How to Get a Free Hotel Upgrade (Even Without Status)
Who doesn’t love a free upgrade? Whether it’s a bigger room, a suite, or lounge access, getting upgraded at a hotel can make your stay feel extra special—without paying extra. And while elite status can definitely help, you don’t need to be a top-tier loyalty member to score a better room.
Over the years, I’ve had success getting upgrades at hotels ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly chains—sometimes with status, sometimes without. Recently, I reached out to both the W Costa Rica (Marriott) and Grand Hyatt Kauai before my stays, and both hotels were willing to make notes on my reservation, and one even threw in a special birthday treat for my husband.
So, what’s the best way to get a free upgrade? Here’s what works.
1. Ask Nicely (& Know When to Ask)
Sometimes, getting an upgrade is as simple as asking the right person at the right time. But how and when you ask can make all the difference.
✅ Best times to ask:
A few days before check-in – A quick email to the hotel can put you on their radar. (See my [email examples] below!)
At check-in – If they haven’t assigned your room yet, they might be able to move things around.
✅ What to say:
Mention if you’re celebrating something special (birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, first visit).
If the hotel isn’t fully booked, politely ask:
“Would there happen to be any complimentary upgrades available?”Be flexible! If you’re open to changing rooms mid-stay, let them know.
💡 Example: When I emailed the W Costa Rica before our stay, I let them know we were celebrating my husband’s birthday. They noted my request and even offered a complimentary cake or sparkling wine!
2. Book During Off-Peak Times
Hotels are way more likely to upgrade you when they have extra rooms available. Try:
Midweek stays – Hotels tend to be busier on weekends.
Off-season travel – Avoid peak holidays and major events.
Checking availability – If premium rooms are still available right before your stay, your chances increase.
Pro tip: Some hotels will upgrade you to a better room if they need to free up standard rooms for last-minute bookings!
3. Join the Hotel’s Loyalty Program (Even at the Basic Level)
You don’t have to be a high-tier elite to get perks. Many hotels prioritize any loyalty member over a non-member.
For Hyatt stays – Having a Hyatt credit card can boost your chances of getting a free upgrade.
For Marriott stays – Even a basic Marriott Bonvoy membership can help, but elite status with a co-branded credit card gives you even better perks. See my favorite Marriott credit cards.
💡 Example: At the Grand Hyatt Kauai, I have Explorist status through my Hyatt credit card, which likely helped my request for a room upgrade!
4. Use Special Requests to Your Advantage
If you’re requesting a higher floor, a corner room, or a quieter location, you may end up with an unofficial upgrade simply because of availability.
Many hotels consider these “soft upgrades” and prioritize loyalty members when assigning better rooms.
If the hotel is at low occupancy, they may move you to a better category just to accommodate your request.
💡 Example: At check-in, I always ask for a high floor with a view—sometimes, that alone gets me a better room!
5. Mention Any Issues (Nicely!)
If your assigned room has a maintenance issue, noisy location, or a less-than-great view, politely bring it up to the front desk.
Instead of complaining, phrase it as:
“Would it be possible to move to a different room?”If there’s availability, you might just land a free upgrade!
6. Use Credit Cards That Offer Hotel Perks
Some travel credit cards come with automatic hotel status, making upgrades much easier.
Hyatt perks: Certain credit cards give you automatic Discoverist status, which can unlock room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points.
Marriott perks: Some Marriott credit cards come with Gold or Platinum Elite status, which increases upgrade chances.
7. Email the Hotel in Advance (If You’re Feeling Bold)
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, it’s worth sending a friendly email to the hotel before arrival.
Template from the exact emails I wrote:
Hotel Upgrade Request Email Template
Subject: Excited for Our Stay – Special Request
Hi [Hotel Name] Team,
I hope you’re having a great day! My family and I are really looking forward to our upcoming stay at [Hotel Name] from [Check-in Date] to [Check-out Date]. This will be our [first, second, etc] time visiting [destination], and we’re especially excited because we’re celebrating [special occasion, if applicable]!
I wanted to reach out to see if there’s any availability for a complimentary upgrade during our stay. We have [number of rooms] rooms reserved under [Loyalty Program Name & Status Level, if applicable], and if possible, we’d love to be considered for an upgrade to [specific room type]. If that’s not available, we’d really appreciate being placed in connecting rooms so we can stay close together.
I completely understand that upgrades are based on availability, but if you’re able to note our reservation for consideration, we would be so grateful. Either way, we’re just excited to experience [Hotel Name] and all it has to offer!
Thanks so much for your time—I appreciate it and can’t wait for our stay!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Hotel Loyalty Program Number]
[Confirmation Number(s)]
Points to remember:
Mention your occasion (birthday, honeymoon, first visit).
Express excitement about your stay.
Politely ask if they can enhance your visit in any way.
💡 Example: Before my stay at W Costa Rica, I emailed the hotel to mention my husband’s birthday and our excitement about visiting. They noted my request and even offered a complimentary treat!
Final Thoughts
There’s no guarantee you’ll get a hotel upgrade, but a little strategy goes a long way. Whether it’s timing, loyalty programs, or just asking nicely, you can significantly increase your chances of scoring a better hotel experience—without paying extra.
➡️ Want to maximize your hotel stays? Check out:
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