An upgrade is always exciting as it signifies something bigger and better. Few things could be more amazing than ending up with a hotel upgrade on your next vacation. Yet, the chances of landing one are slim. No hotel simply gives you a costlier room for the price of a lesser one. However, if you play it smart, you can end up with an amazing deal in the form of an unexpected hotel room upgrade or even extended stay in hotel rooms. Following are some of the tried and tested tips for upgrading your hotel on your next vacation.

Always vocalize complaints
If there is something wrong with your hotel room, such as a leaky tap or a strained bedspread, do make sure to report it to the front desk. The hotel will do its best to avoid a negative review and, in most cases, will upgrade you to compensate for their oversight. However, never make a fake complaint as this can backfire and is inappropriate.

Never book the cheapest room
As any smart traveler will tell you that if you book the cheapest room available, your chances of landing an upgrade are next to zero. Book a slightly costlier room so you automatically fall in a favorable light for an upgrade. The hotel is more likely to reward a generous guest who already paid for a costly room.

Mention the occasion
If there is a special occasion such as an anniversary, the night you are proposing, or a birthday, always make sure to mention it at the front desk. This is more than likely to get you an upgrade. Moreover, the hotel can also favorably offer complementary services or a delicious dessert to celebrate the occasion.

Ask for an upgrade
One of the simplest ways to get an upgrade is to simply ask for it. Just make sure you do so quietly and politely without being overheard by any other guests. Moreover, it is important to know whom to ask. Asking the front desk executive will not help. Instead, speak to the concierge, who actually has the power to get you an upgrade.

Check-in late
Most hotels offer check-in around noon. To increase your chances of landing an upgrade arrive later than the check-in time, preferably somewhere early in the evening. By that time, the hotel knows which rooms are likely to go empty and often do not mind upgrading a polite customer in the hopes of getting favorable reviews.

Book directly with the hotel
Booking directly with the hotel always puts you in a favorable light. If you book on travel sites, you save money, but the hotel ends up paying a commission on every booking. If you book directly with the hotel, you increase your chances of landing an upgrade or even an extended stay in hotel rooms.

Become a regular
Hotels are more likely to upgrade regular customers as compared to new guests. If you travel often to a particular area, do try to book in the same hotel every time. Make sure to tip the front desk and be friendly in your interactions to build a rapport. This is more than likely to earn you an upgrade on one of your next visits.

Dress well
Finally, this is the most overlooked point when it comes to landing an upgrade in a hotel or even in a flight. Appearances do matter. The hotel is more likely to upgrade a guest who is smartly dressed as opposed to one who’s not.