Arriving at the hotel check-in counter to find you’ve been upgraded to a lavish suite is what vacation dreams are made of, and according to luxury travel blogger Jessie Moore (@PocketWanderings), this could actually become a reality in some situations. Jessie manages the blog and the Instagram account Pocket wanderingswhere she documents her jet-setting lifestyle around the world and shares her best tips and tricks for taking your travel experiences to the next level.
If you’re going away for a special occasion, Jessie says letting your hotel know about it could benefit you. She said: “If you’re celebrating a special occasion, be sure to let them know. There will often be the option to add a booking note at the time of booking, so you can do this in more subtle ways than email them directly.”
And while lying at your hotel isn’t recommended, Jessie says you can extend the celebrations.
“I would also use a bit of creative license here,” she told Express.co.uk. “Perhaps you are traveling the week after your birthday. Although not a birthday trip per se, you could easily make one!”
Even if you have no particular reason to travel, booking directly with the hotel can still pay off. They are much more likely to reward those who did not opt for cheap third-party offers.
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Jessie said: “You’re more likely to get an upgrade if you book directly with the hotel. While there are advantages to booking with a third-party site, you won’t be prioritized for an upgrade. .”
Nicky Kelvin, manager of The Points Guy UK, says it’s the best way to get discounted rates and protect your booking.
He told Express.co.uk: “Online travel agencies make it easy to find a wide variety of airfares and hotel options, but what you get in convenience you lose in benefits and protections. If you need to make changes, it’s much easier to deal directly with a property.”
Room upgrades are always subject to availability, and chances are that if there is a guest with a higher status, it will be them who will receive a free upgrade.
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But that doesn’t mean you can’t become a top customer yourself. Jessie explained, “If you have a favorite hotel chain, check to see if they have a loyalty program. This is another great way to improve your chances of being upgraded.”
While smaller boutique hotels are unlikely to have loyalty programs, big global players such as Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt all offer their own enhanced rewards programs ideal for frequent travelers.
“Some credit cards like the American Express Platinum Card actually enjoy elite status in several hotel groups,” Nicky added.
If you have a penchant for boutique hotels, there’s always a chance that your loyalty to a place will pay off. Jessie explained: “Even though they don’t have a loyalty program, make sure you use the same email every time you book and your loyalty might net you a freebie.”
Best Hotel Rewards Programs 2022
Specialists of The Deluxe Editor have put together their top five recommendations for travelers looking to join a global hotel rewards program.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott offers six tiers of benefits to Marriot Bonvoy members who spend at the brand’s hotel chains or through their partner credit cards, car rentals or flights.
There’s a dedicated app for members to track their earnings, and members can also bid on elite experiences, including dinners with Michelin-starred chefs and wellness retreats, through the Moments program.
IHG Awards
With 5,2000 hotels across nine brands, IHG offers its members the opportunity to earn points around the world. The Rewards Club is made up of four tiers that promise members exclusive rates and free Wi-Fi at all of its global properties.
Members can also combine points and cash to access unique rewards.
Accor: Accor ALL
Accor customers can benefit from discounts through the brand’s ALL lifestyle program.
This includes benefits at over 3,000 hotels and can result in savings of up to 40% on top of promotional offers. Points are earned through leisure and business spend, including those who check into Accor coworking spaces.
Hyatt: the world of Hyatts
Hyatt members can enjoy up to 15% off room rates, free nights, free parking, room upgrades and club access. Members can achieve four different levels and will be rewarded for each milestone achieved.
Hilton: Hilton honors
With hotels around the world, Hilton’s lucrative program allows members to upgrade from bronze to diamond, earn points and enjoy special offers as they go. For the equivalent of every $1 (£1) spent, hotel guests earn 10 points.
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