Have you ever stayed at a hotel and wished you had a better room after peering through the door of another room or after seeing the price of your stay while checking out? Well, if you have ever been disappointed with your accommodations, and want to learn how to request an upgrade the next time you visit a hotel, here are some helpful tips for you.

Click here to

• Being polite and friendly is key to making relationships with hotel management and people behind the desk
• Try to make reservations over the phone versus on line. Spark up a personal conversation, perhaps let he or she know why you are visiting, something you love about the city you are visiting, ask about the weather, etc., anything to engage the person on the other end of the phone. Friendly conversation might make him or her more inclined to put you in a nice room
• If you are returning to a hotel you have stayed at before and remember the room you liked, request it. Not only will you be guaranteed a satisfactory room, but the receptionist will consider you a regular which could grant you some extra perks
• All hotels have a high season, typically summer, holidays, and weekends, which are always busier and more expensive, so if you have a flexible schedule, book your travel off season or mid week. Less competition will give you more of a chance to get upgraded
• Since "upgrades" mean something different to every traveler, know what you want before checking in. In some hotels, a view is more important than the size of the room, or the floor you are on means more than having a bigger bathroom
• When you check in, ask if they are offering any promotions or special rates that you might not be aware of. If you are traveling with kids, have them wait in the lobby while you check in, the less chaos the better
• If you are a frequent business traveler with a corporate rate, be sure to make them aware before requesting an additional discount or upgrade. Once they pull up your records and see the frequency in which you travel, the more likely they will accommodate you accordingly.

• Ask for what you want at check in -- not after you have already been taken up to your room, and if you are granted the upgrade you requested, be patient. Sometimes it takes an hour or so before your room is ready so be as easy going as possible. Get a drink at the bar, sit by the pool, or stroll the hotel grounds
• Whenever you have a pleasant experience at a hotel, always thank the general manager. Since they are so accustomed to hearing complaints, positive feedback is bound to get you remembered
• Remember to tip [0] when applicable: bar, valet, bellmen, etc.

Staying in a hotel is a great way to feel like you are on vacation, but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to be on one. Research your favorite local hotel, oftentimes they offer special rates for local residents on Sundays or during their slow season. Always remember to be polite as people behind the desk will be less likely to help people who are demanding and pushy. Safe travels!

Source [1]