You booked direct.
We take it over.
Same hotel. Same rate. A better stay.
The Glow Up
The hotel doesn't change. The stay does.
The Glow Up is for clients who already have a direct hotel booking and want more out of it. We transfer the reservation into our system, keep your rate intact, and layer on perks from our Virtuoso, Preferred Hotels, and Belmond Bellini Club access: complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, property credits.
Eligibility
This works if you booked direct with the hotel, you're within 30 days of booking, and you haven't paid in full. If you're past that window, reach out anyway — we'll tell you what's possible.
How it works
Send us your confirmation.
You send us your booking confirmation
Hotel name, your dates, and your confirmation number. That is all we need to start.
We verify eligibility
Within 30 days of booking, not paid in full. We confirm whether the property qualifies and what perks your rate unlocks.
We transfer the reservation into our system
Your rate stays exactly as you booked it. We add the perks layer on top via our partner network.
You show up to a better stay
Complimentary breakfast, room upgrade if available, property credits. Same hotel, better experience.
Our Network
Hotel Partner Programs
Through Fora Travel's advisor network, we book directly into the world's most coveted hotel partner programs. Each one unlocks a different mix of upgrades, credits, breakfast, and welcome amenities — at the same rate you'd find online.
For every partner, we've noted what makes them a strong choice for queer travelers — citing HRC's Corporate Equality Index, IGLTA membership, and brand-specific Pride programs where applicable.
Accor
Preferred
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 USD property credit
- Room upgrade if available
- Early check-in / late check-out
- ALL Bonvoy points still earned
IGLTA Global Partner — formal worldwide partnership for inclusive hospitality across 5,500+ Accor properties (Sofitel, Fairmont, Raffles, Faena, SLS).
Belmond
Bellini Club
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 USD F&B credit
- Room upgrade if available
- Early check-in / late check-out
- Welcome amenity
The only luxury hotel brand with an LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. IGLTA-aligned, with brand-wide inclusion training and Pride journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Hilton
for Luxury
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 USD hotel credit
- Room upgrade if available
- Early check-in / late check-out
- Hilton Honors points still earned
HRC CEI 100. 'Stay Hilton, Go Out' Pride packages at 460+ properties — running since 2012.
Hyatt
Privé
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 USD property credit
- Room upgrade if available
- Early check-in / late check-out
- Hyatt loyalty points still earned
HRC CEI 100 (18 consecutive years). IGLTA Global Partner, GLAAD partner, NYC Pride Platinum Sponsor since 2019.
IHG
Destined
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 USD property credit
- Room upgrade if available
- Early check-in / late check-out
- IHG One Rewards points still earned
HRC CEI 100 (8+ consecutive years). 'Out and Open' employee group; sponsors of London Pride, Atlanta Pride (15+ years), and Pride Guadalajara.
Marriott
LUMINOUS
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 USD property credit
- Room upgrade if available
- Early check-in / late check-out
- Bonvoy points still earned
HRC CEI 100. Marriott's long-running 'Love Travels' campaign and a sponsor of WorldPride DC 2025.
Marriott
STARS
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 USD property credit
- Room upgrade if available
- Early check-in / late check-out
- Bonvoy points still earned
HRC CEI 100. Marriott's long-running 'Love Travels' campaign and a sponsor of WorldPride DC 2025.
Shangri-La
Luxury Circle
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 USD property credit
- Room upgrade if available
- Early check-in / late check-out
- Welcome amenity
Shangri-La The Shard (London) flies the Pride flag year-round — '365 days of Pride.' Brand-wide D&I training and a partnership with myGwork.
Perks above are typical inclusions — specifics vary by property and rate, and we'll confirm what your selected hotel includes before booking. Many other brands are also in our network, so if you have a hotel in mind, ask and we'll check.
Send us your booking confirmation to get started.
Or call: (917) 830-7960
Prefer email? hello@bestmates.travel
Don't have a booking yet? A self-service hotel-booking tool is on the way. Until then, our Full Trip Planning service handles fresh hotel bookings end to end.
Rather fill out a form?
We read every submission. This is just a slower start.
FAQs
Some things you should know.
What if I'm past 30 days from booking?
Reach out anyway — the 30-day window is a guideline, not a hard wall. Some properties will still honor a transfer beyond that window. We'll tell you what's possible for your specific hotel and rate.
What if I already paid in full?
Fully-paid reservations usually can't be transferred into our system because the rate type is locked. If you're past that point, we can't add perks to this booking — but we're happy to note your details for the next one.
Will my points or status carry over?
Yes. When we transfer eligible bookings, you still earn your loyalty points, elite nights, and status recognition. In many cases your status benefits and Glow Up perks stack.
Will the hotel know you took it over?
Yes — your reservation will show Bestmates as the booking agent, through our partner program. The hotel staff will see this. It's how the perks get guaranteed. Your name, dates, and room preferences stay exactly as you set them.
Is this really free?
Yes. There are no booking fees, no hidden charges, and no markup. We're compensated by our hotel partners, so this service is complimentary — always.
Who is this for?
Anyone who already has a direct hotel booking and wants more out of it. We're queer-owned and rooted in community, but The Glow Up is open to anyone who appreciates travel done well.