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Why Focusing on Room Upgrades Drives Bigger Wins — For You and Your Hotel

CS - Oaky avatar
Written by CS - Oaky
Updated over a week ago

Let’s face it: it’s easier to offer a late check-out than to pitch a premium room.

But if you want to make upselling worth it — for you and for the business — it starts with focusing on room upgrades.

Here’s why 👇

Room Upgrades Drive the Most Revenue — Fast

Room upgrades often deliver 3–5x more revenue than small services like early check-in or parking.

Example:

Upsell Type

Avg. Value per Sale

Early Check-in

€10–15

Late Check-out

€10–20

Parking/Extras

€8–12

Room Upgrade

€30–80+

One successful upgrade = more revenue than 3–4 smaller add-ons combined.

Why Teams Avoid Selling Them

Let’s be honest — upgrades feel harder to pitch.

Common fears:

  • “What if the guest says no?”

  • “I don’t want to sound pushy.”

  • “They didn’t choose it online, so why would they want it now?”

But here's the truth: guests say yes more often than you think — when you pitch it right.

What to Say (Without Feeling Salesy)

You don’t need to be a salesperson — just a helpful host.

Try:

“We have a beautiful top-floor room available with extra space and a great view — would you like to treat yourself today for just €35 more?”

Or:

“We’re offering select guests an upgrade to our deluxe room — available today only for €40. It comes with a rain shower and Nespresso machine. Interested?”

The secret?

Lead with the benefit, not the price.

Why This Matters for You

  • Bigger sales = more recognition and reward

  • Easier to hit your shift or weekly targets

  • You become the MVP of the team when you close the big ones

  • Management notices — and that can mean growth opportunities

A €40 upgrade isn’t just a guest win — it’s a chance to show your impact.

Why This Matters for the Hotel

Room upgrades directly boost:

  • ADR (Average Daily Rate) — more revenue per occupied room

  • TRevPAR (Total Revenue Per Available Room) — the key metric for revenue managers and GMs

  • Profit margins (upgrades don’t increase costs like selling new services might)

Even just 2–3 room upgrades per day can add up to €2,000–3,000/month in incremental revenue — from rooms that were sitting empty. Plus, the additional revenue you’ll generate by reselling the lower category rooms.

The Takeaway

  • Room upgrades feel harder — but pay off faster.

  • You can pitch without pressure.

  • More revenue = more recognition for you and your team.

  • Your impact goes beyond check-in — it hits the bottom line.

So next time you see that deluxe room available at check-in, go for it.

It’s the best upsell in the building — and now, you’ve got the confidence to pitch it.

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