Free upgrades are often offered at hotels and resorts for various reasons, such as a special occasion or booking through a certain channel. There are always conditions for the upgrade, and one of those is often “based on availability”. The upgrade offered is also usually to the next category up (not 2 or 3 steps up or to their highest room category). Sometimes the hotel or resort is able to honor the upgrade, and sometimes they are not. The most common reason for not being able to honor the upgrade is that there are no available rooms in the next room category.
Keep in mind that the higher category rooms, such as Presidential Suites or Oceanfront rooms, are limited in number and are often the quickest to sell out. These rooms are highly sought after, and sometimes they are booked more than a year in advance due to their popularity. Also, hotels are frequently fully occupied during peak travel times. Although, the hotel may want to provide an upgrade, the upgraded rooms may all be sold out, making it impossible for them to do so.
Our agency also belongs to a consortium (an association of agencies that have banded together for buying power). This consortium allows us to offer various perks to our clients who book certain properties. Once again, the free upgrade is often part of the special amenities offered, but it’s based on availability. Yes, our clients are frequently upgraded, but there are also times, when the upgraded rooms are full, so the upgrade cannot be offered when the client checks in.
Lastly, upgrades may be offered for special occasions such as a honeymoon, wedding, or anniversary. For these types of upgrades, the hotel or resort may ask for proof of the recent marriage or the anniversary. Be sure to bring a copy of your marriage license or wedding invitation so that they can verify the special occasion. Although other amenities may be guaranteed (such as a bottle of sparking wine or breakfast in bed), the room upgrade is almost always based on availability.
Counting on a free upgrade at a popular resort during a peek travel time can result in the upgrade not being available and the travelers having to stay in a room that is a lower category than they are happy with. Our best advice for travelers seeking a free upgrade is to book the room category they want. That way they won’t be disappointed if an upgrade is not available.
Fun ‘n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client’s dream vacation, destination wedding, or honeymoon at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, or visit us on the web for more information.