HOW TO GET A free HOTEL ROOM UPGRADE (BONUS FREEbie: HOTEL room UPGRADE EMAIL TEMPLATE)
View of the Eiffel Tower from our room at the Hyatt Regency Etoile in Paris
How to Get a Free Hotel Room Upgrade
Wondering how to get a free hotel room upgrade? Before almost every hotel stay, I email the hotel and politely ask whether a complimentary room upgrade is available. This simple hotel upgrade email has helped us receive suites, rooms with better views and special amenities during our travels.
I first shared my hotel room upgrade email template on Instagram almost ten years ago. Since then, many of my readers have used it successfully, so I’m sharing the exact email template below for you to copy and personalize.
Views of Big Ben from the London County Hall
FIVE TIPS FOR requesting a hotel room UPGRADE
A week before our trip I will email the hotel. You want to email a decision maker. Search the hotel website, Instagram/Twitter page or Expedia/Booking.com reviews (often times a manager will respond with their name)
What to include:
Tell them the reason for your trip. Are you celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Girls Trip? First trip to their city? Let them know!
Show excitement about the upcoming stay. Tell them why you chose their hotel.
Be specific about what you want. A room with a view, an upgrade to a suite or cake and champagne in the room for that special celebration. We’ve gotten all three in our travels.
Include your reservation dates and confirmation number, you don’t want them to do any work.
If you have elite status with the hotel, include that too.
Want to use points for your next hotel stay? Read my Beginner’s Guide to Traveling with Points
free HOTEL room upgrade EMAIL TEMPLATE
EMAIL SUBJECT: Upcoming Reservation (insert last name on reservation)
Good morning,
My spouse (insert travel partner) and I will be staying with you on (insert date ranges). This will be our third visit to Paris (insert if it's your 1st trip or repeat trip) and second trip to your hotel (insert if this will be a repeat stay).
We are celebrating (insert occasion*) on this trip and would like to request (insert specifics*) a complimentary upgrade to a room with a view if one is available.
Rewards Number: (If you have hotel status, put your reward number here)
Reservation Dates: (Insert dates here)
Confirmation Number: (Insert number here)
Anything you can do to make our stay extra special would be much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday! (insert day of check-in)
What Affects Your Chances of Getting a Hotel Upgrade?
Upgrades are always based on availability. Your chances for getting upgraded improve based on the season you’re traveling and the number of people in your party. Other factors include:
Length of stay
Occupancy levels
How many guests staying with top hotel loyalty status
How many are in your party (I have found that many suites only have one bed, if I’m traveling with kids, I’ll request a room with view vs a suite)
When Should You Email a Hotel for an Upgrade?
I have had the most luck by emailing the hotel a week before my stay, then again 2 days before check-in versus requesting an upgrade at check-in (which almost never happens without having hotel status).
How to Find the Hotel’s Email Address
If you’re having a hard time finding the hotel manager email address, try:
Searching on Instagram (use the mail tab to request email)
LinkedIn (search for hotel name + manager)
Twitter (send a DM and let them know you’d like to make a special request and if they would provide you with the proper email address)
let the hotel know if you’re celebrating a special occasion
Reasons for travel can include celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, first time visiting city, first trip without kids, etc.
Upgrade requests can include upgrade to a suite, upgrade to a room with a view, special dessert/champagne in the room. I always look to see what rooms are available for booking with cash prior to sending my email so that I can request a specific room.
Can You Get a Free Hotel Upgrade Without Elite Status?
Yes, it is possible to receive a complimentary hotel room upgrade without elite status, although upgrades are never guaranteed. Hotel availability, occupancy, the length of your stay and the type of room you request may all affect your chances. Being friendly, specific and flexible can help, even if you’re simply requesting a higher floor or a room with a better view.
did you get a free hotel room upgrade?
If you use my email upgrade template and have success, please share with me on Instagram. I love to hear your success stories!