Hotel employees have warned guests that they could be ruining the experience for others if they try out the trick
People have been warned they could be ruining the fun for everyone else if they try to get holiday freebies by pretending they’re on a honeymoon. The popular hack is often used by couples hoping for a free hotel upgrade or similar perk.
However, the trick could put a dampener on other guests’ holidays, despite your best intentions. Employees explained why they’d advise against the hack after a TikTok user went viral promoting the idea. Social media user @rod.davis35 wrote: “Unethical travel hack: Fake a honeymoon at check-in.
“You’d be surprised how many upgrades, free drinks or room service vouchers you can score with a simple, ‘It’s our honeymoon!'” The video received over 200,000 views and thousands of likes.
Not everyone was a fan of the hack, though. Someone commented: “This is exactly why the hotel I worked at didn’t offer anything extra for people actually on their honeymoon, or their birthday at the hotel.”
A different response read: “As a receptionist: if you are on a REAL honeymoon and don’t get special attention, you can say thank you to all these liars who try every other day.”
A similar comment added: “You have no idea how many guests we get telling us it’s a birthday trip and their birthday was five months ago.” Another hospitality worker wrote: “As a hotel worker, we know your tricks don’t be so sure!”
When a commenter replied: “But you can’t really make them prove it, right? So you kinda have to believe them,” they added: “No we don’t, simply because 90% if not more declare birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. It’s so obvious now!! Some hotels finally ask for proof. You play dirty, we play fairly.”
Elsewhere, a viewer shared: “I got nothing for even my real honeymoon sooo it didn’t work for me,” while another replied: “I’ll have to try this out. Sounds like a great idea!”
While it might not be quite as glamorous as a hotel room upgrade, there are various birthday freebies that shoppers can claim. From beauty gifts to sweet treats, big brands, including Greggs, Krispy Kreme, Boost, New Look, and Nike, offer birthday discounts or giveaways.
For instance, fans of Greggs, Krispy Kreme, and Boost can enjoy a free birthday treat if they download the relevant app or show their loyalty card.
If you’re after a birthday dinner deal, it could be worth checking out what’s on offer at Frankie and Benny’s, Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, Beefeater, TGI Fridays, Brewer’s Fayre, and Shepherd Neame pubs.
Alternatively, retailers like Nike, JD Sports, New Look and SimplyBe offer discounts if you sign up before your birthday.