Las Vegas Room Upgrades

© MGM Mirage/Tabu Ultra Lounge

Having something majorly wrong with your room is a quick way to get a room upgrade, but who wants to check in to a hotel hoping for foul smells or busted beds?

To score a hassle-free upgrade, your best bet is to start early. Sign up for a hotel's loyalty or frequent-guest program the first time. Just membership in the club can often guarantee you room upgrades when they're available. Opt for the hotel's player's club as well, which lets a hotel track how much you're spending at their casino. It usually won't cost you anything and, if you're going to spend a few hours and few bucks at the casino anyway, you might as well squeeze a free upgrade out of it.

Every time you stay, mention to the manager that you had a great time when you check out. Also, fill out any comment cards you see—be sure to leave your contact information, of course. All of this information gets fed into the hotel's computer system and it lets the reservation person know that you're a loyal guest. If there's an upgrade available, you're more likely to score it if the hotel already feels like you're part of the family. Another perk of filling out comment cards or writing a letter of appreciation to a hotel post-stay is that you stand a good chance of getting an upgrade coupon in the mail in response. Think of it as the hotel's way of saying, "No, thank you!"

Remember, you can't get what you don't ask for. Ask if there's a complimentary room upgrade available every time you talk to someone at the front desk—when you call to make the reservation, when you confirm the reservation and finally when you arrive for check-in. Remember to be warm and friendly and to ask politely. Hotel personnel are people first and foremost, and they're as likely to reward a friendly smile, as they are to punish a demanding attitude. Let them know you're at the hotel for a special occasion, like an anniversary or birthday. And keep in mind that the more flexible you can be—staying mid-week, or being willing to bounce from one room to another mid-trip—the more likely they'll be able to boost your room.