Hotel: Peppermill Reno Date: 12/2/11 Time: 3pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox.: early 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Kind of... Reserved Room: Standard Luxury King Upgraded To: Tuscany Tower Suite
How It Happened:
Got next available clerk, large, african american male, very nice. Handed him the sandwich and asked for upgrades. He tried to offer me the upgrade for the same price that I could have paid for online ($40 more a night). I declined and said thanks anyways. He then left and came back and said he could do it for half price. I came looking for the room he was offering me, so I caved in. So basically I only saved $20 but the room was really nice.
Hotel: Bellagio Date: 1/1/12 Nights: 2 Time: 6pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: early 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Standard King Upgraded To: Fountain View King
How It Happened:
Saw an open younger female clerk who smiled at me as I approached. I got out my ID and credit card and set the $20 on the counter. Asked if she had an upgrades available, she said it wasn't likely due to New Years. Asked if I needed change and I told her it was for her. She spent several minutes typing and look at the computer and actually jumped/smiled, and said "I found one". Super nice lady, excellent experience, great fountain view room.
Thanks for the info, I never would have thought to try this on my own =)
Hotel: Caesars Palace Date: 1/15/12 Nights: 5 Time: 5pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel - VIP area Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox.: early 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Standard Upgraded To: Palace Tower
How it happened: Got moved over to the VIP check in since it was so crowded. I gave the ID and CC to the guy, and held a 20 dollar bill in my hand folded. He said my room was overbooked, and just smiled. Said he had to make an executive decision...and got us a nice upgrade.
Hotel: Planet Hollywood Date: 1/19/12 Nights: 3 Time: 4pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Standard (Hollywood Hip) via Expedia Upgraded To: Resort Vista
How it happened: We actually arrived way too early at 9am.. Forgetting about the time zone change I thought it was noon and asked about checking in. This lady looked at me funny and told me to come back later. No opportunity to hand over the sandwhich yet. We came back at 4pm after some touring and getting held hostage by some Timeshare people. It was supposed to be 90 minutes but was actually 2 hours and 30 minutes! The same lady was there, I was hoping to avoid her for some more upbeat seeming clerks, but ended up back at her station. Handed over the sandwhich, chit chatted about it being our first visit to Vegas together and kind of a pre-honeymoon for us since we just got engaged. It was pretty evident to me she knew exactly what was going on cause there was furious typing, she went in the back and came out and told us we are all set and she got us into one of her favorite rooms. It was an awesome room curving around the outer wall over looking the pool and strip. Kind of a mini panoramic suite.
Hotel: Rio All Suites Date: 1/18/12 Time: 10:00pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: 28 Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Standard "suite", comped free per Total Rewards Upgraded To: Cariocas or Super Suite in Ipanema Tower, unsure which
How It Happened: Arrived with my wife and kids. There was a small line and 3 clerks, so I waited with them off to the side. I had my $20 sandwich ready when I got to the counter. She started to look up my reservation and I'm sure saw the $20. At that point she asked how our flight was. I said it was a little delayed but that was ok because we were celebrating my wife's birthday (true) and it was my daughters' first time to Vegas (also true). A few clicks and a short call later, she handed me the room keys and said that my wife should be very happy with the room. I think she told me the name of the suite, but I didn't catch it. When we arrived at our room, I was very happy. It was a 1.5 bath, 2 Queen room, separate door to living room and dining room table; small fridge; jacuzzi tub; nice new LCD TVs (which is unusual at the Rio); 19th floor, ceiling to floor windows in both rooms, overlooking the pools and great view of the Strip. Room was in the Ipanema Tower.
Hotel: Bellagio Date: 1/28/12 Nights: 2 Time: noon Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 20s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Standard King Upgraded To: Fountain View King
How It Happened: Went over to a young female clerk I figured might be more accommodating. I slipped a $20 sandwich and she set the $20 next to the keyboard on the counter. She asked if we were celebrating something special and I told her it was our 15th wedding anniversary and will appreaciate it if she could find us something with the fountain view. She clicked away and made a phone call (it was earlier than usual check-in time) and handed us the keys to a room on the 8th floor with amazing view of the strip, Paris and fountains.
Hotel: PH Date: 1/29/12 Nights: 4 Time: 2 Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Standard Upgraded To: Fountain View on high-level How It Happened: Gave the 20 sammich and told her it was my gf's 1st time in Vegas and asked if she might help us. She said sure thing and told us she had a high floor room with a very nice view. It was a beautiful view...
