There are several ways guests can upgrade their hotel rooms.
Getting the most from your travel experience in today’s uncertain environment requires planning, foresight, ingenuity, persistence and often prudent advice from experts, who almost always agree on one thing, “Don’t leave anything to chance.”
There are many moving parts when it comes to travel planning, each one of which is separate and distinct from the other. From securing a room upgrade to getting the most bang for your buck, these hospitality experts offer the following tips to ensure that your travels, either business or pleasure, are of the highest possible standards.
Establishing a rapport with the staff can result in room upgrades.
1) How to secure an upgrade on your hotel room:
George Cook, Director of Guest Services, Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest, Illinois
If you’re a repeat customer, consider doing something thoughtful for the staff: Whether it’s sending a thank you note after a memorable stay or bringing pastries to the front desk team when you arrive, these small gestures will be logged in your guest profile for present and future employees to see. If a time ever arises when you’re looking to secure a reservation or upgrade during an extremely busy booking period, you’ll have a much better chance of securing them (without any additional charges or fees) because of the relationship you’ve established with the on-site team.
Chris Harvey, Director of Operations, Charlestowne Hotels, Charleston, South Carolina
It never hurts to ask if there’s an upgrade available on the day of your arrival. If you’re traveling for a special occasion (and be honest) definitely share that with the reservations team or front desk team. For example, the HarbourView Inn team will ensure a dozen roses and bottle of sparkling wine are in the room upon arrival for any romantic celebrations. At The Spectator Hotel, your personal butler will reach out ahead of your visit to chat through special requests and ensure everything is taken care of pre-arrival. Just know that the smaller the hotel you’re staying in, the fewer opportunities there will be for an upgrade so don’t get disappointed if the staff is unable to upgrade your room.
Bellyard fosters community with thoughtful local elements.
2) To book or not to book. Does timing for hotel bookings really matter?
Brendan Abraham, General Manager, Bellyard Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia
Be sure to book in advance for the best rates. In most instances, hotels will increase their rates as they approach the two-week arrival. We also recommend asking about potential upgrades upon check-in, as you can normally receive a discounted upgrade if there’s availability for your length of stay.
Daniel Borkowski, Area Director of Revenue Management, InterContinental New York Barclay, New York City, New York
Timing does matter. The best time to book would be about six months out. As hotels price, they are likely to identify and anticipate slower dates further out and price them at a discount.
Look for hotels that offer a plethora of added experiences.
3) Hotel prices are going up. How to get the most bang for your buck:
Amaury Piedra, Managing Director, Caribe Royale Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida
Consider properties with added-value amenities. Look for hotels that offer a plethora of added experiences and amenities to provide you with the most bang for your buck. For instance, Caribe Royale Orlando includes scheduled transportation to the nearby Disney Theme Parks and Disney Springs – a great way to save on gas and parking. We also offer guests access to a wide array of on-site recreational offerings, including tennis and basketball courts, pool with 75-foot waterslide, hot tubs, bicycles and accessories for fishing at our catch-and-release pond, so there is always ample opportunities to relax and have fun.
Mandy Wilson, Director of Sales and Marketing, Crowne Plaza HY36, New York City, New York
Knowing your options is very important when it comes to travel. We have seasonal offers and packages incorporating special discounts which can lead to massive savings for parking, pet stays, food and beverage and more. We partner with local attractions to pass along discounts, so take advantage of property savings to experience all of NYC without breaking the bank.
Check Instagram to book a hotel room with a view.
4) Tips for booking the room with the best view:
Jonathan Stas, Marketing Manager, InterContinental New York Times Square, New York City, New York
For booking rooms with the best views, I recommend looking on the hotel’s social media pages – mainly Instagram – to see what the hotel has posted and what they have been tagged in. Many of our guests tend to take photos from the bay windows of our rooms with direct views of Times Square and post them on Instagram, tagging the hotel. From there we hear from prospective guests via DM inquiring for more information on the room and who they can reach out to in order to book it. We always lead them to call reservations or book on the hotel website, versus booking on OTAs, that way they can make sure they get their preferred room with a view.
Jennifer Strum, Director of Marketing, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Hollywood, Florida
Get personal. Place a call direct to a Hotel Reservations Agent. Share the experience that you are looking to have, such as romance, family or celebration, and ask what the best room is to meet your needs. Review guest room images on the hotel website and ask about availability.
Know the secrets of quality room service for hotels you visit.
5) Room Service. What to order and what to avoid:
Scott Gentile, Director of Sales & Marketing, Marriott Marquis Houston, Houston, Texas
Room Service is now almost all served in disposable containers versus the old-time cart with table linens and a flower. My suggestion is refrain from any foods that will wilt or soften from the kitchen to your room. For instance, French fries will likely get soggy in transport unless you request them extra crispy. I always go for a salad with a cold protein (verse a cold salad with a hot chicken breast) or a full hot meal like a pasta. Try to order cold food that is all cold or hot food that is all hot, avoiding fried foods.
