the hotel's rewards program, or present your current membership card. Most large hotels offer some sort of incentive programs for frequent travelers, and preference for on-the-spot upgrades may go to members of their programs. Step 6 Thank the staff even if they turn your request down. The hotel may simply have nothing available at the moment. However, you never know if an upgrade may become available later -- if you are a good sport, the staff will be quicker to think of you. References About the Author A writer and professional lab assistant based in Seattle, Kate Bruscke has been writing professionally about health care and technology since 1998. Her freelance clients include "The Seattle Times," KGB.com, Reading Local: Seattle, Nordstrom and MSN/Microsoft. Bruscke holds a Master of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.