When traveling, most guests desire a luxurious experience without the high cost. A complimentary room upgrade is seen as a stroke of luck, making a vacation more memorable. While not 100% guaranteed, several key factors can significantly increase a traveler's chances of receiving an upgrade.

Checking in late can sometimes make a significant difference. After 16:00, most guests have already checked in, allowing the hotel to clearly ascertain the actual number of vacant rooms. Prior to this time, hotels often prioritize premium rooms for walk-in guests, those making last-minute bookings, or individuals extending their stay.

Hotels are also more aware of last-minute cancellations and may infer that guests who have not arrived by 16:00 are no-shows. Therefore, if you plan to arrive late, you should call ahead to inform the hotel of your estimated arrival time to prevent an unintended cancellation of your reservation.

Check-in time can help guests secure a more premium room. Photo: Skytouch

The likelihood of receiving a room upgrade further increases if you arrive after 18:00. By this time, it is often too late for hotels to sell vacant rooms for the day. However, travelers should not arrive excessively late, as staff authorized to approve upgrades may have already finished their shifts.

Ultimately, whether you are requesting an upgrade or simply completing a standard check-in, a polite attitude is always key. Staff will never grant special favors for demanding requests.

Several additional tips can enhance your chances of receiving perks during check-in: utilize the hotel's loyalty program; use a co-branded hotel credit card or a points card for hotel and travel rewards. Furthermore, booking your stay during shoulder or off-peak seasons can also increase your opportunities for a room upgrade. If you are traveling for a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary or birthday, proactively mention this to the hotel.

Tam Anh (according to Islands)