OT-how to ask for upgrade?

[joandegennaro]

We are headed down to Niagara Falls for our 20th Anniversary and were wondering about those of you who often get upgraded. Do you just ask for one? Do you say your there for a special occasion? Any advice is appreciated. Would be happy with room we reserved but an up-grade for this special occasion would also be nice.

TIA

 

[Gigi22]

Do you already have a reservation at a hotel? If so, make sure you let the hotel know of your special occasion in advance.
It is usually easier to get an upgrade at a chain hotel if you belong to their frequent guest program, and you often stay at those hotels identifying yourself as a program member. Some frequent guest programs give you free upgrade coupons as a part of their annual membership package--there is very often a minimum stay requirement to qualify for the upgrade.
When you get to check-in at the hotel, see how it goes. Don't act entitled in any way. Be polite. They will tell you if they are going to upgrade you. If it appears that you will not be given a free upgrade, you can still opt to pay for one. There are tactful ways to find out what can be done--I usually inquire, "Is the hotel full tonight?" If they are full, you won't be able to get an upgrade. If they are not full, you can ask to pay for an upgraded room. They will usually pull out a rates sheet to give you upgrade prices, and you can decide if a paid upgrade is what you want.

 

[Sue M]

I don't ask for an upgrade unless I'm willing to pay for one. But if it's a special occasion, I'll mention it when I book. We went to Victoria for a weekend on an Anniversary and was upgraded to a suite by the hotel. It was a nice surprise.

 

[Tower]

I don't ask for an upgrade unless I'm willing to pay for one. But if it's a special occasion, I'll mention it when I book. We went to Victoria for a weekend on an Anniversary and was upgraded to a suite by the hotel. It was a nice surprise.

That's happened in the past, and because we've had that I tend to mention on the phone that we're on our 'honeymoon'. I once mentioned that for Chateau Lake Louise, we had a bottle of champagne on ice waiting for us in the room.

 

[snickerboo]

One of the only times we got upgraded was totally by chance. We had booked on priceline and the lobby was full of kids and I mentioned to dh that it was a shame there were so many kids because we were trying to ahve aromantic getaway from our own kids. Next thing I knew we were upgraded to a jacuzzi suite, without asking or mentioning anything.

I think your best bet is to call the hotel and ask if they have any special romance packages or specifics about restaurants in the area 'because it's our 20th anniversary and I want it to be special'. Make sure you're talking to the front desk at the hotel, too, and not a call center for ressies.

Good luck & Happy Anniversary!

 

[ferris198]

That's happened in the past, and because we've had that I tend to mention on the phone that we're on our 'honeymoon'. I once mentioned that for Chateau Lake Louise, we had a bottle of champagne on ice waiting for us in the room.

How many 'Honeymoons' have you been on ?