He added that this is more likely to work in smaller boutique hotels rather than larger chains.
But he also says even just asking can make a difference.
Mr Callery continued: “Being polite but direct about what you want often yields results.
“Start off by asking about paid upgrade options.
“Once the receptionist has explained them, nicely mention your budget constraints.
“They will often give you a free upgrade to compromise.”
“Ask the receptionist if any complimentary upgrades are available today rather than demanding one.”
Even if you didn’t succeed on the first day, you might be able to get an upgrade later in your trip if you are staying longer than one night.
He explained: “Night audits show which high-end rooms won’t be filled, and thus can sometimes unlock a mid-stay upgrade.”
Other methods that he recommends is telling them if its a special occasion such as birthdays and anniversaries, as that can also lead to upgrades.
Just don’t try and lie, as you could be caught out.
Another lie not to tell is being a influencer or content creator if you’re not, as he warned “they hear this every day and it is easily checked”.
Mr Callery ended by saying: “Reception staff really want you to have a great stay.
“A friendly approach and understanding of how the hotel works often results in courtesy perks, which add value to your visit without affecting your budget.”
Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has told Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents they are legally protected from prosecution and local officials cannot arrest them.
Fox News host Will Cain questioned Miller during an October 24 interview. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Cain said, “talked about interfering with, arresting, ICE agents in Illinois”.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Cain asked Miller under what federal authority the Trump administration could arrest Pritzker if the governor tried to arrest ICE agents.
“To all ICE officers, you have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties,” Miller said. “And anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony.”
Miller said his answer applied to any local or state official “who conspires or engages in activity that unlawfully impedes federal law enforcement conducting their duties”.
The day before Miller’s comments, Pritzker signed an executive order establishing the Illinois Accountability Commission to document federal law enforcement actions and refer possible law violations to local and state agencies for investigation. Chicago is the latest target in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, and agents have arrested more than 3,000 people there.
Pritzker acknowledged in an October 16 interview that “federal agents typically have federal immunity, but they’re not immune from the federal government holding them accountable and responsible”.
His statement is less sweeping than Miller’s, and Pritzker noted that the federal government can prosecute federal agents.
Immigration agents, like other law enforcement officers, have broad protections when conducting official duties. That doesn’t mean they can’t be held legally accountable if they break state or federal law.
“Federal officials are not categorically immune from state criminal prosecution, even while on duty,” Bryna Godar, a lawyer at the University of Wisconsin’s State Democracy Research Initiative, wrote in a July 17 report.
When contacted for comment, the White House pointed PolitiFact to an October 23 letter that US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote to California officials.
“The Department of Justice views any arrests of federal agents and officers in the performance of their official duties as both illegal and futile,” Blanche wrote.
He cited several federal laws and provisions, including the US Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. The clause limits when states can prosecute federal agents who break state law, but it does not act as blanket immunity, legal experts said.
Miller’s statement is “wrong on its face”, Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown University constitutional law professor, wrote in his October 27 newsletter.
The federal government can prosecute immigration agents who break the law
Federal immigration agents can’t break the law with impunity.
In 2024, a federal judge convicted and sentenced to federal prison a US Customs and Border Protection agent for using excessive force against two people at the southern border. Department of Homeland Security watchdog officers investigated the case.
The federal government has cited its power to hold agents accountable in court arguments. After a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a 15-year-old Mexican boy at the southern border in 2010, the Justice Department said in a 2019 Supreme Court brief that the federal government investigates allegations of excessive force by agents “and may bring a federal criminal prosecution where appropriate”.
Non-government organisations can also sue the federal government for its agents’ actions. Several groups in Chicago, including journalism organisations, sued the Trump administration saying federal agents are using “a pattern of extreme brutality in a concerted and ongoing effort to silence the press and civilians”.
In that case, federal District Judge Sara Ellis ordered immigration agents not to use tear gas and other riot control tactics unless people are posing an immediate threat. If the agents are going to use tear gas, they are required to give a verbal warning first.
After reports that agents weren’t following the court order, Ellis ordered Gregory Bovino, the senior Border Patrol official overseeing the federal immigration actions in Chicago, to meet with her every weeknight to report all confrontations officers have with the public. A federal appeals court has since temporarily paused Ellis’s order.
Vladeck wrote that even if the Trump administration does not investigate or prosecute immigration agents who might have broken the law, it doesn’t mean the federal government doesn’t have the power to do so.
Pritzker said his state’s commission seeks to document actions that could be prosecuted in the future.
Demonstrators hold signs during a protest against ICE raids, in Little Village, Chicago, Illinois, US, on October 24, 2025 [Daniel Cole/Reuters]
State governments aren’t barred from prosecuting federal agents
State governments can also prosecute immigration agents if they break state law. However, there is a limitation known as supremacy clause immunity, which comes from the US Constitution’s clause that says federal law supersedes conflicting state laws.
