Insider Perks Savvy Travelers Ask For

I still catch myself every time the receptionist frowns at my “Is any room upgrade available?” It’s wild how these little requests—if you drop them right after awkward weather small talk—can turn a boring stay into a decent one. Forget loyalty programs. It’s about knowing what to ask for, and honestly, being just bold enough without being a jerk.

Late Check-Out and Early Check-In

“Oh, there’s been a last-minute change—any chance for early check-in?” That line works half the time, maybe less in big cities. Sometimes they’ll stash your bags, let you hit the lobby coffee, or shower in the gym. Late check-out is trickier. Hotels fill up, cleaning gets weird, and nobody wants to shift the whole schedule for one guest, but mention a “long-haul flight” and suddenly staff are more flexible.

Some chains post official late check-out times—Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite gives you until 2 p.m., Hyatt’s Globalist too, but I’ve squeezed out an extra hour just by being nice. Do I check the policy? Never. After noon, odds drop. Checking in later sometimes helps—availability is clearer at 4 p.m. than noon.
Sometimes they’ll try to charge you. If you’re a loyalty member or look sufficiently frazzled, they might waive it. No promises, but no harm in asking.

Corner Rooms and High Floors

Corner rooms. Never once listed as a real option when you book, right? It’s always this sneaky, slightly desperate request you blurt out at check-in, hoping you sound casual and not like a total dork. I only started asking because someone I barely know at an airport Marriott wouldn’t shut up about how much better they are—brighter, less hallway noise, sometimes even two windows. The booking sites? Forget it. They act like corner rooms don’t even exist, but the front desk? They always know. Sometimes the new hires just stare at you, but if you get a veteran, especially at some random indie hotel, they’ll often slip you into a weird-shaped room that’s about to go unused anyway.

High floors are a must. I’ve spent enough nights next to the third-floor HVAC or rolling laundry carts to know you want to get up—city noise drops off, the view’s less brick-wall, and, oh yeah, you’re not waking up to the trash truck at dawn. I keep meaning to just say “Anything above eight, please?”—weirdly, that’s worked more often than not, unless there’s some VIP hoarding the penthouse. People in the know will sometimes ask for “end of hall” or “not near the elevators.” Pair that with a half-decent smile and, seriously, you’ll probably get a little more peace and quiet.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

Free breakfast. Everyone talks about it like it’s a given, but nobody ever tells you how to actually get it. I just ask, awkwardly: “Is there any chance there’s a free breakfast or snacks tonight?” You’d be amazed—sometimes the desk person suddenly remembers there’s a “manager’s reception” with sad sandwiches and weak drinks later. This happens a lot at places like Embassy Suites or Kimpton, but I’ve had it at random hotels too. “Afternoon tea” is a thing, but you’ll never see it on the website. One time? I got cookies and a glass of red wine at the end of a brutal trip, just because I asked.

Drinks, snacks, weird little “welcome” things—they’re all over the place, but you have to ask. It’s a toss-up depending on who’s working the desk. Insider reports claim that if you’re a loyalty member, you’re way more likely to get the good stuff—upgrades, breakfast, late checkout, whatever.

Bottled water, fruit, sometimes pastries—they’re around, but you’d never know unless you ask. Worst case, you pay for overpriced minibar stuff. Best case? You’re sipping free espresso and inhaling a croissant before your suitcase even hits the floor.

Building Rapport with Hotel Staff

So there I am, sweating through my shirt after a long drive, realizing that asking for an upgrade is basically a weird social experiment. If the front desk staff thinks you’re annoying? Forget it. They’re not plotting against you, they’re just overworked—one guy was juggling phones, IDs, and a printer jam while I waited.

Recognizing Staff Efforts

Honestly, if you think ignoring the name badge or just nodding will get you a suite, you’re dreaming. I always try to use their name if I see it, even if I mispronounce it and feel like an idiot. A manager once told me that almost nobody bothers. How hard is it to say “Thanks, Jasmine”? I don’t tip before check-in (feels sketchy), but I always try to at least acknowledge when someone helps—holds a bag, fixes a key, whatever. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Last fall in Boston, I scribbled a thank-you note for the staff. Next time I showed up? Got a late checkout, no questions asked. Coincidence? Maybe. Either way, being nice works better than acting like you’re late for a flight. Staff absolutely remember who’s decent and who’s a nightmare. People talk.

Personalized Communication Tips

Half the time, I bet every guest looks exactly the same to them. I skip the “Any upgrades?” script and mention something random—like the weird art in the lobby or the music playing. Truthfully says politeness is key, but honestly, just sounding like a real person helps more.

If I’m celebrating something (birthday, work thing, whatever), I’ll mention it, but I try not to overshare. If the line’s long, I keep it short. If they lean in, I’ll mention I stayed before—once, a woman upgraded me because she remembered my scarf. That’s just luck, right? Still, little details matter.

I’ll drop my preferences—corner, high floor—but I try not to sound like I’m reading from a list. It’s just, “Hey, if there’s anything available, I’d love X.” Staff aren’t genies. Treating them like people, not vending machines, gets you way further than any loyalty card.