Las Vegas Travel Guide Gives Expert Advice on How To Swing Free Hotel Upgrades
I'm usually pretty thrifty when it comes to choosing travel accommodations. As long as it's in a convenient location with decent reviews and no big hygiene or bed bug issues, I'm not too picky. Still, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't like to stay somewhere fancy for a trip- I just prefer to spend my money on experiences.
But what about free hotel upgrades? If you don't use travel rewards cards, getting a gratis hotel room upgrade can be a long shot. However, Las Vegas guide Jennifer Gay has some solid advice about upping your upgrade chances at the front desk, sharing her how-to guide on May 6!
Jennifer (aka @vegasstarfish on TikTok) knows Sin City and its casino resorts like the back of her hand. Vegas hotels are always bustling, but if you're smart, savvy, and polite, you might just win yourself a free hotel room upgrade. Of course, this advice isn't limited to Las Vegas hotels- you can try these same tactics in the hopes of a free upgrade just about anywhere!
Jennifer shares a few caveats first: only check in with a front desk agent or by calling customer service, not checking in at a kiosk. The only way you're getting a free upgrade without a travel credit card is by asking a human. Booking through third-party travel sites will lower your chances, too, so book direct with the hotel when possible. You'll probably have better luck on weekday stays than weekend ones, too, as Las Vegas hotels are bustling during the weekend. Lastly, avoid peak travel season when trying to finesse for an upgrade- there probably won't be a lot of free hotel rooms.
Making the (Potential) Upgrade Happen
Now it's time to talk strategy. Jennifer recommends checking in very early or very late in the day to better your chances. From there, it's easy: politely ask if any room upgrades are available, being specific if you have something in mind. Don't forget to slide them a good tip- front desk employees can be tipped for their work, and a little bribery doesn't hurt here. The worst they can say is "no," and even if there are no free upgrades available, they might still be able to swing you an upgrade at a reduced rate!
Other Tips for Scoring Free Hotel Upgrades
As with airplane upgrades to first-class, there's no surefire way to score a free hotel upgrade. It all comes down to availability, hotel policy, and the service agent themselves. Still, you'd be surprised to see how far a good tip and a friendly smile can get you!
Sophia Mendel of LendingTree.com also has some savvy tips for increasing your room upgrade chances. Slow days, naturally, are ideal for upgrades, but she claims that your odds are even better if you're visiting for a special occasion like a milestone birthday or anniversary celebration.
Mendel also recommends joining a few low-to-no-charge hotel loyalty programs with your favorite hotel chains. Even if you're not a paying elite member, just the fact that you're in the rewards program can seriously boost your luck!
In the end, the only way you can be sure of getting the room you want is if you book the room from the beginning. Still, if you follow these tips, are generous and polite, and can take "no" for an answer, you could seriously up your odds by quite a lot! In a city renowned for its iconic casinos, this is one gamble that's perfectly risk-free!
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