Should I tip for room upgrade?

How much should I tip the front desk for an upgrade? A $20 tip is the norm, but some of our users prefer to live large. Take a look at our 'best of' section to see what our users say to get some idea of what works at which hotels.



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Room service: If the hotel hasn't already added a gratuity, tip this person the same way you would a server or bartender in the restaurant downstairs: 15% to 20%.

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Be Friendly – And Chatty! For the best chance at snagging a complimentary upgrade, overshare with the concierge: If you're visiting a hotel to celebrate a special event or occasion, share that with the front desk team ahead of your arrival. If you come to the hotel every year for that occasion, mention that, too!

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Slip a $20 bill between your ID and credit card and ask clerk if there are any complimentary upgrades available. There must be more to it than that, you're thinking. But nope – it's that easy. They will start typing on their keyboard and will do their best to give you a complimentary upgrade because they want the tip!

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When you go to the front desk to check into a hotel, they will ask for a credit card, driver's license or passport. Slip a $20 bill between your ID and credit card and ask clerk if there are any complimentary upgrades available. There must be more to it than that, you're thinking. But nope – it's that easy.

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Be willing to (politely) ask Asking at check-in is one of the most obvious yet effective strategies for getting that free upgrade. Generally, hotels upgrade your booking based on status before arrival, but for one reason or another, it can get overlooked.

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The best time to ask is at check-in. Ask the hotel staff if they can give you a free room upgrade and provide them with a context or reason for your request. As previously mentioned, it may help to bring up a special occasion. It also helps to ask for a specific upgrade.

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The basics: Getting free hotel upgrades You may get an upgrade because the type of room you booked is unavailable or there's an issue with your room and the hotel staff want to go out of their way to make things right. If you don't luck into an upgrade, you may be able to sweet-talk your way into one.

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Tipping for room service is expected in destinations where tipping is customary and when a room service charge has not already been added to the bill.

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According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), guests should tip housekeeping anywhere between $1 to $5 per night for a mid-range or business hotel. For luxury hotels where the staff offers daily cleaning services and nightly turndown services, guests should leave a little more.

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When it comes to tipping for hotel room service, you'll need to consider the where, how, and how much. According to American Hotel & Lodging Association, the organization recommends tipping between 15-20% if a service charge isn't already included with the bill.

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Room service: If the hotel hasn't already added a gratuity, tip this person the same way you would a server or bartender in the restaurant downstairs: 15% to 20%.

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Sign up for a Hotels.com account for Secret Prices The discount varies, but you'll see the savings denoted in your search results with a tag that states Secret Price. Plus, once you've earned 10 stamps with the Hotels.com rewards program, you can redeem them for a free night.

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How to Get Upgraded on Your Honeymoon Flight. (We Did!)
  1. Dress up. First class and business class are fancy (well, duh!) ...
  2. Get there early. We arrived early for our flight, so we knew we'd be some of the first people to request an upgrade. ...
  3. Ask the ticket counter nicely. ...
  4. Ask again at the gate.


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You may get an upgrade because the type of room you booked is unavailable or there's an issue with your room and the hotel staff want to go out of their way to make things right. If you don't luck into an upgrade, you may be able to sweet-talk your way into one.

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In rare circumstances, a flight may be oversold in the economy cabin, but there could be some space in first or business class. In that case, some very lucky passengers might be bumped up to first or business class for free in what's known as an operational upgrade.

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Think casual workday chic. Dirty sneakers, flip flops, leggings, old shirts, jeans, and other comfy but generally too casual clothes will probably keep you in your economy seat, while a classic turtleneck, wrinkle-resistant trousers, and knit loafers might just do the trick.

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