A little luck, an available suite, and you could be traveling in style
— -- Why check into a basic hotel room when you might be able to upgrade for free?
In today's economy, many hotels are upgrading customers into more expensive rooms at no charge as pricier rooms sit empty. Usually, upgrades are based on availability and granted by a desk clerk at check-in time.
Hoteliers hope to make guests who appear in bad times extra happy so they'll return — and maybe pay for an upgraded room — in better times.
U.S. hotels are expected to fill just 57.2% of hotel rooms this year — almost 6% fewer than last year, says Robert Mandelbaum, research director at PKF Hospitality Research. It would be the lowest level in 20 years, he says.
"Hotels are empty and desperate," he says. "The consumer definitely has the leverage."
As a frequent Hilton customer, Jim Bush of Charleston, S.C., sometimes receives free upgrades. But even he was shocked at the penthouse suite he was given at the Los Angeles airport Hilton, with its sweeping runway views, a kitchen, a table for 10 and two bedrooms. His one disappointment? Not having a camera to prove his luck.
"I was there for only about seven hours, but it was the nicest thing," he says.
Some hotels are still restricting who gets a free upgrade.
The 114-room Vero Beach Hotel and Spa in Florida, a Kimpton boutique hotel, is reserving free upgrades for Kimpton's top corporate clients, members of the chain's loyalty program and people who buy packages, says Marc Scherer, the general manager.
Others are more willing to grant them to even ordinary, infrequent travelers.
"In times like these, everybody's chances of an upgrade increase dramatically," says Robert Habeeb, president of First Hospitality Group, a Chicago firm that owns or runs 38 hotels, mainly Marriott and Hilton brands.
Travelers can even find free upgrades in the Big Apple. Dan Piotrowski, the Omni Berkshire's general manager, says his hotel is upgrading loyal customers after several years of not being able to due to sold-out conditions.
