Everyone in life likes something for free, right?  Well what if I told you that there are ways out there where you can get either a free hotel room or even a free upgrade.  It isn’t hard at all and only takes a few minutes out of your day.

Sign up for a hotel credit card

One of the best ways to get a free hotel night is simply by applying for a hotel credit card.  These cards work just like any other credit card but the more money you put on the card, the more points you’re going to get toward a free stay.  This is great if you travel and use your credit card a lot.  You’ll find that using the card at the particular hotel chain that you’ll get a lot more points than if you use it for a regular purchase.  If you’re a fan of a particular hotel chain, see if they have a credit card.  If they do, make sure you check it out and see if it works for your budget.

Try the $20 trick

Now this isn’t really a free upgrade per se but many people have said that it works like a charm.  When you’re checking into your hotel, place a $20 inbetweenyour credit card and diver’s license and ask them if there are any upgrades available.  Most desk clerks will look at you funny but insist that $20 is for them.  By the studies done online, this works almost 75% of the time.  You have nothing to lose but $20.  If it doesn’t work, they will usually give you the money back.

Just ask at the counter

When you’re checking in and you don’t want to use the $20 trick, just ask what kind of upgrades that there are available.  If the night is slow and there are some suites available, they may put you up free of charge.  This of course will vary on the hotel chain.

Look for upgrade coupons

When taking a road trip, stop at a local rest area when you’re getting close to where you want to stay.  Many of these places will have coupons that you can use.  Browse through the coupons and see if they have one for a free upgrade.  If they do, take advantage of it!

These are the common ways to get your free upgrade.  It’s always best to join the loyalty program.  They are usually free and can help you out a lot if you stay at a hotel frequently.