Protections against state prosecution for federal agents date back to a 1890 Supreme Court decision. David Neagle, a US marshal assigned to protect a Supreme Court justice, shot and killed a man who assaulted the justice. California arrested Neagle and charged him with murder. The Supreme Court ruled that the state couldn’t prosecute Neagle because he was carrying out official duties.
Generally, federal agents are protected from state prosecution if their actions were authorised by federal law, and if the actions were “necessary and proper” for agents to fulfil their duties.
A federal court ruled in 1990 that a customs agent was immune from state charges for speeding while driving during a drug operation. The agent acted under US laws and was justified in concluding speeding was necessary to fulfil his duties, the court said.
But a US marine wasn’t given immunity in 1990 after he killed a person in a car accident while he was driving in a military convoy in North Carolina.
“In short, while Supremacy Clause immunity grants federal officials a partial shield from state prosecution, that immunity is not absolute,” Godar wrote.
Contrary to Miller’s statement, Vladeck wrote, it’s not a felony “for local or state authorities to arrest someone who they have probable cause to believe committed a state crime”.
If a state brought charges against federal immigration agents, the court would have to determine whether an officer reasonably would have thought the actions were necessary to carry out federal duties.
“That’s a generous standard, to be sure,” Vladeck wrote. “But it is by no means a get-out-of-prosecution-free card.”
Our ruling
Miller said: “To all ICE officers, you have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties.”
Immigration agents, like other law enforcement officers, have broad protections when they’re conducting official duties. But they’re not immune from prosecution if they break state or federal law.
The federal government can and does prosecute federal officers who break the law.
States can’t prosecute agents for breaking state law if the agents were acting under the reasonable confines of their official duties. But those restrictions aren’t absolute.
The statement contains an element of truth; federal immigration agents have some immunity from state prosecution. But the protections aren’t as sweeping as Miller made them sound, giving a different impression. Federal agents can and have been prosecuted by states.
A MAJOR UK airport has been shut down after facing difficulties with one of its runways.
Flights were cancelled and planes grounded overnight with passengers encouraged to check with their airlines to see if their journey has been affected.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Planes due to land at the airport were diverted to other UK sitesCredit: LNPLeeds Bradford Airport was closed following issues with its runwayCredit: Alamy
Leeds Bradford Airport is expected to remain closed to both departures and arrivals until 5am on Saturday.
Jet setters were warned that the closure could continue on longer.
The first flight out of the closed airport, a Jet2 service to Heraklion in Crete, is expected to leave shortly before 5:25am.
Flights due to land at Leeds Bradford Airport were diverted and sent to other UK airports in the wake of the runway issue.
The busy airport usually operates for 24 hours a day but has been closed now until the issue can be adressed.
Staff at the airport are reportedly working at speed to fix the problem as soon as they can.
The team at Leeds Bradford Airport said that customer safety is their number on priority.
Disappointed holidaymakers can make contact with staff on the ground at terminals to ask any questions about their flights.
A statement on the airport’s website, posted at 10pm, reads: “Due to an unforeseen issue with the runway, we have had to take the decision to close the airport until the morning.
“Customers are advised to check with their airline for the most up-to-date information regarding their flight.
“We are working to resolve the disruption as soon as possible, the safety and comfort of the passengers travelling through our terminal is our number one priority.
“Our team is on the ground in the terminal to answer any customer queries regarding departures.”
Leeds Bradford Airport was granted planning permission to operate round the clock in 1994.
Dozens of flights take off and land at the busy midlands airport on a day-by-day basis.
According to the airport’s website there is a designated night-time flight period.
This lasts from 11pm to 7am every evening with only the quietest jets permitted to operate between these hours.
Here’s the full list of best to worst UK airports according to Which?
A glimmer of hope, a door creaked slightly ajar, a creeping sense of “what if” drifting through the crowd and the commentary box – but in the end, Australia win.
This was England’s long-awaited Ashes reunion, their first competitive meeting since the ill-fated 16-0 drubbing.
In some ways, this was a free hit, considering the fact that a semi-final spot at the Women’s World Cup had already been secured for both teams.
Throughout the tournament, England have shown – despite being far from perfect on occasions – that this is not the same dejected England that left the Melbourne Cricket Ground back in February, having barely left a scratch on their opponents – let alone a punch.
Against their great rivals in Indore, they had spells where they competed – again, something that was nothing more than a pipe dream at the beginning of the year.
Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont dominated the first eight overs, cashing in as the Australian seamers bowled too wide and lacked control.
Alice Capsey played an enterprising cameo to get England to 244, which always felt below par, but when Lauren Bell removed Phoebe Litchfield’s off stump with a beauty and Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry were dismissed shortly after, England were in unfamiliar territory.
They were favourites.
