Hotel concierge reveals the ‘best’ way to get an upgraded room

Every week, nine.com.au Travel shares a top travel tip from our readers or something our writers find. Have one to share? Email us at travel@nine.com.au for a chance to be featured in an upcoming story.

A hotel concierge has revealed what you can do to improve your chances of getting a better room. Because while getting away is already a big win, there things you can do to make your stay even better.

Tin Pham Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam said there’s a simple way to improve your chances from the time you actually book the room.

“Upgrades are never guaranteed, but there are a few things that genuinely help,” he told nine.com.au.

Booking directly is one key thing he said to do, rather than using a third-party site.

“Travelling outside peak periods, and politely sharing if you’re celebrating something special all make a difference,” he added.

Read more

Michael travelled from Melbourne to London - but didn’t get on a plane

Meanwhile, he also said there is one query he constantly gets from guests at the beachside resort.

And it can be difficult to answer.

“By far the most common question is, ’What shouldn’t we miss while we’re here?” he said.

“It sounds simple, but it’s actually the most important question a guest can ask.

“My follow-up is always, ‘How do you like to travel?’ 

“Some guests want temples and history, others want hidden food spots or somewhere peaceful to decompress.

“Our job is to translate one vague question into something that feels tailor made.”

He was keen to point out that concierges can do more than book restaurants.

“The real value is local knowledge and relationships built over years,” he said.

“We know which restaurant tables are worth requesting, which experiences are overrated, and which moments are quietly special.”

He said when splashing out on a luxury hotel like the one he works at, remember there are plenty of things laid on for you to enjoy without leaving the resort.

“Guests sometimes overschedule themselves outside the property and miss out on what’s actually on their doorstep – wellness experiences, local storytelling, or simply slowing down,” he said.

As for Aussies heading to the hotspot town of Hoi An, he recommended not to miss wandering the ancient town in the late afternoon or evening.

“The lanterns come out and the atmosphere changes completely,” he said.

Also visit The Marble Mountains, for caves, temples and sweeping views. It’s a group of five limestone peaks seven kilometres from Da Nang.

Read more

Honest truth about flying Qantas Economy vs Premium Economy

The nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed My Son Sanctuary, tower-temples date back to the 4th Century, too.

Also embrace the local transport by hopping on a guided vespa food tour, with options including one run by the hotel.

He said it allows guests to explore local neighbourhoods, sample authentic dishes and see the destination from a “completely different perspective”.

Meanwhile, while checking reviews is usually a must, another expert says to pay good attention, especially when it comes to cheaper options for all-inclusive deals which are common in Europe.

“If less than 25 per cent of reviews on a resort are marked as excellent, that is a significant warning sign,” Neil Atkinson, travel expert and owner of Luxury Group Stay, said.

“Pay close attention to what guests say about the food in particular. A bad buffet can define an entire holiday.”