Hey there, fellow traveler! Dream of stretching out in a spacious suite, enjoying a breathtaking view, or simply upgrading from a standard room to something a little more luxurious on your next Marriott stay? You're in the right place! While a guaranteed upgrade isn't always possible, there are definitely strategies and steps you can take to significantly increase your chances. Let's dive in and unlock those premium experiences!
The Art of the Upgrade: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Marriott Room
Upgrading your Marriott room isn't just about luck; it's about being strategic, understanding the system, and sometimes, simply knowing how to ask nicely. Follow these steps to maximize your chances!
Step 1: Are You a Marriott Bonvoy Member Yet? If Not, Join NOW! (Seriously, this is non-negotiable)
This is the absolute first and most crucial step. If you're not a Marriott Bonvoy member, you're missing out on the foundational element of securing upgrades. Marriott's loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, is designed to reward frequent guests with a range of benefits, and room upgrades are a key perk.
Why it matters: Hotels prioritize loyalty members for upgrades. Think of it like a VIP list – you want to be on it! Even at the lowest tier (Member), you get benefits like free in-room Wi-Fi and exclusive member rates.
How to join: It's free and takes just a few minutes. You can sign up on the Marriott website (Marriott.com) or via the Marriott Bonvoy app. Make sure your membership number is linked to every single reservation you make.
Step 2: Understand Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status and Its Impact
Your elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program is arguably the biggest determinant of your upgrade success. The higher your status, the better your chances and the more significant the potential upgrades.
Sub-heading 2.1: Elite Tiers and Their Upgrade Privileges
Silver Elite (10-24 nights/year): Limited upgrade benefits. You might get a slightly better room within the same category (e.g., higher floor, better view), but don't expect suites.
Gold Elite (25-49 nights/year): Offers enhanced room upgrades, subject to availability. This typically means a preferred room type, like a corner room or one with a better view. Suites are generally not included as a stated benefit at this level.
Platinum Elite (50-74 nights/year): This is where it gets interesting! Platinum Elite members receive enhanced room upgrades, including select suites, based on availability upon arrival. This is your first real shot at a suite upgrade without using special awards. You also get lounge access and a welcome gift choice (points, breakfast, or amenity).
Titanium Elite (75-99 nights/year): All the benefits of Platinum, but with a higher priority for upgrades. You'll often find Titanium members snagging the better suites when available. Plus, you get an additional Annual Choice Benefit.
Ambassador Elite (100+ nights/year + $23,000 in qualifying spend): The highest tier. Ambassador Elite members receive the best chance at upgrades, including suites. They also have a dedicated Ambassador service and Your24 (flexible check-in/checkout).
Sub-heading 2.2: How to Achieve Elite Status
Nights Stayed: The most common way is simply staying a certain number of qualifying nights at Marriott properties within a calendar year.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards: Many Marriott co-branded credit cards offer automatic elite status (e.g., Silver, Gold, or even Platinum with higher spending) or provide elite night credits annually, helping you reach higher tiers faster.
Annual Choice Benefits: Upon reaching 50 and 75 elite night credits in a calendar year, you can select five Nightly Upgrade Awards (formerly Suite Night Awards) as one of your Annual Choice Benefits. These are fantastic for confirming upgrades in advance.
Step 3: Strategically Use Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs)
If you're Platinum Elite or higher, you can choose Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs) as part of your Annual Choice Benefit. These are your most reliable path to a confirmed suite or premium room upgrade.
What they are: NUAs are one-night confirmable upgrades to select premium rooms or suites, dependent on hotel availability. You need one NUA per night of your stay.
How to earn them: As mentioned above, by reaching 50 and 75 elite night credits in a calendar year, you get to choose 5 NUAs as an Annual Choice Benefit.
How to apply them:
Book your eligible reservation: Ensure your booking is a paid stay, a points redemption stay, or a Cash + Points stay.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account: Go to "My Trips" on Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Find your reservation: Expand it if needed.
Initiate the upgrade request: Look for a "Start upgrade request" or similar button.
Select desired room types: The system will show you eligible premium rooms or suites. You can select multiple options.
Submit your request: You'll receive a confirmation.
When they clear: Marriott's system starts checking for NUA availability five days prior to arrival for most brands (three days for Edition, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis). It continues checking until around 2 PM the day before arrival. If successful, you'll be notified! If not, the awards are credited back to your account.
Tips for success with NUAs:
Apply them early after booking your reservation.
Select multiple room options if available, to increase your chances.
Consider using them during less busy seasons or at hotels with more suite inventory.
Step 4: Master the Art of the "Ask" – Before and At Check-in
Even without NUAs, there are still opportunities for complimentary upgrades, especially for elite members. This often comes down to polite and timely communication.
Sub-heading 4.1: Pre-Arrival Communication
Use the Marriott Bonvoy App Chat: Many Marriott properties have a chat feature in the app. A few days before your arrival, you can send a polite message:
"Hello [Hotel Name] team! We're really looking forward to our stay from [Check-in Date] to [Check-out Date]. My confirmation number is [XXXXX]. As a [Your Elite Status] member, I was wondering if there might be any upgraded rooms or suites available for our stay? We'd greatly appreciate it if so! Thank you."
Why this works: It gives the hotel a heads-up and shows you're engaged. They might pre-assign you an upgraded room if one becomes available.
Call the Hotel Directly: Sometimes, a friendly phone call to the front desk or reservations manager a day or two before your stay can work wonders.
Explain your excitement for the stay and politely inquire about upgrade possibilities for your [Your Elite Status] status.