Hotel: Vdara Date: 1/30/12 Nights: 2 Time: 3pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox: Late 20s or early 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success: YES Reserved Room: Deluxe Suite Upgraded to: City Corner Suite How it Happened: Booked a Deluxe Suite with my credit card points and paid only $84 (+resort fees). Gave the clerk my name and he asked for my ID. I gave him the sandwich and asked "Do you have any upgrades to the Corner Suite?". Took the sandwich without hesitation, placed the $20 on the keyboard and typed for a few seconds, and said "Yes, the highest floor is the 48th floor. Is that okay?" Hell yeah, fine with me! Took the keys and went to the room, which was unbelievably GORGEOUS. It was faced towards the mountains (not fountains), but the lights were still great at night. Best part was the soaking tub that faced the windows.
I am planning on staying at the Bellagio from March 30th to April 1st. I am coming into town for a bachelor party, do you think if I sandwich a $100 bill between my DL and CC I will be able to upgrade my room from resort deluxe queen(211 per night) to a 2 bed suite?
Hotel: Vdara Date: 02-07-12 Time: 11am Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: female Clerk Age Aprox.: early 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: yes Reserved Room: Deluxe suite Upgraded To: Vdara suite
How It Happened: Check in counter wasnt busy, approached young lady, handed her the sandwich and asked if she had any complimentary upgrades. She spotted the 20 and immediately grinned and said of course. I asked for something with a Bellagio fountain view, she then picked up the phone and asked was the room ready and got a smile and she said why yes I do. Received a 42th floor room with Bellagio fountain view suite with full kitchenette, 2 bathrooms, dining room and huge tub. Well worth the 20 bucks....Thanks Fatwallet family!!!
Stayed at the ENCORE in June, 2011 for 4 nights. Upon check in gave the check in girl $50 and asked for a complimentary upgrade. She took the $50 and offered an upgrade for $50/night for a higher floor with strip view. Absolutely not worth it and she didn't even return the $50. Will never stay or try the sandwich trick at Encore again. there are too many Vegas hotels that are willing to do complimentary upgrades or even for $20. At Encore, it just isn't good value, imho.
i think other vegas hotels are more lenient than encore or Wynn when it comes to upgrades. i have done the $20 sandwich trick at the mirage and the mandalay and both properties upgraded us to the tower room and THE HOTEL suites without a hitch. you should have better luck at ballys but just try it with only a $20.
i didn't think that fast about asking for change with the $50....good idea on your part. perhaps it was the check in clerk (female) that we had but i have read encore is pretty tight with free upgrades. i know i will not be staying there anymore as there are so many other fabulous hotels with better rates and more generous with their upgrades.
Hotel: Bally's Date: 2/5/12 (Superbowl Sunday night) Nights: 2 Time: 2 Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: South Tower Upgraded To: North Tower How It Happened: Did sandwich, told her it was our wedding day the next day (it was), told us she had a great room for us in the north tower but it wasn't ready yet. Ok! We thanked her and came back at four to get our keys. We went to the room and it was just another standard North Tower room - which technically is an upgrade but the way she sold us on it, we thought it might be something special. Oh well. Still was a nice clean room.
Hotel: Golden Nugget Date: 2/7/12 Nights: 1 Time: 4 pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 20s Tip Amount: tried to give her $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Rush Tower standard Upgraded To: Rush Tower corner suite - gorgeous!!! How It Happened: We didn't do the sandwich this time, but rather hubby said "We just got married and it's our first time here, do you have any complementary upgrades?" She said they are full with a Landry's (their parent company) convention, all the good rooms are taken. DH said that was too bad they didn't leave any good rooms for their guests. She agreed with us and said, Hold On. She called a manager, said we were newlyweds and could she give us #####room number. She hung up and smiled big - and said I got you a corner suite! We were thrilled and DH tried to give her a tip as thanks. She pushed it towards us and said they are not allowed to take them, people were getting upset expecting free upgrades when they tipped and sometimes they didn't have them to give. So they aren't allowed to accept them. Too bad, she did a great job for us. We wrote a nice letter and sent it in complementing her instead.
Hotel: Cosmopolitan Date: 2/24/12 Nights: 5 Time: 7 pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 20s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: City Room Upgraded To: Fountain View Suite (Amazing suite) How It Happened:
Approached the chap with the $20 sandwich and he apologised for our wait to which i replied that hopefully he would be able to solve that by finding a lovely upgraded room with a fountain view and he said he would do his best. He asked if we were celebrating anything special but before i had time to tell a wee white lie, the missus said No. He played about and got us the upgrade(puting in the system we are celebrating anniversary) and asked if i needed change of my $20 which i said no that it was for his kindness. Easy process, pleasant guy and what a wonderful, wonderful suite.
