Are Hotel Upgrades Worth The Money?

We know that when requesting for a free hotel upgrade that they are not always guaranteed, so I often get asked is spending extra on hotel upgrades worth the money?

The answer is, “it depends on your trip” as there are situations when upgrading your hotel room is really worth the money and other times when it is not. So in this blog post, I will give you the times when you should consider upgrading your hotel room to enhance your stay and also advise when it’s not really worth spending the money.

What Is A Hotel Upgrade?

Before we get started, exactly what are hotel upgrades?

A hotel upgrade is a service offered by many hotels when you can opt in for better accommodations options when make your hotel booking.

This usually means reserving a higher category room or suite, often featuring more space, a better view, enhanced amenities, or a more desirable location within the hotel itself.

For example, an upgrade might take you from a standard room to a deluxe room, a suite, or a room with a special view like the ocean or city skyline. Sometimes, an upgrade might also grant you access to exclusive services or areas within the hotel, such as access to a business lounge, complimentary breakfast, a personal concierge or butler, or late check-out privileges.

For great information on the difference between hotel rooms, read my Ultimate Guide To Booking Hotel Rooms blog post.

For Extended Stays

Paying extra for a hotel upgrade can significantly enhance your experience during an extended stay, and there are several reasons why a hotel upgrade is worth the money.

Firstly, upgraded rooms often offer more space, which can make a considerable difference over a longer period. Having separate areas for sleeping, working, or relaxing can create a more homely atmosphere and prevent feelings of being cramped or confined that might occur in standard rooms. Some upgraded accommodations might also include a kitchenette or dining area, allowing you to prepare and eat meals and snacks more easily. This can save you money on eating out but also give you more flexible eating options.

Secondly, upgraded rooms often come with superior amenities. This could mean more comfortable bedding, high-quality toiletries, plush bathrobes, a larger TV, or a Nespresso machine for your morning coffee. These small luxuries can make your everyday routine more enjoyable and will add a touch of comfort to your extended stay.

Finally, upgrades can also include access to exclusive services or perks, such as complimentary breakfast, daily newspaper delivery, access to a business lounge, or even laundry services. These benefits can add significant value to your stay and reduce the hassle of organising such services independently. Therefore, if you are planning on longer stays, it will be worth you upgrading your hotel room.

For Business Travel

An upgraded hotel room during a business trip can significantly impact the overall productivity and success of your trip. One of the key reasons is the need for a conducive working environment which requires quiet and comfort.

An upgraded room usually offers a larger workspace, better Wi-Fi connection, and sometimes even a separate area for work, making it easier to concentrate and be productive.

Another reason to consider an upgrade is the impression it leaves on potential clients or business partners. If you’re hosting a meeting or inviting clients over, an upgraded room can help project a more professional image.

Furthermore, business trips can be physically and mentally demanding, with long hours, travel jet lag, and the stress of important meetings. Upgraded rooms often come with much better amenities, such as more comfortable beds, access to a fitness centre, or a spa. These features can greatly improve your rest and relaxation time.

Lastly, many hotels offer additional services with their upgraded rooms, like faster check-in procedures, late check-out options, or access to business lounge. These benefits can make your stay more convenient, giving you more time to focus on your business trip.

An upgraded room during a business trip might seem like an unnecessary expense, but the benefits it provides in terms of productivity, professional image, personal comfort, and convenience often outweigh the cost. So, in the case of business travel, getting a hotel upgrade is definitely worth the money.

For Great Views Or Outdoor Space

Upgrading your room for better views or a balcony can greatly enhance your hotel stay experience, offering both aesthetic pleasure and practical benefits.

Firstly, a room with a great view can instantly elevate your mood. Whether it’s a panorama of a bustling cityscape, water or lush greenery, a beautiful view can offer a visual treat that adds to the overall enjoyment of your stay. It can serve as a reminder of the unique location you’re visiting, making your trip more memorable.

In addition to the aesthetic appeal, a room with a view can also offer a sense of spaciousness. This can be especially beneficial if you’re staying in a city where buildings are closely packed together.

A balcony is another feature that can significantly improve your stay. Apart from providing a private outdoor space where you can relax, a balcony can serve multiple purposes. You can use it for dining al fresco, enjoying your morning coffee, or even working outside if the weather permits. It’s also a perfect spot for some quiet time, reading, working etc.

So upgrading your room for better views or a balcony is not just about luxury, but also about improving your comfort, enjoyment, and overall experience during your stay. Getting a special view is a great situation when a hotel upgraded room is worth it.

For Health & Well Being Reasons

Upgrading your room for health reasons can be are really worth doing from your well-being perspective. This particularly important when it comes to ensuring a quiet environment and access to better beds during your stay.

One of the primary reasons for upgrading is to secure a quieter room. Upgraded rooms are often located on higher floors or away from high-traffic areas like elevators and lobbies, providing a more quieter environment. This becomes particularly beneficial if you’re sensitive to noise or require restful sleep.

Better beds are another significant aspect of upgrading your room for health reasons. Upgraded rooms often come with superior beds – larger, with more comfortable mattresses and high-quality linens.

Lastly, some upgrades include wellness amenities like access to the fitness centre, spa and pool.

So, upgrading your room for health reasons can be really worth the money, as securing a quieter environment and better beds, can significantly enhance your well-being during your stay.

