Dear Joel,

I will be traveling to Hawaii for my honeymoon. What is the best way for me to obtain hotel upgrades at the resorts where I will be staying?

Thanks,
Brendan

Dear Brendan,

The best way to obtain upgrades for your honeymoon is to begin researching the possibilities right away. Your first step should be to determine the type of upgrades available at your hotels. In other words, check out the types of rooms that would be an i.e., oceanfront rooms, suites, or rooms on a concierge floor (a special floor that offers complimentary food service throughout the day). This research can be done over the Internet by visiting the hotel Web site, or by calling the hotel directly. The next step is to ask about the availability of such rooms during your visit. At this point youl want to mention that this is a special occasion, your honeymoon, and that any assistance they can offer will be very much reciprocated. (As I explain in The Penny Pincher Passport to Luxury Travel, tipping is a great investment tool for securing upgrades; be sure, however, that you receive the upgrade before you do any tipping.) Whenever you speak to hotel representatives, be sure to get their names, and let them know that you will remember them. You will probably want to start with the in-house reservation office of the hotel. If they are unable to assist you, talk to the front desk representative; if still no upgrade, speak to the general manager of the hotel. In this last case, you will most likely get an executive assistant who will be very able to help you with your needs. Be sure to express to all the hotel representatives that this is a special your honeymoon. Make sure that they note this in the comment section of your reservation, so that all the hotel staff know and treat you extra special.

Have fun!
Joel