Sub-heading 4.2: The Check-in Moment (In-Person or Mobile)
Mobile Check-in (with a follow-up): Marriott has an automatic room upgrade system. For Gold Elite members and above, it will attempt to assign complimentary upgrades starting at 3 PM the day before check-in.
Do your mobile check-in as soon as it's available.
If you haven't been upgraded through the automatic system, once you arrive, politely ask at the front desk: "Hi, I'm [Your Name], checking in for reservation [Confirmation Number]. I'm a [Your Elite Status] member, and I was just wondering if there are any larger rooms or rooms with a better view available for my stay?"
In-Person Check-in:
Be Polite and Friendly: A smile and a respectful tone go a long way. Front desk agents deal with a lot, and a pleasant interaction can make a difference.
Mention Your Loyalty: "Hi, I'm [Your Name], checking in. I'm a [Your Elite Status] member, and I'm really looking forward to my stay."
Humbly Inquire: "I was hoping, if there's availability, if a room with a better view or perhaps a larger room might be an option for my stay?"
Avoid Demanding: Never demand an upgrade. It's a perk, not a guarantee (unless you've confirmed an NUA).
Timing Can Be Key: Some suggest checking in a little later in the day (e.g., after 6 PM). By this time, the hotel has a clearer picture of occupancy and available upgraded rooms. However, don't check in too late, as the decision-makers might have left.
Step 5: Leverage Special Occasions
Are you celebrating something special? An anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or even a graduation? Politely mentioning a special occasion during your booking or check-in can sometimes prompt the hotel to offer a complimentary upgrade or amenity.
How to do it:
Add a note to your reservation when booking online or on the app.
Mention it in your pre-arrival chat or phone call.
Subtly bring it up at check-in: "We're celebrating our anniversary this weekend, and we're so excited to be spending it here at your beautiful hotel."
Important Note: Don't make up a special occasion! Hotels have ways of knowing, and it can backfire. Use this for genuine celebrations.
Step 6: Consider the Hotel Type and Occupancy
Business vs. Leisure Hotels: Business-oriented hotels might have more upgrades available on weekends, while leisure resorts might have more during weekdays.
Low Season Travel: Traveling during the "off-season" or shoulder season (just before/after peak) can significantly increase your upgrade chances as hotels are less full.
Newer Properties: Sometimes, newly opened hotels might be more generous with upgrades to build positive buzz and reviews.
Smaller Properties: Boutique hotels or smaller properties within the Marriott portfolio might have more flexibility or a more personal touch regarding upgrades compared to massive convention hotels.
Step 7: If All Else Fails, Consider a Paid Upgrade
While the goal is often a complimentary upgrade, sometimes paying a reasonable amount for a better room or suite can be worth it, especially if you truly desire the enhanced experience.
How to inquire: At check-in, if a complimentary upgrade isn't offered or possible, you can ask, "Are there any options for a paid upgrade to a [desired room type]?"
Evaluate the cost: Weigh the additional cost against the value you place on the upgraded room. Sometimes, the difference can be surprisingly small.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status?
You can check your Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your status, along with your elite night credits and points balance, will be prominently displayed on your account overview.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy Nightly Upgrade Awards?
You earn Marriott Bonvoy Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs) as an Annual Choice Benefit when you achieve 50 and 75 Elite Night Credits within a calendar year. You'll then select 5 NUAs as one of your benefit options through the Marriott Bonvoy Annual Choice Benefits portal.
How to apply Nightly Upgrade Awards to an existing reservation?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, go to "My Trips," find your reservation, and click on "Start upgrade request" or a similar option. You can then select the premium room or suite types you wish to apply your NUAs to and submit the request.
How to know if my Nightly Upgrade Award request has been approved?
Marriott's system typically starts checking for NUA availability 5 days before your arrival (3 days for some luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton). You will receive an email notification if your upgrade request is approved, and it will also reflect on your reservation details in the app and on the website.
How to request a room upgrade at check-in?
Politely ask the front desk agent, "Are there any larger rooms or rooms with a better view available for my stay?" or "As a [Your Elite Status] member, I was wondering if any upgrades are available?" Always be friendly and understanding of their availability.
How to increase my chances of a complimentary room upgrade?
Become a Marriott Bonvoy Elite member (Platinum or higher), book directly with Marriott, consider traveling during off-peak seasons, apply Nightly Upgrade Awards, and politely inquire about upgrades during pre-arrival communication or at check-in. Mentioning a special occasion can also help.
How to find out what rooms are eligible for upgrade at a specific Marriott hotel?
While it's not always explicitly listed, the types of rooms eligible for Nightly Upgrade Awards will appear when you try to apply them to your reservation. For complimentary upgrades, it depends on the hotel's discretion and available inventory. Generally, it refers to premium rooms or suites that are a step above your booked category.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for an upgrade?
While you typically redeem points for entire free nights, some Marriott properties may offer the option to pay for an upgrade with points at check-in, or you can often book a higher room category directly with points if available at a higher redemption rate.
How to contact a Marriott hotel directly to request an upgrade?
You can find the hotel's direct phone number on its Marriott.com page. Many hotels also have a chat feature available through the Marriott Bonvoy app where you can message the front desk directly.
How to understand Marriott's upgrade policy for elite members?
Marriott's elite status benefits state that Platinum Elite members and above receive "Enhanced Room Upgrade, Including Select Suites," subject to availability upon arrival. This means they will do their best to upgrade you if a suitable room or suite is available, but it is not a guaranteed benefit without a Nightly Upgrade Award.
