Originally Posted by
Easy Victor
Sometimes its as simple as being nice to the desk clerk who checks you in. And I'm not talking about bribing them aka the "$20 trick". Just a warm smile, asking them how their day is going, and engaging in friendly conversation can make a huge difference which room you wind up in. They usually deserve this normal interaction, but often don't get any of it.
You can also get an upgrade if you are next in line after a customer who has been especially rude and nasty to the staff.