"If You Aren't Nice, Nothing Else Will Make Much of a Difference"

Nothing beats free! We all love getting an extra drink from the bartender, an upgraded hotel room and dessert … all gratis. For some, of course, this has become sport (or war, even), as they try to get as many freebies as possible when they travel. Now, the easiest way to save money is to make smart decisions when booking, such as cheap tickets and hotel rooms. However, this doesn’t seem to come with the victorious feeling that accompanies complimentary perks.

So, you want to score something free. I don’t recommend setting out to do this, as you run the risk of being labeled a pain by the hotel staff. But, there are a few things you can do when you arrive. Let’s take a look:

1. Be nice: This is a necessary first step. If you aren’t nice, nothing else will make much of a difference. Having a pleasant disposition alone won’t get you free stuff, but it is a prerequisite. If you do encounter a negative situation, your best bet is to meet it with a smile.

2. Solve problems: Is there a problem with your room? I stayed at a place in Glasgow that didn’t have a functioning internet connection, and I needed one for work. I offered an easy solution: stick me in any room, even if it’s a downgrade. I just wanted a connection. The room in which I wound up had two floors, was enormous and had a fantastic bed. And, it had functioning internet access. By asking for a little and offering an easy solution, I got my solution … and so much more.

3. Be smooth: Whether it’s a honeymoon or a birthday, don’t be pushy. For a free drink or dessert – or room upgrade – try to slip it into conversation. If there’s a shot at a freebie, it will be offered to you. If not, the hotel either doesn’t intend to offer or doesn’t have it to give. Making a scene definitely will not help your cause. Let it go, move on and enjoy your vacation.

4. Look like you need it: A friend of mine visiting Manhattan a few years ago wound up staying an extra day and hadn’t booked a hotel. There was nothing open in midtown. I suggested that she check out On The Ave, a hotel on the upper west side where I used to stay before moving to the city. She showed up on a sweltering July day overheated, sweaty and exhausted. The employee at the front desk simply said, “You look like you could use an upgrade.” It was that easy.

5. Find the belligerent guy: Look for a drunk or generally obstreperous person who clearly wants free stuff more than you do. Make sure you’re close when he makes a scene. When management handles the situation, you’ll invariably be asked if the scene was traumatic and what the hotel can do to fix it. Time to cash in!

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photo: Jerry Bunkers