Ever stayed at a resort and suddenly got a free massage, dinner, or an upgrade? That’s the magic of comps. “Comps” (short for complimentary perks) are those delightful extras that make a trip unforgettable—and yes, they’re negotiable if you know how to play the game! South African resorts, famous for their hospitality, are no different. If you love freebies (who doesn’t?), it’s time to learn the art of negotiation.
Why South African Resorts Are Prime for Negotiations
South African resorts are experiencing a major boom, but that doesn’t mean they’re resting easy. Competition is fierce, from the lush vineyards of the Winelands to the sprawling safari lodges of Kruger National Park. Every resort is scrambling to stand out, and that gives guests a serious advantage when it comes to negotiating extras. When everyone’s trying to lock in your booking, asking for perks isn’t seen as rude—it’s actually pretty common. If you approach it the right way, most resorts are ready to sweeten the deal just to make sure you choose them over the dozens of other beautiful options.
One of the biggest reasons resorts are willing to negotiate is because they are obsessed with getting glowing reviews. In today’s world, a single enthusiastic review online can drive a ton of future business. Managers know that if they toss in a few free perks—a complimentary bottle of wine, a room upgrade, or spa vouchers—the guest is much more likely to leave a five-star review. And in return, that positive feedback can be worth far more than the cost of the perk itself. Essentially, you’re helping them with marketing simply by leaving happy and telling others about your great experience.
Seasonality also plays a huge role in how flexible resorts are. South Africa’s tourism has busy peaks, but it also has slow seasons when rooms sit empty and spas are underused. During these quieter months, resorts are far more willing to throw in freebies just to attract bookings and fill their space. They would rather offer a free dinner or safari drive than have rooms go unsold. Even during busier seasons, if you catch them right—say, mid-week or during a last-minute cancellation—you can still snag incredible value simply by asking for it.
Finally, the culture of hospitality in South Africa leans heavily on personal relationships and return visits. Resorts love loyal guests who come back year after year or recommend them to friends and family. If they can make your first experience unforgettable with a few extra perks, they’re investing in a long-term relationship. Small gestures that seem huge to a guest—like free airport transfers or surprise upgrades—don’t actually cost the resort much but can turn a one-time visitor into a lifelong advocate. In this game, a little generosity upfront often pays off massively for them down the line.
Timing Is Everything: Pick the Perfect Moment
- Off-Season Travel (May to August for Safari Lodges):
If you’re eyeing South Africa’s legendary safari experiences, remember that May to August is considered the low season. It’s technically winter, but don’t let that scare you. This is actually one of the best times for spotting wildlife, because animals cluster around shrinking waterholes. For resorts and lodges, though, it’s a quieter period. Fewer international tourists mean more available rooms, and resorts will gladly offer free game drives, meal upgrades, spa sessions, or room discounts to keep the bookings flowing. This is the prime window when your negotiation power skyrockets. - Winter Months at Coastal Resorts:
Dreaming of Cape Town beaches or the Garden Route? Even the sun-drenched coasts have their low season, usually during the South African winter. From June to August, the coastal resorts aren’t packed, the temperatures are cooler but still pleasant, and competition for guests heats up behind the scenes. Managers are way more willing to throw in extras like complimentary breakfasts, late check-outs, or access to premium facilities if you book during these months. They need bodies in beds, and you can absolutely use that to your advantage. - Mid-Week Stays (Tuesday to Thursday):
Weekend bookings fill up fast across South African resorts, but mid-week? That’s the sweet spot for negotiators. If you plan your stay from Tuesday to Thursday, you’ll find resorts noticeably quieter. With fewer guests around, managers have more free inventory to offer upgrades, move you to better rooms, or comp you for premium amenities like spa visits, wine tastings, or afternoon teas. It’s simple supply and demand: when demand drops mid-week, your ability to score perks jumps dramatically. - Last-Minute Bookings:
Booking last minute might feel risky, but it’s actually a negotiation jackpot. If a resort still has rooms available a few days before your stay, they are far more motivated to lock in any guest rather than lose that revenue completely. Waiting until close to your travel dates can unlock deep discounts, complimentary add-ons, and even surprise upgrades, because managers would rather offer sweeteners than watch empty rooms generate zero profit. - Mid-Season Transitions:
The few weeks between the major tourist seasons—the shoulder seasons—can be surprisingly powerful times to negotiate. For example, late April and early September aren’t quite high season, but they’re also not deep in the low season. Resorts are prepping for either the rush ahead or winding down after it, making them flexible and eager to please. Deals are often less advertised but very much available if you ask.
