1. Check In Late in the Day
Motels assign rooms in a first-come, first-served fashion, but by the evening, they have a clearer picture of availability, according to Jenna Busch’s Islands article. If you arrive late—around 8 or 9 p.m.—there’s a better chance that the nicer rooms haven’t been filled. Front desk staff may upgrade you simply because they have extra space and no one else left to book it. It never hurts to ask if a better room is available when business is slowing down for the night.
Arriving late also helps because the front desk is less rushed and more willing to be accommodating. When checking in during peak hours, they’re focused on getting people processed quickly. Later in the evening, they may have time to consider your request and find a way to make it work. A friendly attitude goes a long way in these quieter moments.
2. Be Extra Nice to the Front Desk Staff
This might sound obvious, but kindness can take you a long way in getting an upgrade, travelers explain on Tripadvisor. Front desk employees deal with all sorts of customers, and the friendlier you are, the more likely they’ll want to do something nice for you. A simple smile, using their name, and treating them like a person instead of a transaction can make all the difference. If they have the power to upgrade someone, they’re going to pick the guest who made their day a little better.
When you check in, ask them how their day is going and engage in a little small talk. If the motel isn’t full, they may decide on their own to bump you up to a better room. Even if they don’t, they might offer perks like late checkout or a better view. Either way, being kind never hurts and often pays off.
3. Mention a Special Occasion
If you’re celebrating something, don’t be shy about sharing it with the front desk. Birthdays, anniversaries, or even a “just got a new job” trip can give them a reason to upgrade you, according to Scott Laird from Fodors Travel Guide. Many motels, especially independent ones, like making guests feel special when they have the flexibility to do so. It doesn’t guarantee an upgrade, but it increases your chances significantly.
Keep it casual—just mention it in conversation instead of demanding special treatment. Something like, “We’re celebrating our anniversary and just needed a little getaway” might prompt them to check for a better room. Even if you don’t get a full upgrade, they might throw in free snacks or a nicer location within the motel. People love helping people who seem happy and appreciative.
4. Join the Motel’s Loyalty Program
Even budget motels have loyalty programs, and signing up can open the door to free upgrades, according to Christopher Elliott from Forbes. These programs are usually free and reward frequent guests with perks like better rooms, free Wi-Fi, or late checkouts. Even if you’re only staying once, being a member can sometimes trigger an automatic upgrade. It’s an easy, no-cost way to make yourself look like a valued guest.
When booking, log in with your membership to make sure the motel sees your status. At check-in, mention that you’re a member and ask if any upgrades are available. Sometimes, just being in the system can get you a nicer room without even having to ask. If you’re staying at a chain, your membership might even get you benefits at multiple locations.
5. Ask for a Corner Room
Corner rooms are usually bigger and sometimes come with better views or fewer noisy neighbors. Many guests don’t specifically request them, so they’re often available for an easy upgrade. If the motel isn’t full, the staff may be happy to move you to a corner room just because you asked. It’s a small request that can make a big difference in comfort.
When checking in, just say something like, “If you happen to have a corner room available, I’d love that.” It’s a simple request that doesn’t sound demanding or entitled. Even if they can’t move you right away, they may make a note and switch you later if an opportunity opens up. It’s one of the easiest ways to get a better room without paying extra.
6. Book Directly With the Motel
Third-party booking sites can save money, but motels prioritize guests who book directly. When you book through the motel’s website or by calling, they’re more likely to accommodate special requests, including upgrades. They also avoid paying commission to travel sites, so they might be more willing to throw in a perk for you. If an upgrade is available, direct bookers usually get first dibs.
At check-in, politely mention that you booked directly and ask if there are any complimentary upgrades. Since they appreciate your business more, they may reward you with a better room. Even if they can’t upgrade you, they might offer free breakfast, a later checkout, or a quieter location. Booking direct gives you a better relationship with the motel, which can lead to extra perks.
7. Complain (Nicely) About a Small Issue
If your room has a minor issue—like a noisy AC or a weak Wi-Fi signal—you might be able to get an upgrade. The key is to be polite and reasonable when mentioning the problem. Instead of demanding a refund or a free night, simply ask if they have a different room available. If they have an upgrade open, they might move you there instead of just fixing the problem.
For example, say something like, “The air conditioning seems a little weak—would it be possible to switch to a different room?” The staff will likely try to accommodate you, especially if it’s an easy fix. If a nicer room is available, they may offer it as a solution. Just don’t go overboard looking for problems, or they might see you as a difficult guest.
