Want a complimentary room upgrade at a Marriott hotel? While it's not guaranteed, you can definitely increase your chances by following a few key strategies. It all comes down to being a valuable member of the Marriott Bonvoy program and knowing how to navigate the system.
Step 1: Join the Marriott Bonvoy Program and Achieve Elite Status
First things first, you need to be a Marriott Bonvoy member. If you're not already, sign up—it's free and a crucial first step. The real key to upgrades, however, is achieving elite status. The higher your status, the better your chances.
Silver Elite: This is the entry-level status, requiring 10 nights per year. It doesn't offer much in the way of upgrades, but it's a start! You're eligible for priority late checkout and a small bonus on points.
Gold Elite: You'll get this status after 25 nights per year. With Gold Elite, you're eligible for an "enhanced room upgrade" subject to availability. This typically means a room on a higher floor or with a better view, but it's unlikely to be a suite. You also get a 2 p.m. late checkout and a welcome gift of points.
Platinum Elite: This is where things get interesting. After 50 nights, you'll be a Platinum Elite member. You're eligible for an enhanced room upgrade, including select suites, based on availability at check-in. You also get lounge access (at participating brands), a 4 p.m. late checkout, and a welcome gift choice.
Titanium Elite & Ambassador Elite: These are the highest tiers, requiring 75 nights and 100 nights per year (plus a minimum annual spend for Ambassador). At these levels, your chances of a complimentary upgrade to a premium room or suite are at their absolute highest. You also get an additional Annual Choice Benefit.
To quickly achieve elite status, consider getting a Marriott co-branded credit card. Many of these cards offer automatic elite status or provide a significant number of elite night credits each year, making it easier to reach higher tiers without extensive travel.
Step 2: Strategically Use Your Nightly Upgrade Awards
If you reach 50 or 75 elite night credits in a calendar year, you can choose Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs) as an Annual Choice Benefit. These awards are your best bet for a confirmed upgrade.
Sub-heading: How NUAs work
NUAs are one-night confirmable upgrades to a standard suite or a select premium room. To use them, you'll need to apply them to your reservation through the Marriott Bonvoy app or website after you've booked your stay.
Requesting the Upgrade: After you've booked, you'll see an option to "Start Upgrade Request." You'll be asked to select which upgraded room types you'd like to be considered for. Being flexible and selecting multiple options can increase your chances.
The Confirmation Process: Marriott's system automatically starts checking for availability five days before your arrival (three days for Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and EDITION properties). It will continue to check until about 2 p.m. on the day before your check-in.
What to expect: If your upgrade is confirmed, you'll receive an email notification. If it's not, the NUAs are credited back to your account for future use.
Step 3: Master the Art of the "Walk-Up" Request
Even without elite status or NUAs, a polite request at the front desk can sometimes work wonders. This is where the human element comes in.
Sub-heading: The Do's and Don'ts of Asking
DO be polite and friendly. A pleasant and respectful demeanor goes a long way. The front desk staff are people, not robots, and they're more likely to help someone who is nice.
DON'T demand an upgrade. You're asking for a favor, not asserting a right. Starting with a friendly "I was just wondering if there might be any upgrades available for my stay?" is much better than "I'm here for my upgrade."
DO mention special occasions. If you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or another special event, mention it casually. This gives the hotel a reason to go above and beyond for you.
DON'T lie about a special occasion. Front desk staff can often see your stay history. If you have an "anniversary" every three months, you're not going to be taken seriously.
DO stay during off-peak periods. Your chances of a complimentary upgrade are much higher on a Tuesday night in the middle of a less popular season than on a busy Saturday during a major holiday.
DON'T check in on the app. While convenient, using mobile check-in can pre-assign you a room and make it harder for the front desk agent to change it. Your best bet is to check in in person.
Step 4: Maximize Your Booking and Stay
Your booking choices can also play a role in your upgrade chances.
Sub-heading: Tips for a Better Outcome
Book direct on Marriott's website. Bookings made through third-party sites like Expedia or Hotels.com are not eligible for complimentary upgrades, so always book directly with Marriott.
Consider a shorter stay. Upgrades are often easier to secure for one- or two-night stays because it's less likely to tie up a premium room for an extended period.
Research the hotel. Before you book, check online reviews and forums to see if a particular hotel is known for being generous with upgrades. Some properties are consistently better than others.
Build a rapport. If you frequently stay at the same hotel, the staff may start to recognize you and be more inclined to offer a courtesy upgrade. Being a repeat, loyal customer is a major advantage.
5. Finalize the Plan and Prepare for Your Trip
Now that you have all the tools, it's time to put your plan into action.
Book Your Stay: Make your reservation directly with Marriott. Consider using points or a Free Night Award if you have them, as these bookings are still eligible for upgrades.
Check Availability: A day or two before you arrive, check the Marriott app or website as if you're making a new booking. See if there are any premium rooms or suites available. This can give you an idea of what might be an option for an upgrade.
Arrive with a Smile: Head to the front desk, be friendly, and make your polite request. Remember that a "no" isn't a failure—it's simply not your lucky day. The important thing is to make your request with a positive attitude.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an upgrade as a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member?
As a Platinum Elite member, you're eligible for an "enhanced room upgrade, including select suites," subject to availability at check-in. The best way to increase your chances is to use a Nightly Upgrade Award or politely ask at the front desk.
How to get an upgrade with no status?
While difficult, it's not impossible. The best approach is to book during off-peak times, mention a special occasion, and be exceptionally kind and friendly to the front desk staff when you check in.
How to use Nightly Upgrade Awards?
You can request to use your Nightly Upgrade Awards on an eligible reservation through the Marriott Bonvoy app or website after you've booked your stay. The system will start checking for availability five days before your arrival.
How to get an upgrade on a points stay?
Upgrades are available for stays booked with points or Free Night Awards, as long as the stay is eligible. The process is the same as for paid stays, so your elite status and Nightly Upgrade Awards apply.
How to know if a hotel has availability for an upgrade?
Check the Marriott app or website a day or two before your stay as if you were booking a new reservation. If you see premium rooms or suites available for sale, there's a chance they could be offered as an upgrade.
How to ask for an upgrade in a way that works?
Be polite, friendly, and respectful. Avoid demanding language. A simple "I was wondering if there were any upgrades available today?" is a great way to start the conversation.
How to increase my chances of a suite upgrade?
The best way is to achieve Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador Elite status, as this is the only way to be eligible for suite upgrades. You can then use your Nightly Upgrade Awards or try your luck at check-in.
How to get an upgrade on a longer stay?
Complimentary upgrades are more difficult on longer stays. If you want a guaranteed upgrade for a long trip, your best bet is to use Nightly Upgrade Awards for a portion of the stay or book a shorter stay and then extend it if an upgraded room is still available.
How to upgrade after mobile check-in?
If you've already completed a mobile check-in, you can still go to the front desk and ask. However, your room has likely already been assigned, so it can be more challenging. It's often better to skip mobile check-in if an upgrade is your priority.
How to get an upgrade for a special occasion?
When you make your reservation, and again when you check in, simply mention that you're celebrating a special occasion. This can sometimes prompt the hotel staff to make your stay more memorable with a complimentary upgrade or another thoughtful gesture.
