How to bag an upgrade for a special night away

When I worked as a hotel receptionist for several years after leaving university, I picked up a skill or two.

- By AMY JONES

Breakfast in bed

From answering calls to knowing every single room layout by memory, I could do it all. I also collected some handy tips during my time in the trade, including how to bag a free room upgrade.It's one of the most common requests from guests. “Can I have my room upgraded?” I get it. You are away for a romantic weekend and want to make it extra special without forking out extra. But asking us two hours after check-in on a Friday night is not going to cut it. I worked at a luxury hotel with 35 rooms, and upgrades were typically kept for those celebrating a special occasion. If a higher category of room was available, we would do our best to offer it to the lucky guest.