loyalty programs and reward points that you can trade in for upgrades. Always read the fine print, and know where and when you can use them. For example, Marriott’s Nightly Upgrade Awards expire one year after you accrue them, and you can use them at many, but not all, Marriott properties. 

Travel credit cards, such as Chase Sapphire Reserve and Hilton Honors American Express Business, allow you to accumulate points at hotels like Hyatt and Hilton and receive perks such as hotel room upgrades, spa packages, and complimentary breakfasts.

Etiquette When Requesting a Hotel Room Upgrade

When it comes to getting that free upgrade, it pays to mind your manners. Not only will you be more likely to walk away with a better room, but you’ll avoid putting the hotel staff in an awkward position. 

Respect the decision

No upgrade is guaranteed, even if you believe you have a compelling reason. Unless you’re using points to pay for your upgrade, respect the decision and refrain from arguing your case further. 

Also, avoid phrasing your request as a demand. You can carefully mention how much you love the hotel by talking about other locations you’ve loved in the past, but don’t go overboard. 

Timing is everything

Arrive between those golden hours of 2 and 4 pm when there are fewer people around. The hotel staff is likely to be more relaxed and give you more attention and time. If you catch them when they have the bandwidth to consider your request and ask politely, they might be more inclined to entertain it. 

Wield your social influence carefully

Although it’s fine to mention that you follow the hotel on Instagram and even comment on their last cute post, don’t expect to get upgrades just for being a social media influencer. Hotels are inundated with influencer requests and often have to deal with entitled behavior.

Following these simple etiquette tips allows the hotel to accept or graciously reject your upgrade request without feeling uncomfortable. 

Setting Yourself Up for Hotel Room Upgrade Success

Hotel room upgrades aren’t random; they’re the product of supply and demand, how you book your room, and what kind of impression you make when you ask for one. Once you know how the system works, you can enjoy premium rooms and great perks for free.

Sources

“Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card.” Chase.com, creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire/reserve.

“During Miami’s Low Season, Discounts at Hotels and Spas.”  The New York Times, 26 Jul 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/travel/miami-travel-deals.html. 

“Hilton Honors American Express Business Credit Card.” American Express, www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/hilton-honors/.

“Nightly Upgrade Awards.” Marriott International, www.marriott.com/loyalty/nightly-upgrade-awards.mi.

Reynolds, Emily. “The State of Influencer Marketing in the Hospitality Sector.” Forbes Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025, www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/01/22/the-state-of-influencer-marketing-in-the-hospitality-sector/.

Selyukh, Alina. “With ‘Bleisure’ and Fewer Workers, the American Hotel Is in Recovery.” NPR, 13 May 2024, www.npr.org/2024/05/13/1250205737/hotel-industry-recovery-pandemic-bleisure. 

Statista Research Department. “Australia: Melbourne Hotels by Category 2024.” Statista, 25 Feb. 2025, www.statista.com/statistics/1284909/australia-melbourne-hotels-by-category/.

Elizabeth Lavis

Elizabeth Lavis is a travel journalist and co-author of four Lonely Planet guidebooks, with bylines in HuffPost, Business Insider, American Way, and TripAdvisor. She writes about responsible travel, local culture, and off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world.

Our editorial process: DirectBooker curates insights from global hospitality experts and our network of industry insiders. Articles undergo rigorous fact-checking and quality review before publication, ensuring authentic, actionable advice for savvy travelers.