According to Joe Brancatelli, editor of JoeSentMe.com and a business travel columnist for usatoday.com, his 2 most effective and favorite strategies in getting an upgraded hotel room on a high floor is "Upgrades are often available just for the asking. The later in the day you check in, the better your odds are of getting upgraded. And second, "Offer to pay $20 more, and see what you can get. You might not get the 4-room suite, but it could be worth it to see what's available. "You can very often offer to pay, but the nice desk clerk might just say 'that's ok'."

For additional effective strategies in getting an upgrade for your room, kindly visit the link below:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/hotsheet/2004-02-17-hotsheet_x.htm

I don't think flirting helps, because these people are too hard-core for that.

Tipping sometimes helps, but then why should you spend an extra amount. Money doesn't come for free.

The best way that worked for me a score of times is being specific and straight about your need. I just walked up to them, told them very coldly that I wanted my choice and if they could not arrange for that, I would simply move to another hotel. This worked. They happily agreed and did what I said. Actually, when they see that the customer is about to leave, they usually agree unless they have some really genuine reason to deny. So, I think be specific about your need. First ask them politely and if this does not work, tell them with a cold but prominent tone that you want a particular thing and if they are not able to provide that, there are hundreds out there who can if I throw money. They will do.

This worked best for me.

Hope that helps. But remember, flirting never helps. They are too cunning for that.

Thanks