Does the "$20 hotel trick" really work?

Question

I've heard numerous stories about people "slipping" a $20 to the person at the check-in counter at various hotels in hope of getting a "free" room upgrade. Does this really work??

Answer 1

Your $20 trick works alot better with your waiter, bartender and the seater at concerts than with your check-in-counter person.  I suggest you ask your check-in person to put you in a room they believe has the best view or is most accessable to the elevator.  If you really want to use the $20 trick look up your concierge prior to check-in and tip him or her $20 before you get started....he will put word around.  if your check-in person does go the extra mile for you without being tipped in advance, make sure he/she sees some green.  Las Vegas is a well oiled machine, and the oil is green.

Answer 2

It has worked for me on several occasions it does not however not work at MGM grand anymore.http://vegasuncovered.wordpress.com/2007...

Answer 3

$20 trick

http://www.frontdesktip.com/index.php

Of course it works better, Sunday through Thursday nights, the hotels in Las Vegas are often booked solid for Friday & Saturday.

A few suggestions to improve your odds.

#1 - Ask the desk clerk if he/she has a "complimentary" upgrade

#2 - It helps if you know your way around their hotel, and know what an actual upgrade is and what you would like in the way of an upgrade. Yes, "strip view" rooms are usually considered an upgrade.

#3 - Do not hand over any $$ when you give him/her your CC & ID. The $$ remains in your hands until you get the keys to your upgrade. At that time you give him/her a thank you and $$ handshake.

#4 - The $20 trick does not necessarily have to be $20. It could be $5 or $50(or other) depending on many factors

We go to LV 2-3 times a year for 2 weeks or more at a time and have for over 20 years. We almost always get the room we ask for, but then again we know what we want, what they have to offer, which hotels to stay at, and when, so that we are able to get that room.

~Jack~

Answer 4

yes it still works, i did it at hard rock and few weeks ago. i would reccomend you be real nice when you do it, smile alot and let them know its a special occasion and be discreet. dont be a jerk.

Answer 5

Twenty bucks no longer buys even a quarter tank of gas so I would reckon not too many people would risk their jobs for a measly reward. Now I would think it would take at least a cool hundred.

Answer 6

lol no  

Answer 7

What works better is calling the hotel and asking for the name of the front desk manager and their fax number. Then send them a quick fax asking for whatever kind of upgrade you want, explaining that it's a special occasion or your first trip to Vegas or whatever and you chose to spend it at their hotel. If they can do it, they will - and it won't cost you hardly anything! (Only if you have to pay for the fax to be sent.)

PS - if all you want is a view - if you're checking in mid-week (not on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday) - ask at check in. If they're not completely full, they might do it. If they're full, you're outta luck no matter what.

Answer 8

Any hotel decent enough for "upgrades" has cameras so I highly doubt they'd risk their job.

Answer 9

Sure, it can work.  Or it can fail.  At worst, you'll be told "no."

Your ability to get an upgrade is based on how full the hotel is, how much latitude the desk clerks are given, and he honesty of the person at the desk.  If many hotels (not just in LV), if many upgraded rooms are available and they don't think they'll fill then, they'll just give you the upgrade for free.  It's better to have a happy customer (especially one that's spending other money in the hotel and casino) than leave the room empty.

Or, perhaps, the person at the desk is happy to play loose with ethics.  In this case, be aware that the "price" may be $100 or more.  In some places, there are enough people willing to pay the bribe that you need to "bid" high.

My advice: ask if they have any room upgrade available.  If they say that they have them, but they quote you a price, ask if there is a way to get the room upgrade at a reduced price.  If they refuse, then they either cannot do it or they're asking for a bribe.

OK, I said the worst thing that could happen is "no."  I suppose someone that's offered a bribe could ask you to leave if they had high ethics or if they thought you were trying to trap them.

Answer 10

We stayed at Circus Circus in January, and tried the $20 trick. We got upgraded from the motor lodge to a mini-suite in the tower.  Best $20 I spent!!!

Answer 11

Check out this website.  I think it is made by an actual desk clerk about her experiences with customers and what the best ways to get an upgrade are.  There are only 4 pages to the website, for the best info read them all, but be sure to check out the "Leave your 2 cents" page for their advice.

http://www.tipthefrontdesk.com/