Hotel room upgrade question (not Disney related)

[MichelleC]

I'm going away to a Hyatt for the weekend. I don't know anything about this sort of thing, but does anyone ever ask for a room upgrade (free) upon checking in? Is this sort of thing "done"?

(BTW, it's in a city that is very popular and expensive in the warm months and we're going on a "Winter Weekend" package. So, I don't expect it to be fully booked)

Thanks!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

My only response is 'it never hurts to ask'. I think if asked nicely and they have availables, you may get something.

 

[MichelleC]

Thx, Dan!

 

[ByTheSea]

Never hurts to ask. I think it helps if you are a member of their frequent traveler club, even if you don't travel all that frequently. I believe Hyatt is called "Gold Passport" - you should be able to sign up on their website.

I travel frequently, so check into hotels well over 40 times a year, I would guess I get upgraded about one third the times I ask, but I don't always ask when I'm by myself and only there to sleep.

 

[MichelleC]

Thanks!

So, what do I say when asking?

BTW, my friend and I are dropping some good bucks there on their weekend spa package.

 

[ByTheSea]

Be friendly with the person checking you in...

Ask/verify what kind of room you have... something like:

"You have me down for a King non-smoking right?" like that...

then I will sometimes add "any chance of getting an upgrade?" or when I know the hotel, and the standard rooms do NOT have fridges, I'll just ask "is it possible to get a room with a refrigerator?"...

or whatever it is you want, a view? near the pool? quiet? balconey? Just ask for it. I am fairly shy when it comes to asking for things but it's pretty easy just to add "say, does that room have a balconey?"

Look happy, be pleasant, if they are really busy act very patient, if you had to wait a long time, don't complain, just smile and offer empathy...

Good luck

 

[pollyanna]

Last summer we stayed at the VERY pricy Windham in New Orleans's French Quarter. Half of the rooms face the curve in the river and the Quarter-the rest look out at the city. The cost difference between the 2 sides is doubled. We got the special summer rate for the cheapie room...but none were ready when we checked in (early)...so i nicely asked if they could give me a room facing the "view" and they agreed!It was the first time I ever asked for an upgrade and I got it.