perk pursuit
9 hotel freebies you can score just by asking (nicely, of course)
Who doesn’t love getting something for free? Whether you’re flying internationally or staying at a chain hotel, there are plenty of free perks you can score just by asking. A Reddit post started by user Dangerous_Seaweed601 on r/TravelHacks, asked the simple question: “What things can you get for free just by asking?”
The responses poured in, filled with insights from both industry insiders and frequent travelers. We’ve gathered the best tips and tricks on what you can request for free at hotels—and how to ask for it in a way that increases your chances of success.
User Umopeope’s comment with almost 700 upvotes said, “I worked at a hotel for a few years. If you ask nicely I’d upgrade you if I could. I loved giving people extra stuff for free.”
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User metal_elk who worked at one of Marriott’s highest revenue properties added, “Ask in a way that expects nothing and show gratitude for the person’s efforts, not the results. If you showed even one ounce of entitlement to an upgrade/discount or you are demanding in any way, you’re going to hear ‘I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do.'”
Here’s a breakdown of the most common freebies you can snag and how to do it.
Room upgrades
Hotels will often offer free upgrades if rooms are available, particularly during slow times or if you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. However, it’s all in the approach. Many Redditors emphasized the importance of kindness and being respectful—without coming across as demanding.
How to ask: Approach the front desk during check-in, and casually mention it’s a special occasion or ask if there are any complimentary room upgrades available. Smile, be polite, and let them know it’s totally fine if there aren’t any.
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Extra toiletries
Hotels almost always have extra toiletries on hand for guests. Beyond the basics like toothbrushes and razors, some properties even have makeup wipes, sewing kits, or hairspray available at no extra cost. If you’ve forgotten something, don’t hesitate to ask the front desk or housekeeping. It’s best to ask soon after checking in so they can bring it up to your room.
How to ask: Call the front desk or housekeeping as soon as you notice you’ve forgotten something. Be friendly and ask if they have a spare item you can use during your stay.
Complimentary water bottles
Many hotels offer free bottled water if you forget your reusable bottle or drinking from the tap isn’t your vibe. Whether it’s for a late-night hydration fix or to keep you refreshed during a day out, it’s a small but useful perk.
How to ask: Request water when checking in or call the front desk after arriving in your room. Mention that you’d appreciate a couple of water bottles if they have any available.
Snacks or small treats
Several Reddit users mentioned receiving complimentary snacks from the front desk. Whether it’s a cookie at check-in or something like fruit or candy, hotels love to make guests feel appreciated, especially if you’re friendly and chatty with the staff. You can ask for snacks when checking in or as you interact with staff throughout your stay.
How to ask: Build rapport with the front desk staff when checking in or during your stay. Once you’ve established a friendly connection, ask if they have any complimentary snacks available.
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Drink coupons or free drinks
This potential perk also often comes with building rapport with the staff, but plenty of Redditors shared stories of getting drink vouchers just for being polite. It helps if you’re staying at a hotel with a bar or if there’s a happy hour offered. If you’re in for a longer stay, the best time to ask is after you’ve had a couple of interactions with staff.
How to ask: After checking in or during a longer stay, ask the front desk or concierge if they have any drink vouchers for the bar or restaurant.
Late check-out
Many hotels are happy to extend your check-out time if rooms aren’t fully booked. Whether you’ve got a late flight or just want a more leisurely morning, it can be worth asking. The ideal time to request this is either when you’re checking in or on the morning of your departure.
How to ask: Call the front desk the morning of check-out or ask during check-in. Be sure to mention if you have a later flight or just want a more relaxing departure.
Charging cables and adapters
Travelers often forget their chargers, and luckily, most hotels have a stash of them left behind by previous guests. Whether it’s a phone charger or a laptop adapter, you can often borrow one for the duration of your stay.
How to ask: Call or visit the front desk as you notice you’ve forgotten your charger. Ask if they have any extras available for you to borrow. A picture of the plug type can help them get a correct match for your device.
Free breakfast vouchers
While less common, some hotels may offer free breakfast if you ask (and if it’s not already included), especially if you’re polite and they have room in the dining area. Some Reddit users mentioned that complimentary breakfast vouchers were given as a nice surprise when the hotel wasn’t fully booked.
How to ask: During check-in, casually ask if breakfast is included or if there are any vouchers available. Be polite and mention you’re curious if they offer anything complimentary for guests.
Extra pillows and blankets
Need more comfort? Hotels usually have additional pillows and blankets for guests, and they’re more than happy to deliver them to your room if there aren’t already some in the closet. Just ask!
How to ask: Call housekeeping or the front desk and request extra pillows or blankets as soon as you settle in. Mention that you’d like a bit more comfort during your stay.
Other freebies you can ask for at your hotel
Aside from the insights gathered from Reddit users, there are several other items you might be able to get for free during your hotel stay. These perks may not be widely advertised but can still be available if you ask the right person.
- Wi-Fi upgrades: If the standard Wi-Fi is slow, you can sometimes ask for a complimentary upgrade to the premium package.
- Parking vouchers: Depending on the hotel, you might be able to get parking vouchers, especially if you’re staying multiple nights or attending a special event.
- Laundry bags or shoe shine kits: While these are often tucked away in the closet, many hotels have extras available for guests who ask.
- Slippers and bathrobes: If you’re staying at a higher-end hotel, complimentary slippers and bathrobes may be provided on request if they’re not already in your room.
- Coffee and tea: Hotels with in-room coffee makers usually have extra supplies at the front desk. If you run out of coffee pods or tea bags, simply ask for more.
- Fitness center access: In some cases, access to the fitness center or spa facilities is included, but if it’s not, you can sometimes ask for a free day pass or discounted access.
- Transportation services: Some hotels offer shuttle services to nearby attractions or airports. Even if this isn’t mentioned at check-in, it’s worth asking if there are any free transportation options available.
- Local maps and guides: While many hotels offer brochures in the lobby, you can also ask for more personalized local guides or walking maps, especially at boutique hotels or LGBTQ+ friendly properties that cater to local exploration.
- Board games or books: Some hotels have small libraries or game rooms available to guests. If you’re looking for a low-key activity, ask the front desk if they have board games, cards, or books you can borrow.
These additional requests may not always result in freebies, but hotels are often willing to go the extra mile to make your stay memorable.
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Make the most of your stay by asking for hotel freebies
Traveling can be expensive, but hotel freebies are one of the easiest ways to enhance your experience without spending an extra dime. From room upgrades to complimentary snacks, bottled water, and toiletries, there are plenty of perks you can enjoy if you know how and when to ask.
Whether you’re traveling for Pride or just exploring the world, it never hurts to ask for a little extra kindness when staying in LGBTQ+-friendly hotels, as well. Mentioning a celebration or event can sometimes lead to more personalized service and make your trip even more special.
As we’ve seen from the Reddit thread and beyond, a polite and respectful approach goes a long way. Hotel staff are often willing to make your stay more enjoyable if you engage kindly and show gratitude, especially when it doesn’t cost the hotel anything extra.
Don’t be afraid to ask for those extra pillows, inquire about free breakfast, or see if there’s a better room available. The worst they can say is no—but when they say yes, you’ll feel like a VIP at no extra cost.
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