Hey there, Marriott Bonvoy enthusiast! Ready to elevate your next stay from "great" to absolutely phenomenal with a room upgrade? You're in the right place! While a guaranteed upgrade isn't always possible, there are definitely strategies and etiquette that can significantly increase your chances. Let's dive into how you can politely and effectively ask for that coveted Marriott upgrade.
The Art of the Upgrade: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Marriott Stay
Securing a Marriott upgrade often comes down to a combination of preparation, timing, and a bit of charm. Follow these steps to maximize your potential!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Be an Upgrade Guru? Understand the Fundamentals
Before you even think about asking, it's crucial to grasp what a Marriott upgrade entails and what factors influence it. This isn't just about luck; it's about being a savvy traveler!
Sub-heading: Your Marriott Bonvoy Status is Your Golden Ticket (or at least a VIP Pass!)
Elite Status Matters, A Lot: The single biggest factor in receiving an upgrade is your Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Gold Elite: You're eligible for enhanced room upgrades, when available. This often means a better view, higher floor, or slightly larger room within the same category.
Platinum Elite: This is where it gets interesting! You're eligible for complimentary enhanced room upgrades, including select suites, subject to availability upon arrival. You also get lounge access and a guaranteed 4 PM late checkout (at most brands), which are fantastic perks.
Titanium Elite: Even higher chances! You receive the same upgrade benefits as Platinum, with potentially greater priority.
Ambassador Elite: The top tier! You have the best shot at upgrades, including suites, and personalized service.
Remember: While "best available room" used to be explicitly stated, Marriott's terms have evolved. The key phrase now is "complimentary enhanced room upgrade," which gives hotels more discretion. Don't expect the Presidential Suite every time, but a better room type is definitely on the table for elite members.
Sub-heading: Know Your "Nightly Upgrade Awards" (NUAs)
These are a game-changer! If you've achieved Platinum or Titanium Elite status, you can choose Nightly Upgrade Awards as one of your Annual Choice Benefits.
What are they? NUAs are confirmable upgrades to select premium rooms or suites, applied on a per-night basis.
How they work: You apply these to an existing reservation. The hotel system starts checking for availability about 5 days before your arrival (3 days for EDITION, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis). If confirmed, you get an email. If not, the awards are returned to your account. This is your best shot at a guaranteed upgrade in advance!
Sub-heading: The Power of the Paid Upgrade
While the goal is a complimentary upgrade, sometimes paying a bit extra is worth it, especially if you really want a specific room or suite. Marriott.com and the Bonvoy app often present paid upgrade options during booking or before check-in.
Step 2: Let's Get Strategic! Before You Arrive
Preparation is key. Don't just show up and hope for the best!
Sub-heading: Book Smart
Book Directly with Marriott: Always book your stay directly through Marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy app, or their reservations line. Bookings made through third-party sites (like Expedia or Booking.com) are generally not eligible for elite benefits, including upgrades.
Consider Off-Peak Times: Hotels are more likely to have available upgrades during less busy periods. If your travel dates are flexible, aim for weekdays or off-season.
Shorter Stays Can Help: While not a strict rule, hotels might be more willing to upgrade for a one or two-night stay, as it's easier to manage inventory.
Sub-heading: Utilize Your Nightly Upgrade Awards (if you have them!)
Apply Them Early: Once you've booked your eligible reservation, go into your Marriott Bonvoy account (website or app) and select "Start Upgrade Request" or "Request Upgrade." Choose the room types you're interested in.
Select Multiple Options: To increase your chances, select all the upgrade options that appeal to you, from premium rooms to various suite types. The system will try to confirm the highest available.
Monitor Your Request: Keep an eye on your email for confirmation. If it's not confirmed by 2 PM the day before check-in, your NUAs will be returned.
Sub-heading: A Proactive, Polite Touch (Optional, but can be effective)
Send a Friendly Email (1-2 weeks out): If it's a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, honeymoon), a polite email to the hotel's general manager or reservations manager can sometimes work wonders.
Example Script Idea: Subject: Upcoming Stay - [Your Name] - Confirmation #[Your Confirmation Number] - Celebrating [Special Occasion] "Dear [Hotel Name] Team, My name is [Your Name], and I'm very much looking forward to my upcoming stay from [Check-in Date] to [Check-out Date] with confirmation number [Your Confirmation Number]. My Marriott Bonvoy number is [Your Bonvoy Number], and I hold [Your Elite Status] status. My partner and I are celebrating [e.g., our 5th anniversary / my birthday] during this trip, and we are so excited to experience your beautiful property. We were wondering, if available, if there might be an opportunity for an enhanced room or suite upgrade to make our celebration even more special. Regardless, we are thrilled for our stay and appreciate your hospitality. Warm regards, [Your Name]"
Do NOT Demand: This is a request, not a right (unless using a confirmed NUA). Politeness goes a long way.
