The nicer you are, the more you can get for free when traveling. At least that’s the word from a so-called “travel expert” who appeared on CNN earlier today.
The cable news network’s “expert” was on TV spewing his knowledge about the busy holiday travel season and took a question from a caller regarding hotel upgrades. The caller wanted to know how he could score an upgrade without having to beg, steal or pay.
The expert’s advice: Ask nicely.
Interesting concept.
Actually there’s a bit more to it than that. According to the expert, staying in a single room for just one night and arriving late when you don’t have a reservation can improve your chances of getting upgraded to a better room. Apparently, short stays and late arrivals allow staff to move guests around. What’s more, if you are staying at a hotel that is hosting a conference, wedding or other large event, you also have a good chance of scoring an upgrade. The reason, according to the expert, is that during big events most guests book smaller rooms, so if you come in unexpectedly asking for an upgrade—-nicely–management may be able to offer a larger suite as an alternative.
“Nicely” being the operative word.
According to CNN’s travel expert (who knows a few “insiders”), if a hotel is not filled to capacity and you come in with a pleasant attitude you may be rewarded with a room with a bigger bed, nicer view or other amenities. Playing nice, plus mentioning that you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or you simply need more space for work or medical reasons, may also land you in a suite versus a standard room.
Can being nice really pay off that much?
You might be surprised, according to the expert.
What do you think? Have you ever been turned down for an upgrade even when you were nice?
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