But against a team of such greatness, a line-up littered with stardom from one to 11 and the three left on the bench, you cannot and will not win a game in moments.
England learned a harsh lesson in Indore. They have improved massively in the field, they look fitter, they look a more cohesive unit willing to fight and scrap for everything.
Still, you can do all of that, and still be outplayed. You can take four top-order wickets for 68 runs and the next two will add a chanceless 180 between them, turning a wobble into a crushing victory with nearly 10 overs to spare.
England’s unbeaten run came to an end, ever so predictably, with a bump down to earth dealt by Australia.
The vibe: A back-to-basics 1940s motor court in the heart of the 29 Palms revival.
The details: In 1946, when jackrabbits and homesteading World War II veterans dominated the dry, remote open spaces of the Morongo Basin, the Mesquite Motel went up along the main highway in Twentynine Palms. By 1962, it was called La Hacienda and had a tall, yellow, utterly utilitarian sign (and a little, rectangular pool). Later it became the Motel 29 Palms, the Sunset Motel and the Mojave Trails Inn. In 2019, owner Ashton Ramsey said, he bought it for $350,000 and dubbed it Ramsey 29.
The old yellow sign hangs out front. But Ramsey turned L.A.-based Kristen Schultz and her firm K/L DESIGN loose to take these 10 rooms in a desert-eclectic direction.
Furniture is hand-built, brick walls are whitewashed and coat hangers carry their own clever slogans. Headboards are upcycled from Italian military stretchers, canvas armchairs bear the words “soiled clothes large” and the new tiles on the bathroom floor say “29,” as do custom blankets and other items. The floors are concrete. Room 9, closest to the highway, now has triple-paned windows. Six rooms opened in 2020, the remaining four in 2024. Guests check themselves in digitally.
Ramsey plans changes around the pool next, including more palm trees. But he’s not shying away from the word “motel.”
“I’ve leaned into that,” Ramsey said. “You’ve got to be proud of what you are.” In fact, he said, “We didn’t just renovate a motel. We’re trying to renovate a town. If we don’t brag on 29, nobody else will.”
Spring rates typically start at $185 a night on weekends (plus taxes), $95 on weekdays. Free parking. Pets OK for a fee. (The hotel website routes bookings through Airbnb.)
BRITAIN’S smallest castle, a charming 19th century Gothic turret in the heart of Hertfordshire, has gone up for sale.
The Gazebo Tower is a glorious Grade II listed landmark which dates back to 1833 and is packed with royal-looking features inside its 645sqft of living space.
6
A castle which looks like an ordinary home inside has gone up for saleCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
6
The pictures actually show the interior of Britain’s smallest castleCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
6
The Gazebo Tower, dubbed as Britain’s smallest castle, is on sale for £330,000Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
Described as a “local icon”, this three-storey tower in Ross-on-Wye looks out over the River Wye and the Hertfordshire countryside.
Inside, each of its circular rooms – roughly 16ft across – has been transformed into a kitchen, a bedroom and a living room.
It also comes with a picturesque roof-top terrace, described as offering 360-degree views of the Black Mountains of Southeast Wales, the spire of Saint Mary’s Church, Chase Wood and Ross-on-Wye’s vibrant architecture.
It’s currently available to buy for £330,000.
Estate agents Hamilton Stiller described it “an opportunity to own a landmark and one of Ross-on-Wye’s most striking features.”
One of the most whimsical touches to the property is how the double bed hides a bath underneath – making the most of the space.
The top floor also includes an en-suite wet room and a spiral staircase leading to a battery-operated roof hatch.
Athletes from the Ross Rowing Club can even often be seen sailing down the River Wye from the windows.
The quintessential market town of Ledbury is only 13 miles away, while trains to London Paddington take two hours.
This tower, once owned by Herefordshire Council, was sold in 2001 when its only floor was accessible by ladder.
Inside Cheryl’s six-bedroom £4million mega-mansion she shared with ex-husband as it goes on sale
Tony Billingham, who won the bid by post, lovingly restored the tower into a cozy, functional home and later opened it to visitors, donating proceeds to local charities.
This isn’t the only house that has caught widespread attention recently.
Photos of the property reveal that one of its two bathrooms has been transformed into a home office – giving workers the chance to “do their business” without ever leaving the room.
Baffled house hunters have branded the interior “bonkers”, with photos revealing a quirky layout and eccentric design choices that are anything but ordinary.
Listed for £235,000 in February, the home was purchased by a couple in July after making several visits over the summer.
Nicknamed “the Dolls House” by locals, the petite property is cleverly built in an alleyway between two neighbouring homes and offers breathtaking views of the coast.
6
The circular stone tower offers 360-degree panoramic views across HerefordshireCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
6
The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Ross-on-WyeCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
6
A spring-loaded bed reveals a hidden bath underneathCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
