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Planning a honeymoon? 10 free VIP upgrades
How
to have a fabulous trip without spending any extra cash!
From first-class seats on the plane to chauffeur service at the hotel, Incendia
Diamonds reveals how to make your trip more luxe and fabulous without spending
any extra cash.
Hotels
The upgrade: Better room
The strategy: Book your stay at a just-opened hotel. A property that's in the
process of establishing itself is more likely to upgrade your room based on
availability.
The upgrade: Better room
The strategy: You'll have a higher chance of scoring an upgrade if you ask for
one at 2 p.m. or later rather than in the morning, since the front desk will
know at that point which of the nicer rooms are still available.
The upgrade: Romantic extras
The strategy: Sign up a year or so ahead of your honeymoon for several resorts'
e-mail newsletters. These typically include exclusive deals featuring free extra
nights or add-ons like champagne and spa treatments, so you'll be among the
first to know about these insider offerings that can make your honeymoon more
special.
The upgrade: Free internet
The strategy: Join the resort's complimentary guest-recognition club. Many of
these programs, such as Wyndham ByRequest and Fairmont President's Club, offer
free high-speed Internet service starting with your very first overnight stay.
The upgrade: Chauffeur service
The strategy: If you have dinner plans nearby, inquire about a “house car”; some
upscale resorts offer a complimentary private car service to transport guests to
their destination (within 15 blocks or so) that's available on a first-come,
first-served basis. You may even end up traveling in "A-lister" style. The Four
Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, for example, offers guests a chauffeur-driven
Rolls-Royce.
Airlines
The upgrade: First class seat
The strategy: If the two of you have “elite” status with an airline's frequent
flyer program (by having flown a certain number of flights or a specific amount
of miles), you're more likely to be bumped to First or Business Class without
even asking. Delta Air Lines sends upgrade vouchers to members; American offers
upgrade certificates online and will move you up, depending on availability, if
you call 48 hours in advance to request it; and Continental sometimes upgrades
members automatically if there's an opening when they check in at the airport
using their membership card.
Car rentals
The upgrade: Free treat
The strategy: As you're being seated at a restaurant, tell the maître d' you're
on your honeymoon and are excited to try this particular chef's food. He may
have a special hors d'oeuvre or cocktail sent to your table, and the chef may
even come by.
Sites and attractions
The upgrade: Exclusive access
The strategy: Do your research. Choose a hotel that has special partnerships
with local attractions. For example, Walt Disney World offers “Magic Hours” to
visitors who stay in one of the hotels onsite, allowing them to visit the park
an hour prior to the official opening time and stay up to three hours past
closing time. At Universal Studios, showing your room key from one of the onsite
resorts enables you to cut to the front of the line for most of the parks' rides
and attractions.
Special extras
The upgrade: Pampering
The strategy: Make sure you know the perks that come with your credit cards. For
example, with a Platinum American Express card, you automatically get access to
the VIP lounge in many airports and may be able to score a last-minute
reservation at an acclaimed restaurant. Discover and VISA offer members free
travel assistance, helping with such tasks as rebooking a flight.
Call Robert at
Incendia Diamonds for further advice on engagement rings and wedding bands or to
set an appointment for a jewelry fitting - 858.692.3939