When Travelling With Families & Large Group Travel

Upgrading your room when traveling with families or large groups can be a smart move, providing numerous benefits that can enhance the overall experience of your trip.

Firstly, larger upgraded rooms generally offer more space. This is especially important when travelling with children or in a group. More space means everyone can spread out and relax without feeling cramped, ensuring a more comfortable stay. It also provides ample room for luggage, reducing clutter and making the room feel more like home.

Additionally, upgraded rooms often come with multiple beds or sofa beds, which can accommodate larger families or groups without the need for booking separate rooms. This not only saves costs but also allows the group to stay together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and making the trip more enjoyable.

Another key benefit of upgrading your room when traveling with families is the availability of kitchen facilities. Having a kitchenette can make meal times easier and more flexible, particularly for families with young children. It also provides an opportunity to save on dining costs, as you can prepare and eat some meals in your room.

Furthermore, upgraded rooms or suites often include separate living and sleeping areas. This can be particularly beneficial for families with different sleep schedules.

Lastly, many hotels offer added perks with room upgrades, such as access to the executive lounge, complimentary breakfast, or free WiFi. These amenities can provide additional convenience and value, making your stay even more enjoyable and stress-free.

So upgrading your room when traveling with families or large groups can be really worth the money – from increased space and convenience to cost savings and added perks.

For Access To Specific Services & Extras

Upgrading your room can provide a number of additional services and amenities that can significantly enhance the quality of your stay and make your stay more cost effective.

Upgraded rooms often come with enhanced services. For instance, many hotels provide concierge service to their upgraded guests. A concierge can assist with restaurant reservations, ticket bookings, transportation arrangements, and other services, saving you time and effort during your stay. Some upgraded options also include additional butler, laundry and airport services.

Upgraded rooms often come with a range of premium amenities. These may include high-quality toiletries, plush robes and slippers, a well-stocked minibar, or even state-of-the-art entertainment systems. These luxury touches can make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable, providing a sense of pampering that goes beyond basic accommodation.

In addition, upgraded rooms often come with complimentary extras. This could be anything from a free breakfast to access to the hotel’s business lounge, where you can enjoy complimentary refreshments, snacks, or even meals throughout the day. Some hotels also offer free high-speed Wi-Fi or unlimited access to on-demand movies for their upgraded guests.

So hotel upgrades will unlock a host of additional services and amenities, enhancing the comfort, convenience, and enjoyment of your stay. So always consider what extras you could be getting compared to paying for a standard room; and it may really be worth paying for this upgrade.

For Special Occasions

When celebrating special occasions upgrading your hotel room can add a memorable touch to your celebration. Many hotels offer special packages or services for these events, like champagne on arrival, rose petal turndown service, or a private dinner on your balcony. These little extras can turn a regular hotel stay into an unforgettable trip.

Also an upgrade can offer a sense of novelty and surprise. Staying in a beautifully designed suite or a room with a stunning view can create lasting memories. It’s a way to treat yourself and make your special occasion even more special. For special occasions alway consider upgrading your room and make your celebration even more special.

When Travelling Solo

Investing in a hotel upgrade when traveling solo can significantly enhance your travel experience.

One main advantage is the potential increase in safety and security. Higher-end rooms or suites are frequently located on higher floors or in more secure areas of the hotel, which can provide an additional layer of security for solo travellers. Furthermore, upgraded rooms often include access to concierge services, which can be invaluable when it comes to arranging safe transportation and other external hotel services.

Lastly, the psychological benefits of treating yourself shouldn’t be underestimated. Travelling solo is all about self-care, and splurging on a hotel upgrade can be a wonderful way to prioritise your comfort, safety and happiness. After all, you’re likely to have more vivid and positive memories from a trip where you felt pampered and well cared for. So if your budget allows, paying for a hotel upgrade can be a worthwhile investment in your solo travel experience.

When It is Not Worth Upgrading Your Hotel Room

Of course there are a number of times when upgrading your hotel room may not be worth the extra cost.

Firstly, don’t pay for an upgraded room if you are planning to spend the majority of time outside the hotel. As you’ll be using the room primarily to sleep and refresh, so standard room amenities should suffice.

When you are on a tight budget – if you are travelling with a tight budget, prioritising experiences over accommodation may lead to a more enriching travel experience.

When the hotel’s location is Its primary attraction – Let’s say you’ve booked a hotel because it’s right on the beach, or in the heart of a bustling city you’re excited to explore. In this case, you’re likely going to spend most of your time enjoying the location rather than the hotel amenities provided by the hotel. So. this is a time when I would not consider spending the money on an upgrade.

So To Wrap Up On Are Hotel Upgrades Worth The Money…

Upgrading your hotel room in certain situations can really elevate your travel experience. It offers you a greater level of comfort, more space to unwind, and often affords access to exclusive amenities that standard rooms just don’t include. Whether it’s a breathtaking view, a private balcony, access to exclusive lounges and services, these features can transform a simple stay into a memorable retreat. Furthermore, the added privacy and tranquility often associated with higher-grade rooms can so be worth the money if you are celebrating or seeking relaxation or productivity. Therefore, while it may require a bit more investment, the enhanced experience and benefits that come with upgrading your hotel room can truly enrich your stay, making it well worth considering.

For some great hotel hacks read our great blog on Hotel Hacks That Every Traveller Should Know.