Secrets to Getting a Free Hotel Upgrade

Sept. 23, 2010— -- So you've chosen your hotel. You've made sure it has all the practical amenities you require: it's in the ideal location, and it has ambience and flair at just the right price. And you've done your homework -- surfed the Web for the best rates, maybe gotten an online discount or a weekend special, even picked up the phone and called the hotel yourself to make sure it offers what you need.

Now, you may think you're done, but there is one final step that is essential to ensuring that your stay is a pleasant one: you must get the best room in the joint.

Nothing is foolproof, but here are a few tips for landing the best available hotel room on your next trip.

There are ways to get upgrades and preferential treatment at a hotel just for being you. Join the hotel's rewards program and get credit for each of your stays; this is an easy way to earn upgrades, discounts and even free nights. You can also get these types of perks through your airline's mileage program, so ask which hotels participate.

Join a travel club for discounts, and seek out deals that could help you afford a better room than you might ordinarily choose. Try the Entertainment Book, which comes with a card that can save you money not only on hotels but also on dining, airfare and other travel-related benefits.

To find more helpful travel tips and money-saving deals, or to share your travel stories with fellow travelers, head over to our partner IndependentTraveler.com.

AAA membership is also good for hotel discounts. And don't forget to check out our discount hotel deals for discounts on accommodations around the world. Save a few pennies on the front end and use the savings to upgrade yourself to a better room!