Don't Overdo It: Reserve this for truly special occasions, not every stay.
Step 3: The Moment of Truth! At Check-in
This is often your best opportunity for a spontaneous upgrade.
Sub-heading: Dress the Part (Subtly!)
Presentable Attire: While you don't need to be in a suit, looking presentable can subtly convey a sense of respect and seriousness that can influence how you're perceived.
Sub-heading: Be Friendly and Engage the Front Desk Agent
Smile and Be Warm: A genuine smile and friendly demeanor are incredibly important. The front desk agent is a human being!
Mention Your Status (Subtly): They should see your status when they pull up your reservation, but a subtle mention can't hurt. For example, "Hi, I'm [Your Name], checking in. My Marriott Bonvoy number is [Your Bonvoy Number]."
The Polite Inquiry: This is where the magic happens.
Soft Approach: "Is there any possibility of an upgrade available for a [Your Elite Status] member today?"
Slightly More Specific (if you have a preference): "I was hoping to inquire if there might be any availability for a room on a higher floor or perhaps a suite for our stay?"
Special Occasion Reminder: If you emailed previously about a special occasion, you can gently remind them: "We're really excited to be celebrating our anniversary here."
Be Prepared for "No": Sometimes, there genuinely isn't availability. Don't be disappointed or argumentative. A gracious "Thank you for checking" maintains a good rapport.
Consider a "Move": If you're staying multiple nights and no upgrade is available for the full stay, you could politely ask, "Would there be any availability for an upgrade on a later night of my stay? I'd be happy to move rooms if it becomes available."
Sub-heading: Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Don't Demand: "As a Titanium Elite, I expect a suite!" This will almost certainly backfire.
Don't Complain About Your Current Room (unless there's a legitimate issue): Focusing on negatives at check-in isn't a good strategy for an upgrade.
Don't Brag About Your Status: Let your status work for you in the system, and use your polite demeanor to reinforce it.
Don't Ask at Peak Times: If there's a long line of frustrated travelers, it's not the best moment for a detailed upgrade discussion.
Step 4: After Check-in (If Needed)
Sometimes, upgrades can be processed later or during your stay.
Sub-heading: Check the Marriott Bonvoy App
Digital Key & Room Details: Often, if an upgrade is processed after you've completed initial check-in (especially with automated upgrades now), your room details in the app will update.
In-App Chat: Some hotels offer an in-app chat feature. This can be a discreet way to inquire about an upgrade shortly after arrival if you prefer not to do it at the front desk.
Sub-heading: If Your Stay is Long
Polite Inquiry During Your Stay: If you're staying for several nights and see that higher room categories are available online for sale, you could politely inquire at the front desk if an upgrade for the remainder of your stay is possible. This is a softer ask.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions about Marriott upgrades, with quick answers:
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 level will be prominently displayed on your profile.
How to earn Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs)?
You earn Nightly Upgrade Awards as an Annual Choice Benefit when you achieve 50 and 75 Elite Night Credits within a calendar year. You select them as your desired perk.
How to apply Nightly Upgrade Awards to my reservation?
After making an eligible reservation, go to your trip details on Marriott.com or the Bonvoy app, and look for a "Start Upgrade Request" or "Request Upgrade" link. You can then select desired room types to apply your NUAs.
How to increase my chances of a Marriott upgrade?
Maintain elite status, book directly, consider off-peak travel, use Nightly Upgrade Awards, be polite and friendly at check-in, and if applicable, mention a special occasion.
How to know if my Nightly Upgrade Award request is confirmed?
You will receive an email notification from Marriott Bonvoy if your NUA request is confirmed. If it's not confirmed by 2 PM local hotel time the day before arrival, the awards are returned to your account.
How to politely ask for an upgrade at check-in?
A friendly approach like, "Hi, I'm [Your Name], checking in. Is there any possibility of an upgrade available for a [Your Elite Status] member today?" is usually effective.
How to use a Marriott free night award with an upgrade?
Free Night Awards cover a standard room. To upgrade beyond that, you would typically need to use a Nightly Upgrade Award or inquire about paid upgrade options directly with the hotel.
How to find out which rooms are eligible for upgrades with Nightly Upgrade Awards?
Once you have an active reservation and are attempting to apply NUAs, the system will display the eligible premium rooms and suites available for upgrade at that specific property.
How to cancel an unconfirmed Nightly Upgrade Award request?
You can cancel an unconfirmed NUA request through your "My Trips" section on Marriott.com or the Bonvoy app, typically up to 2 PM local hotel time the day before arrival.
How to determine if a hotel participates in Nightly Upgrade Awards?
While most Marriott brands participate, some (like Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Marriott Executive Apartments, All-Inclusive Resorts, Homes & Villas) do not. If the option to apply NUAs doesn't appear for your reservation, that specific hotel or brand may not participate.
