Room upgrades and hotel perks can make your stay much more enjoyable, from a bigger room to free breakfast or late checkout. While upgrades aren’t guaranteed, there are things you can do to increase your chances of getting them.

Here’s how to get room upgrades and perks at hotels.

Step 1: Join Hotel Loyalty Programs

The best way to get upgrades and perks is to join hotel loyalty programs. Higher-tier members often get automatic upgrades, free breakfast, late checkout, and other perks.

Top Hotel Loyalty Programs:

• Marriott Bonvoy
• Hilton Honors
• World of Hyatt
• IHG One Rewards
• Wyndham Rewards

Step 2: Use a Hotel Co-Branded Credit Card

Hotel co-branded credit cards often come with automatic elite status, free night certificates, and other perks. Some cards even give you top-tier elite status.

Top Hotel Credit Cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• World of Hyatt Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Step 3: Book Directly with the Hotel

Booking directly with the hotel (instead of a third-party site) makes it easier to get upgrades and perks, especially if you’re a loyalty program member.

Step 4: Ask Nicely (and Politely)

Sometimes all you have to do is ask! When you check in, politely ask if a room upgrade is available. Being friendly and polite can go a long way.

Step 5: Stay During Off-Peak Times

Hotels are more likely to have upgrades available during off-peak times (weekdays, non-holidays) when they have more empty rooms.

Step 6: Celebrate a Special Occasion

If you’re celebrating a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, honeymoon), mention it when you book or check in—hotels may give you a small perk or upgrade.

How to Get Upgrades & Perks	Why It Works
Join Loyalty Programs	Gets you automatic perks and higher upgrade priority
Use Hotel Credit Cards	Gives you elite status and free night certificates
Book Directly	Makes it easier to get loyalty perks
Ask Nicely	Sometimes just asking works!
Stay Off-Peak	More empty rooms mean more upgrade availability
Mention Special Occasion	Hotels may give you a perk to celebrate

Common Perks to Ask For

• Room upgrade
• Free breakfast
• Late checkout
• Early check-in
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• Welcome amenity (fruit, wine, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a top-tier member to get an upgrade?

No—even lower-tier members can get upgrades, especially during off-peak times. Higher-tier members just have higher priority.

When is the best time to ask for an upgrade?

Ask at check-in, but you can also mention it in the special requests section when you book.

What should I do if I don’t get an upgrade?

Don’t worry—just enjoy your stay! You can always ask about other perks, like late checkout or free breakfast.

Can I get an upgrade if I book through a third-party site?

It’s possible, but less likely—booking directly with the hotel gives you a better chance.

Final Thoughts

Getting room upgrades and hotel perks makes your stay more enjoyable, and it’s easier than you might think. By joining loyalty programs, using hotel credit cards, booking directly, and asking nicely, you can increase your chances of getting a great upgrade or perk on your next stay.