Here’s an uncomfortable reality: traveling can be pricey. But what if you could upgrade your hotel experience without blowing your budget?
Complimentary room upgrades, extra behind-the-desk toiletries and items left by previous guests could all be within reach — if you know who to ask and where to look.
Even after you’ve reserved and paid for a room, there are still tactics to get more value during your next trip.
5 Ways to Land Hotel Freebies on Your Next Visit
Below are some of the best suggestions we’ve found for scoring freebies at hotels — beyond the standard free breakfast. Every property operates differently, so not every request will be granted. Still, it’s always worth asking!
1. Tell the Hotel It’s a Special Occasion
Are you staying to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or another milestone? Hotels enjoy being part of special moments, so make sure they know.
“Call the hotel directly and try to reach the front desk manager, assistant general manager or general manager and ask if there’s anything they can do to help you make this an extra special occasion,” suggested Seth Fagan, general manager at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Pensacola Beach, Florida.
They may surprise you with an upgrade or add a thoughtful gesture to your room. For instance, some properties will leave a bottle of bubbly or a box of chocolates if you mention it’s your wedding night or honeymoon.
Keep in mind, the trick is to share your excitement without being demanding.
“Above all else, be nice,” Fagan said. “A courteous and thoughtful demeanor will go a long way.”
2. Request a Free Room Upgrade
Want a room with a better outlook or more square footage? Hotel staff often have discretion to upgrade guests.
Politely asking for an upgrade is a savvy move that could significantly enhance your stay.
The early—or rather, off-peak—approach helps. If you’d like a better shot at an upgrade, check in during slower periods. When the property isn’t slammed with arrivals, staff may be more willing to oblige.
“Hotels tend to be less busy in the middle of the week and during off-peak seasons, which could also increase your chances of getting that free upgrade,” said Steve Turk, founder of Turk Hospitality Ventures, a full-service hospitality consulting firm in Miami.
Making friendly conversation with staff can also pay off. Explain why you’re visiting and ask if any complimentary upgrades are available.
Other tactics to try for a complimentary upgrade include:
- Ask for a corner room: If more space is your priority, corner rooms are often larger and more private. Try saying, “If possible, I’d love a corner room for the extra space.”
- Mention your loyalty status: If you belong to the hotel’s rewards program or are a frequent guest, bring it up. Hotels value repeat visitors and may reward loyalty with an upgrade.
- Offer to post a review: Newer properties in particular may provide upgrades or perks in exchange for a positive review on Google or Facebook.
- Request a quieter room: If you’re sensitive to noise, ask for accommodations away from elevators, ice machines and busy corridors.
3. Ask for a Later Check-Out
While not a physical item, extra time is a valuable perk. Asking for a later checkout is often an easy win many hotels will grant.
When checking in, inquire whether you can extend your checkout by an hour or two. Explain the reason you need more time while staying polite and reasonable.
Remember that late check-outs aren’t always possible, especially during busy stretches. Respect the hotel’s policies and be gracious if they can’t comply.
4. Request Extra Toiletries and Essentials
We’re all used to the small shampoo bottles and soap that come with most stays. But many hotels keep a supply of additional toiletries and necessities behind the front desk.
If you forgot something or could use more items, don’t be shy about asking.
Some of the things you might be able to get include:
- Razors and shaving cream
- Toothbrushes
- Tampons and sanitary pads
- Deodorant
- Mouthwash
- First-aid items like bandages
- Sewing kits
- Packets or boxes of laundry detergent
Some properties also provide extras like lip balm, makeup remover, nail clippers and tweezers.
Don’t go overboard requesting a lifetime supply of toothpaste. Only ask for what you genuinely need so as not to burden the staff.
Hotels may lend more than just toiletries. Staff often will provide a phone charger or an umbrella if you left yours behind. There are even anecdotes of hotels offering clothing left by prior guests in an emergency.
5. Check Out Hotel Buy Nothing and Freecycle Groups
Buy Nothing and Freecycle communities are online networks where people give away items they no longer need to those who can use them.
Surprisingly, this concept extends to hotels, where guests leave behind toiletries, food, detergent and even clothing for others to pick up.
Disney World Pixies Freecycle is an example on Facebook. Travelers heading to Walt Disney World or staying at a Disney resort post photos and descriptions of items they’re leaving, along with details on where to find them. Many people leave freebies in laundry rooms or just outside their doors.
You never know what you’ll discover. One member of the Disney group left 3 pounds of apples, 2 pounds of baby carrots, an unopened gallon of water and a mostly full bottle of ketchup in her resort’s laundry room.
Act fast — items are claimed quickly, or housekeeping may remove them.
These hotel-related Buy Nothing efforts exist (they were mentioned in a Wall Street Journal piece) but aren’t ubiquitous.
“In my experience, these programs usually take the form of book swaps, magazine baskets or communal toy bins in family-friendly resorts,” Turk told Savinly.
Want to pay it forward during checkout? Gather any unopened toiletries or items you won’t be taking with you. Leave a note indicating they’re free to take and post about them in a local Buy Nothing or Freecycle group.
Keep this caveat in mind.
“Due to health and sanitation concerns, especially after the pandemic, some hotels may be hesitant to promote such practices,” Turk said.
Alex Morgan is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer at Savinly. He covers retirement, investing, taxes and life insurance.