8. Travel During Off-Peak Times
Motels are more generous with upgrades when they have plenty of empty rooms. If you travel during weekdays or off-season periods, you’re more likely to score a free upgrade. When demand is low, they’d rather fill a nicer room than leave it sitting empty. This makes it the perfect time to ask for an upgrade.
If possible, avoid checking in on weekends, holidays, or big event days. A Tuesday night in the off-season is far better than a Saturday during peak travel time. Even if you don’t get a full upgrade, you might end up in a quieter, more comfortable part of the motel. Timing is everything when it comes to getting a better room for free.
9. Dress Neatly and Look Presentable
First impressions matter, even at motels. If you show up looking clean, put-together, and respectful, staff may subconsciously assume you’re the type of guest who deserves an upgrade. It doesn’t mean you need to wear a suit, but looking polished can help you stand out from the crowd. People naturally want to help those who seem polite, professional, and easy to deal with.
On the flip side, if you walk in looking disheveled, overly casual, or even rude, staff may be less inclined to offer perks. The hospitality industry often operates on quick judgments, and appearing like a responsible guest can work in your favor. Even if an upgrade isn’t available, you’re more likely to get small favors, like a better-located room. A little effort in how you present yourself can go a long way.
10. Ask If There Are Any Recently Renovated Rooms
Motels frequently update their rooms in sections, meaning some rooms may be newer or have better features than others. If you ask about recently renovated rooms, you might get moved to one of them at no extra cost. Staff members won’t always offer them upfront, but if you express interest, they might check availability. These rooms often have newer furniture, fresher paint, and upgraded amenities.
A simple question like, “Are any of your remodeled rooms available?” can open the door to a better stay. If they have one open, they may switch you without hesitation. Even if they don’t have one available for free, they might offer it at a small discount instead of full price. It’s an easy way to upgrade your experience without paying extra.
11. Be a Repeat Guest
Motels love regular customers, and they often reward repeat visitors with perks. If you’ve stayed at the same motel before, mention it at check-in. Staff members recognize familiar faces, and if they remember you as a polite and easy-going guest, they might offer a better room. Even if they don’t recall you specifically, knowing you’re a returning customer can make them more willing to upgrade you.
You can say something simple like, “I’ve stayed here a few times before and always enjoyed it—just wondering if any complimentary upgrades might be available.” Even if you haven’t been there in a while, reminding them of your past stays might work in your favor. Some motels even track frequent guests and offer loyalty perks. Building a good relationship with a specific location can pay off in the long run.
12. Book the Cheapest Room and Ask If Anything Else Is Available
One of the easiest tricks is to book the most basic, no-frills room and ask about upgrades when you arrive. Motels sometimes overbook their cheapest rooms, meaning they might need to move guests to a higher-tier option anyway. If you politely inquire at check-in, you might get bumped up for free just because they need the space. It’s a low-risk strategy that can land you a much better room without paying extra.
When you check in, just ask, “Do you happen to have any complimentary upgrades available today?” If the motel isn’t full, they may move you to a larger room or one with better amenities. Sometimes, they’d rather put a guest in a nicer room than let it sit empty. You might not always get lucky, but when it works, it feels like a major win.
13. Mention Online Reviews (In a Subtle Way)
Motels care a lot about their online reputation, and guests who mention reviews—without sounding like they’re making a threat—may get extra attention. When checking in, you can casually mention that you read great reviews about the place and are excited to stay. This signals to the front desk that you’re the type of guest who leaves feedback, and they may want to make sure you have an even better experience. Sometimes, that means offering an upgrade.
For example, you could say, “I saw some really great reviews about this place, especially about the staff. I’m looking forward to my stay!” This keeps it positive while subtly reminding them that reviews matter. If they have an upgrade available, they might offer it to ensure you leave an even better review. Just be genuine—motels can tell when someone is fishing for perks too aggressively.
14. Follow Up After Booking to Confirm Your Stay
A few days before you arrive, call the motel to confirm your reservation and ask if any complimentary upgrades might be available. This gets you on their radar early, and if they know you’re coming, they may pre-assign you a better room. Sometimes, motels make these decisions before guests even arrive, so checking in advance gives you an edge. Plus, it gives you a chance to build a rapport with the staff before you even step inside.
You don’t need to be pushy—just a quick, friendly call can do the trick. Say something like, “I just wanted to confirm my reservation, and if there are any available upgrades, I’d love to take advantage of one.” Even if they don’t guarantee anything over the phone, they may put a note on your reservation. A little pre-arrival charm can go a long way in getting a better room.
