Hotel Upgrade app helps spot the extra perks when booking a room

Do no-cost hotel upgrades truly exist? Find out with this app.

Name: Hotel Upgrade

Cost: Free

Available: Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Requires iOS7.1 or later

What it does: The app connects travelers to hotel perks such as additional loyalty points, suite upgrades, executive lounge access, complimentary drink coupons and more at large hotel chains such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Place, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn and Westin, to name a few.

What’s hot: The best thing about this app is getting more for very little effort. It sends you to the hotel’s website to book your room, so the rates you’ll find there, as well as the discounted rates for seniors, government employees and AAA members, are all available. After you book your room, submit your reservation confirmation to get your upgrades. There’s not a wide variety of hotel choices in each city, but there are 27 cities across the United States.

What’s not: The perks aren’t as good for travelers staying at a hotel only one to four nights. Sure, you’ll get something, such as additional hotel loyalty points, but suite upgrades and the maximum amount of points are given to those who stay five to nine nights.