Be Friendly, Not Pushy: Building Rapport
| Action | Why It Matters | How to Do It | Staff Reaction | Potential Perks |
| Smile warmly when you arrive | Sets a positive first impression immediately | Approach the front desk with a relaxed, genuine smile | Staff feel more comfortable and open toward you | Faster check-in, friendly service, possibility of early room readiness |
| Compliment the resort genuinely | Shows appreciation and builds instant goodwill | Mention something specific you admire (the view, décor, atmosphere) | Staff feel proud and valued, increasing their willingness to help | Room upgrades, complimentary amenities |
| Ask questions about local attractions | Demonstrates interest in the area and respect for their local knowledge | Politely inquire about nearby restaurants, hidden gems, or tours | Staff love sharing insider tips and often reward curious guests | Special recommendations, priority access to experiences |
| Be friendly but professional | Balances warmth with respect and makes communication smooth | Maintain a polite tone, use courteous language, and listen actively | Staff respect professional behavior and see you as a serious, valued guest | Extra attention during your stay, personalized services |
| Maintain a positive attitude during your stay | Keeps the rapport alive beyond check-in | Smile often, thank staff regularly, and handle minor issues calmly | Staff remember cheerful guests and go out of their way to assist them | Surprise gifts, late check-outs, discounted services |
The Art of the Ask: How to Actually Request a Comp
Asking for a complimentary upgrade or perk at a South African resort might feel a bit nerve-wracking, but it absolutely shouldn’t. In the world of hospitality, these kinds of requests are far more common than you might think. Resort staff are trained to handle such conversations gracefully, and many are even encouraged to offer small bonuses to guests who ask politely and with good timing. The important thing is to approach the situation with confidence, friendliness, and a genuine appreciation for the resort experience you’re about to enjoy. A little charm goes a long way here.
When it’s time to make your move, you don’t have to launch into a complicated or rehearsed speech. A simple, casual, and open-ended approach works best. Something like, “We’re so excited to be staying here—it looks beautiful! I was wondering if there might be any complimentary upgrades or special packages available for our stay?” is ideal. It’s warm, it’s flattering to the property, and most importantly, it leaves the door open without putting any uncomfortable pressure on the staff. You’re not demanding anything—you’re inviting them to offer something if they can.
The key is to plant the idea in their mind in a way that feels natural and friendly. If they have the flexibility to offer you a little extra, they likely will, especially if you’ve already built good rapport through friendly interactions. Timing also plays a huge role; asking during a quieter time at check-in or even mentioning it casually in a conversation with the front desk or guest relations team can boost your chances. People working in resorts are often looking for opportunities to create memorable guest experiences, and a well-placed ask makes it easy for them to say yes.
Finally, always be gracious no matter the response. Even if they can’t provide anything right away, your friendly demeanor and positive attitude could still lead to unexpected surprises later in your stay. Maybe a bottle of wine delivered to your room, a free dessert at dinner, or an invitation to a special event. Goodwill builds momentum in hospitality settings, and your polite and open approach could make your entire vacation just that little bit more magical.
What Comps Can You Negotiate? (Hint: It’s Not Just Room Upgrades)
When it comes to negotiating comps, many people jump straight to the idea of a free room upgrade. While that’s definitely one possibility, there’s a lot more you can ask for that can significantly enhance your experience without costing the resort much. So, let’s think beyond the suite and explore the full spectrum of perks you can negotiate.
