We've said repeatedly that you can often get a better hotel deal simply by asking for it—nicely, of course. (See step 4 in Score a Cheaper Hotel Room and no. 3 in our 20 Recession Travel Rules.)
An article in today's USA Today highlights how freely hotels are giving away upgrades these days, in a climate when so many hotel rooms remain empty. What caught our attention were the statistics that show just how badly the hotel industry is hurting.
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.
While a 6% drop in one year sounds big, consider that many of these hotels were enjoying 95% occupancy only three or four years ago. What this means for travelers, of course, is that we have more leverage than ever. So smile. Be polite. And do ask for that upgrade.
February 3. 2009 23:21
Thanks for the tip, but -- when and how? Do I ask when booking the room, or when checking in? Do I tell a sweet story about our kid keeping us up all night the last time we stayed at a hotel, or maybe just get her to flash a sparkly smile at the desk clerk? Those of us not in the habit of traveling and/or asking for things need specifics! Thanks!
Kristi
February 4. 2009 16:08
Kristi--I ALWAYS ask for an upgrade and receive it almost every time. I ask very nicely from the check-in clerk: "we are here on a special occasion, if there is anything you can possibly do to help get one of your nicer rooms, I would greatly appreciate it". You are telling the "truth"....after all, it is a "special occasion" you are on a vacation! I have even tipped $10 or $20 for xtra special upgrades and they are seldom refused.
keith
February 7. 2009 21:46
Hi Kristi! Keith has exactly the right idea. The time to ask is at check-in. The desk clerk will know how many free rooms are available. If there are enough unoccupied rooms, he or she will feel comfortable giving an upgrade. And as Keith says, it can't hurt to let the staff know it's a special occasion. Go for it!
Suzanne (Editor)
February 8. 2009 00:33
Thanks, Keith and Suzanne,
We'll be giving it a try on our upcoming trips!
That's exactly the detail I needed!
Kristi