At Booking.com, there are three levels of loyalty perks. Genius Level 1 offers instant 10 per cent discounts for certain hotels, Genius Level 2 increases that discount to 15 per cent and throws in free breakfasts and potential upgrades on select stays, and Genius Level 3 pushes the discount to 20 per cent and increases the likelihood of upgrades. “It says you get free room upgrades from level 2, but I’ve certainly noticed a lot more of them since I reached level 3,” Katy tells us.
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Use a credit card when booking hotels
“If you’re not a super frequent traveller or you don’t have elite status at hotels or booking sites, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck,” Tanner says. “Depending on how you book, you can also have a shot at getting an upgrade. If you have the right American Express card, booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts is a great way to get potential room upgrades at many luxury hotels, along with other perks like free breakfast, a credit to use on dining or the spa, plus guaranteed late check out.”
American Express card members get access to a whole bunch of perks when travelling. Platinum card holders can get free room upgrades at Fine Hotels + Resorts properties when booking on Amex Travel, and other benefits include access to airport lounges and 20 per cent off certain airline fees, for example.
“My husband travels a lot for work and can collect Avios points through his American Express card. In the past, we have qualified for premium flights with companion vouchers and have booked flights to a long haul destination travelling in economy one way and business class return (often to ensure a better sleep before going back to work),” says Lauren Burvill, Traveller’s commerce editor. “It’s happened a couple of times where we’ve found out these flights have been upgraded when we get to the airport, with the economy leg often getting bumped up to premium or business class. It makes the journey so much more enjoyable, and if there’s a chance of being upgraded at the hotel, too, then even better.”
Ask nicely
You’d be surprised at how many hotel guests can be quite unfriendly after a long flight or unexpected delays to their journey. Being courteous and kind always goes a long way, but never more so than when you’re hoping for a free upgrade. “Being nice and making the time to have a good conversation with the reservationist to build a great relationship from the outset,” advises Neil. “A good team member will remember your conversation and will always do the best for you on the day if they can.’
Tanner agrees. “If all else fails, you can always simply ask about upgrades when you’re checking in. If something’s available, a little kindness and a smile might get you an upgrade, or a hotel may offer you a paid upgrade at a discount if you just ask,” he tells us. “I’ll never forget being offered a $100 (£78.95) upgrade at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City before it closed — and that $100 moved me from an entry-level room to a massive, multi-room corner suite easily worth quadruple my original room rate.”
