Luxury for Less: How to Get VIP Treatment at Hotels Without Paying Extra
Girl, you are out here booking vacations without getting VIP perks? We need to talk.
The free upgrades, welcome drinks, late checkouts, and room-with-a-view perks? They’re not just for celebrities and influencers. YOU can get them too without paying extra.
Here’s how to get the full luxury experience without spending a dime more.
The Best Hacks to Get VIP Treatment at Hotels (for FREE!)
Book Direct. Hotels Will Treat You Better
Third-party sites won’t hook you up with perks. But when you book directly through the hotel? They want to keep you happy.
More Likely to Get Free Upgrades
Priority for Early Check-In & Late Checkout
Direct Access to the Hotel If You Need Help
Bestie Tip: If you find a lower price on a travel site, call the hotel. They might match or BEAT the price.
Ask for an Upgrade But Say THIS
You know what they say, closed mouths don’t get fed.
When checking in, be friendly, smile, and ask for an upgrade. But don’t just ask, say THIS:
“Do you have any complimentary upgrades available today? I’d love to celebrate this trip in style.”
Hotels often have empty premium rooms and if you ask nicely, they just might move you up—FREE.
Bestie Tip: If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or just a much-needed getaway, mention it! Hotels LOVE to make special moments even better.
Loyalty Programs = Freebies & VIP Status
If you’re not in hotel loyalty programs, you’re missing out.
Most major hotel chains have FREE membership programs that give you perks like:
Room upgrades
Late checkouts
Complimentary breakfast & drinks
Exclusive discounts
Bestie Tip: Even if you only travel once a year, sign up. Membership is free, and even first-time guests get perks!
Get Free Breakfast & Dining Perks
Breakfast in luxury hotels can be pricey ($30+ per person). But guess what? There are ways to get it for free.
Book with Free Breakfast Included – Many hotels have a “breakfast included” rate for just a few extra dollars (cheaper than buying it separately).
Use Your Loyalty Status – Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and others offer free breakfast to members.
Mention Special Occasions – Some hotels give free meals to guests celebrating something special.
Bestie Tip: Some hotels offer free drinks or dining credits. Always ask at check-in if they have any offers!
Stay at a New Hotel (They’ll Spoil You!)
Newly opened hotels want good reviews and word-of-mouth buzz. So what do they do?
Upgrade guests to better rooms
Offer free perks like spa credits or welcome gifts
Give amazing service to impress early visitors
Bestie Tip: Search for “new hotels in [destination]” and book within the first 6 months of opening for the best perks!
Use a Travel Credit Card That Comes With Perks
Luxury for free? Yes, please. Some travel credit cards automatically upgrade you to VIP status.
Perks Include:
Room upgrades & free nights
VIP lounge access
Late checkouts & early check-ins
Resort credits & spa discounts
Bestie Tip: If you book travel often, having the right card can literally pay for itself in perks.
The Bottom Line: You Deserve VIP Treatment—Without the Price Tag
Book directly to get perks & upgrades
Ask for an upgrade using the right words
Join free loyalty programs for automatic benefits
Stay at new hotels for extra attention
Use travel cards that give you VIP perks
Why pay more when you can stay in luxury for less?
