In the world of travel, there are a few tricks of the trade for getting flight upgrades, discounts on experiences, and the best nightly rates. Some people rely on points and miles, while others are sticklers about booking in advance or researching differential deals on sites like Groupon. What many travelers may not realize, however, is that there are also a number of “hacks” for getting the best hotel room possible. And no, you won’t have to pay anything additional. 

Whether you’re hoping for a room with more square footage or the quietest accommodations on the property, there are several things to keep in mind when booking and or checking into a hotel. From requesting a corner room to taking advantage of loyalty programs, here are the best ways to get a better hotel room, according to industry experts.

Let the Hotel Know You’re Celebrating 

“In the luxury hotel industry, we are always looking for a reason to celebrate and elevate the guest experience,” says Lizzie Davidson, Thompson Houston’s area director of revenue. “Mentioning your special occasion—such as a birthday, anniversary, or maybe even just a simple staycation escape with your loved one—always goes a long way at the reception area or concierge team.” Of course, room or staff availability will affect the team’s ability to accommodate you with an upgrade or a fun amenity, but it never hurts to let them know why you’re in town. 

Ask for a Corner Room 

If you want a bigger hotel room (without paying for a more premium category), you’ll want to take note of the location. “When hotel architects and designers start to cut up floors into bays, the rooms in the center of the floors—specifically near elevators, stairwells, and utility closets—will have less room because of space being cut to help service the building,” says Karl von Ramm, general manager of The Loutrel in Charleston. With that in mind, he says that your best bet is “typically corner rooms or rooms along the front side of the building, where stairwells and utilities are typically not present.”

Granted, all buildings are different, so this may not always be the case. If you’re really invested in your mission to get the biggest hotel room possible, he suggests “spending time looking at exterior shots of the hotel and giving the hotel a call to ask their opinion” before booking. 

Request a Higher Floor Toward the End of the Hallway 

The best hotel rooms aren’t always the biggest ones. For some travelers, the most coveted rooms in a hotel are the quietest ones. If you fall into that category, you’ll want to heed von Ramm’s advice: “Always go as high as possible and toward the end of hallways. This will mean less street noise and fewer chances of rowdier guests walking by your door in the middle of the night.”

Sarah Young, a Raleigh-based luxury travel advisor with Fora Travel, also recommends steering clear of rooms near lobbies, bars, or livelier areas. Just be sure to let either the hotel or the travel advisor you’re working with know your preferences. “We can always try to prioritize rooms on higher floors to reduce noise from the lobby, or, if the hotel has a rooftop bar, we might recommend something in the middle of the building,” she says. 

Politely Communicate Your Desires Before Check-in

If you’re staying somewhere surrounded by particularly good scenery—maybe some of the guest rooms overlook a cityscape or out onto the ocean—let the hotel know you’d prefer a room with views. “If you aren’t celebrating but still looking for something a little extra on your next trip, mentioning a higher floor or upgraded view request at the time of booking your reservation would be key,” says Davidson. “Knowing a traveler’s preference prior to the arrival helps the operations team wow them before they even step foot on property by securing the upgrade they requested.”

Work with a Travel Advisor 

According to Young, one of the perks of working with a travel advisor is free room upgrades. “We have great relationships with hotel partners all over the world who can often secure complimentary upgrades (subject to availability) at no extra cost…. Additionally, we can reach out directly to our contacts at the hotel to inquire about rooms or floors with extra space,” she explains. 

Prioritize Rewards or Membership Programs 

As any frequent traveler will tell you, never underestimate the power of a rewards program—especially if you plan on staying loyal to a particular brand or chain. “Membership programs are always very useful since they reward frequent travelers with points that they can utilize on upgraded room experiences for little to no additional cost,” says Davidson. The World of Hyatt Loyalty Program and Marriott Bonvoy, for example, both offer upgrades as part of their rewards packages.