Maui Hotel Comp Upgrade?
 

We will be going to Maui next week. I have read many threads about people getting room upgrades. This will be our first trip to Hawaii, but have traveled many places within US & Mexico, and we have never been able to upgrade without it costing us a fortune! So I was wondering how you get the complimentary upgrades? We will be staying 4 nights @ the Sheraton @ Kaanapali, then 5 nights @ the Maui Prince. Should I call before we arrive, or just ask at check-in? In my past experience, I've always been told at check-in that everything is booked!! Please give any suggestions. This is our 25th wedding anniversary trip, and we would love an upgrade to a beautiful room w/view! Thanks, Deb

Comp upgrades generally go to elite members of a hotel chain's frequent guest program. I received a fantastic upgrade at the Hyatt Kauai because of status. That's not to say it doesn't occasionally happen otherwise.

It can't hurt to call now and ask them to put a note on your reservation indicating that it's your 25th anniversary and requesting an upgrade, and asking again at check-in. Don't get your hopes up too high though. I think half the visitors to Hawaii are either on their honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary ;)

I often call in advance and ask for the front desk manager. I then tell them my travel dates, the fact that I chose their hotel to make it special for my special occasion, and then ask if at all possible, they could put us in a room with a view, something special to celebrate our occassion.........works sometimes! worth the try!!!

You can try, but be aware many hotels are completely sold out for the next several weeks.

And remember everyone else is going to be angling for an upgrade.

We'll be going to a nice steakhouse. Can anyone tell me how to order a hamburger and get a free upgrade to the 22 oz prime rib?

Your best bet for getting an upgrade is when your reservation is for a short stay. Hotels must try to squeeze maximum revenue from their inventory. When a nicer room is available and MIGHT GET SOLD the hotel really can't afford to be giving it away for several days at a discount price ... but often they will discount for a day or two, where they have a little more control over how much sub-par-revenue is occuring.