Contact the Manager

Hello,

Is it ever advisable to contact the hotel in advance either via email or by phone to request an upgrade or is it best to do it upon arrival and what is the best way to handle it?

By mentioning your profession, if it relates in any way to the travel industry, ever suggested. If so, what is the appropriate way to relay that information.
I happen to know we are traveling during their low season so the likely hood that there will be other rooms available for upgrades is probably high.

Any information you can provide would be helpful.

Thank you,
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

Yes, it is very advisable to call or email the General Manager of the hotel in advance of your arrival to request an upgrade. Just the other day one reader emailed me saying that he did this for an upcoming trip to Hawaii and scored a great suite.

You can mention any affiliation within the travel industry; however, this line has been overused to the point that many travel providers have become dubious when hearing this.

I think you’ll do better by stressing your loyalty or future loyalty—that is something that travel providers like to hear. By the way, traveling in the low-season is a great way to get a nice upgrade.

Have a nice trip.
Joel