A number of hotels around the U.S. are offering free upgrades to guests – a boost to help ignite an ailing economy and send travelers on much-needed vacations.

As Cheapflights reported earlier this week, cheap hotel rooms are easily found if you simply ask. Everything from spa services to in-room amenities are available around the clock at no additional charge.

Now, as more expensive hotel rooms remain empty, hotel managers are offering these upgrades to guests who have booked cheaper rooms for no additional charges, USA Today reports.

Robert Mandelbaum, research director at PKF Hospitality Research, told the news provider: "Hotels are empty and desperate. The consumer definitely has the leverage."

According to data from PKF, hotels in the U.S. expected to fill less than six out of 10 rooms (57.2 percent) in their properties this year, meaning cheap hotel rooms will just get cheaper.

This is down by 6 percent compared to 2008 and the lowest level in 20 years, said Mandelbaum.

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