- Room Upgrades
Sure, a room upgrade is one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of free perks. But why stop at just getting a bigger room? Consider asking for something more specific, like an ocean-view room, a luxurious suite, or even a private villa. These upgrades can make your stay extra special and might not cost the resort much more than what they would have charged for a regular room, especially if it’s during a less busy period. - Food & Beverage
When it comes to meals, there are plenty of ways resorts can offer you added value. Ask about complimentary breakfasts or vouchers for dinner at one of the resort’s top restaurants. You could also inquire about wine bottles delivered to your room or credits that can be used toward drinks or meals during your stay. These food and drink perks are often relatively inexpensive for resorts but can make your experience feel all the more indulgent. - Spa & Wellness
Many South African resorts boast incredible spa facilities, and they’re always looking for ways to enhance guests’ wellness experiences. You could negotiate complimentary spa access, which might include access to saunas, steam rooms, or relaxation lounges. If you’re in the mood to indulge, don’t hesitate to ask for a free massage or even wellness classes like yoga or meditation sessions. Resorts are usually eager to offer these perks, especially when they help boost guest satisfaction. - Excursions & Activities
Resorts near famous attractions or scenic locations often offer exciting excursions. Whether it’s a safari in the bush, a wine-tasting tour through the vineyards, or a cultural tour of the local area, these experiences can be unforgettable. If you’re lucky, you can negotiate complimentary access to these activities, especially if you ask in advance or during slower times. Resorts love to make these excursions available to guests, as they enhance the overall experience, often at a minimal cost to the resort. - Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
While it may seem like a small perk, getting extra flexibility with your arrival and departure times can be incredibly valuable. You could negotiate early check-ins if you arrive early and would like to settle in, or request a late check-out if you have a late flight and want to enjoy a few extra hours at the resort. These small but significant changes to your schedule can make a huge difference in how much you get to enjoy the resort.
Know Your Worth as a Guest
| Leverage Point | Why It Works | How to Mention It | Staff Reaction | Potential Perks |
| Mention you’ve stayed before | Resorts love repeat guests; loyalty is valuable. | “This is my third time staying here, and I always enjoy it!” | Staff will recognize your loyalty and often reward it. | Room upgrades, personalized attention, early check-in |
| Say you’re celebrating a special occasion | Special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries are opportunities to make guests feel extra special. | “We’re here for our anniversary, and we’re really looking forward to it!” | Staff may want to enhance your celebration experience. | Free desserts, celebratory gifts, spa discounts |
| Let them know you’re a travel blogger or social media enthusiast | Influencers or bloggers can boost the resort’s visibility. Resorts may offer perks in exchange for coverage. | “I’ll be sharing our experience on my blog/social media – we love featuring great resorts!” | Resorts see the opportunity to get exposure from your following. | Free meals, special access, social media shoutouts |
| Mention that you plan to write about the experience | Letting the resort know you’ll share your experience on social media or a blog can encourage them to provide additional perks. | “I’ll definitely be writing a review on my blog, and I’m excited to share this amazing place!” | Managers may provide extra incentives to ensure you have a positive experience to share. | VIP experiences, upgraded rooms, access to exclusive events |
| Highlight your loyalty to the brand | Loyalty programs and return guests are often rewarded with additional perks. | “I’ve been a member of your loyalty program for years, and I love staying with you.” | Loyal customers are a priority for resorts, encouraging them to offer more perks. | Free nights, special discounts, priority reservations |
Use Email to Your Advantage Before You Arrive
Negotiating for perks doesn’t have to wait until you’re face-to-face with the resort staff at check-in. In fact, reaching out before your arrival can be a game-changer. Sending a well-crafted email a few days before you arrive gives you the chance to put in your request ahead of time—without the pressure of asking in person. A thoughtful, polite email can set the stage for a smoother and more successful negotiation.
The best time to send this email is typically 3 to 5 days before your arrival. This gives the resort enough time to consider your request, but it’s not too far in advance that it gets overlooked. By sending this message ahead of your stay, you’re essentially giving the staff a heads-up about your expectations while also allowing them to make any preparations or adjustments that might make your stay more enjoyable.
A simple and friendly approach works best in this scenario. You want to come across as polite and excited about your upcoming trip, while gently letting them know that you’re open to any potential upgrades or complimentary experiences. A message like: “We’re really looking forward to our upcoming stay at [Resort Name], and we’ve heard wonderful things about your hospitality,” sets a positive tone. From there, you can express your interest in possible perks, such as room upgrades or special offers, in a way that doesn’t demand anything, but rather leaves the door open for a gracious offer.
Additionally, sending this email demonstrates a bit of foresight and appreciation for the staff’s time. It shows that you’re organized and thoughtful, which may prompt them to go the extra mile to ensure your experience is top-notch. The beauty of this approach is that it’s simple, polite, and non-invasive—it allows the resort to respond at their convenience, and it often leads to unexpected bonuses like complimentary upgrades or special packages that you might not have received if you waited until check-in.