A frequent traveler is revealing the one trick she says saves her “hundreds of dollars” on hotel stays, including free room upgrades and complimentary meals.
TikTok user @azartravelz, a self-described personal finance nerd and family travel enthusiast, shared her tip in a “Travel Hack Tuesday” video earlier this year. She says she uses the hack for every family vacation with consistent success.
The trick involves contacting the hotel’s general manager before a stay. Azar advises travelers to search for the GM’s name and email address online, or call the hotel to request the details.
“I send them an email that just says, ‘Hey, we’re coming to your hotel [on] these dates. Here’s our confirmation number. We’re so excited to stay with you,’” she explains.
She then politely asks if the hotel could make the stay “extra special,” such as a room upgrade, free breakfast, or access to exclusive club-level perks.
Azar says the process takes only about 10 minutes and claims it works “100% of the time.” At a minimum, she usually receives a room with a better view or slightly larger size. On one recent trip to Turkey, her family was upgraded to a suite worth around $6,000 for a week, including a complimentary breakfast buffet for five.
“Whether you’re paying with points or cash, do this little trick. The worst they can say is ‘no,’” she advises.
Other TikTok users reported similar successes, including suite upgrades, bar credits, and scenic views. A hotel manager commenting on the post recommended joining the hotel’s rewards program first to increase the chances of perks.
Azar’s simple hack has sparked widespread discussion online, encouraging travelers to ask for what they want and see what they receive.
