Ditch the fake birthday: how to get a free hotel upgrade without lying

From pretending they are famous to coming armed with a cute letter from their kid, Australians have gone to great lengths to try to convince hotel check-in staff that they deserve a free upgrade.

A study of 1300 Aussies by hotel group Shangri-La has found nearly half are willing to bend the truth to score a better room.

Ten per cent have actually tried it.

Tactics range from "harmless" fibs like declaring a fake birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, to pretending to be somebody else entirely.

"One family arrived with a drawing and note supposedly written by their toddler asking for 'the bestest room because mummy works very hard'," a Shangri-La spokesperson told Explore.

On this occasion, it worked, with the couple receiving "a sweet surprise".

But not everyone is so lucky - or creative.

The team members have seen other bold - and occasionally brilliant - plays including guests who have had multiple "birthdays" over the year, and once twice in the same month. Alas, they were found out.

A few savvy travellers have tried referencing "fictional VIPs", saying, "we're here with the CEO of XYZ, she'll be joining later", in the hopes of extra attention.

These are reportedly "usually easily spotted".

Survey respondents admitted to using the following ploys to nab an upgrade, however it wasn't clear whether they worked.

Shangri-La said there are some tried and tested ways to nab an upgrade - no fibbing required.

The first is to actually tell the truth.

"Be upfront - and polite," the spokesperson said.

"You'd be surprised how far a warm attitude goes. If there's availability, we'll always do our best to make someone's stay feel special - after all, not every stay with us needs an occasion."

Requesting an upgrade (if one's available) before the day of your booking can also help.

"Let us know in advance," they said.

"Guests who call ahead or note a celebration in their booking tend to have better luck - it gives us more time to prepare a surprise or offer options."

Not surprisingly, some hotels prefer you to book directly through them - and they might even reward you for it.

Direct bookers can sometimes get access to flexible rates or offers.

It also pays to join the loyalty program if the hotel has one.

Shangri-La says this gives you "a definite edge" on upgrades.

"Not only can you earn points towards future stays, but members are more likely to receive complimentary perks and room upgrades - especially if you stay regularly or have status," they said.

And finally, don't rock up on a busy Saturday night before Christmas and expect special treatment.

"Midweek stays or quieter seasons might give you a better shot. We want to say yes - and it's much easier when we have availability," they said.

Don't tell porky pies.

"We've had 'honeymooners' who stayed with us a few months earlier... for their other honeymoon," the Shangri-La spokesperson said.

"We always want to make guests feel welcome, but stretching the truth too far doesn't always land well."

Don't make demands at check-in - and definitely don't be rude to staff.

And try not to to expect something extra during busy times.

"During peak booking periods, more often than not our hotels are at maximum capacity and our team are run off their feet with, ensuring all guests have a quality stay," they said.