Hotel: Aria Date: 2/26/12 Nights: 4 Time: 9 pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: No Reserved Room: Standard Room Upgraded To: Nothing How It Happened: Was greeted by a nice front desk clerk and she asked for my ID. Provided the ID, $20 and CC. She immediately took the $20 and put it back on counter before I even had the chance to ask for an upgrade. She offered upgrades but of course for a price. I left the unfolded $20 there to see if she even noticed or cared. When I got my ID and CC back I took the $20. Maybe it was because her manager was there or there was nothing but I felt stupid with a $20 bill just sitting there. Maybe it's ARIA. Don't think I'm staying here again. Not impressed with the rooms.
Hotel: Paris Date: 02.23.12 Time: 10:30p Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: 50 Tip Amount: $20 Success?: No Reserved Room: Comp Regular Room How It Happened: Sandwiched the $20 with my credit card and license and asked if they had any complimentary upgrades available. The clerk replied with "We never do complimentary upgrades" and gave me my $20 back. I ended up paying $40/night to upgrade to a red room. This was much cheaper than the price I got online to upgrade before I left so I will at least wait until I get there to ever upgrade again. I have not had luck with the $20 tip on my past several trips to Vegas.
Hotel: Vdara Date: 2/25/12 Nights: 6 Time: 12 am Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel
Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 20s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Deluxe suite (standard) Upgraded To: Executive corner suite
Deluxe suite to executive suite, that is 3 level higher. Delivered sandwich and she knows exactly. Checked for some rooms, made a phone call and we got this crazy suite!
Gonna travel to Vegas in about a month and I'm staying at the Cosmopolitan. This is part of a group travel and I will get the room handed to me when we get there (by the "travel" managers). We couldn't choose the rooms as they are part of a package deal. Do you think I can get an upgrade if I talk to the staff? And btw, any idea for an excuse?
I was thinking $50 in tip for the 5 nights we gonna stay.
Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel Date: 3/7/12 Nights: 2 Time: 2:30pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel
Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: mid 20s Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes (though see below) Reserved Room: Casino Tower Mountain View King (through LivingSocial deal) Upgraded To: Paradise Tower Mountain View King - Corner Room (but Casino Tower Mountain Views and Paradise Tower Mountain Views are actually the same price)
Put my AMEX Blue on top of the sandwich, so the "meat" was easily visible, and politely asked if there were any complimentary upgrades. Clerk smiled and said, "Sure, let's see what we can do!" She took the sandwich, put the $20 next to her keyboard, and then it quietly disappeared under the counter as she started checking me in. Asked some questions about the resort, showed my deal voucher, then was informed of the new room. The Paradise Tower rooms definitely are newer and seem a lot nicer compared to Casino (especially if you bring an SO, you can marvel at the walk-in shower with clear floor-to-ceiling glass), but technically they are priced the same. Still, the 180-degree view from the room (also floor-to-ceiling) was admittedly gorgeous, with a direct view of the strip about a mile away, meaning you could see everything lit up at night, with the lights further off into the distance even shimmering (no joke!). So, at the end of the day, I definitely still consider it a success.
Hotel: MGM Grand Date: 3/8/2012 Nights: 4 Time: 2PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: Mid 20's Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Grand Tower Queen Room Upgraded To: Grand Tower Queen Newly Renovated Room...plus a bottle of champagne
We got to the hotel a little earlier than the 3PM check-in time and were happy to find that we could check in right away at 2PM. The clerk was a 20-something woman who was very pleasant. I sandwiched the $20 in between my card and licence and asked if there were any complimentary upgrades available. She took the sandwich and said that the hotel was pretty full this weekend due to the NASCAR race being in town and 311 Day was being held at the hotel, but she would check. She offered us a newly renovated room on the 9th floor with a partial strip view, versus an older room on a higher floor with the same view. We opted for the new room. While we were unpacking and getting ready to explore the strip, a bottle of champagne on ice with two glasses was delivered.
Hotel: Vdara Date: 3/4/12 Nights: 5 Time: Early afternoon Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox: Late 20s or early 30s Tip Amount: $20 Success: YES Reserved Room: Regular Deluxe Suite (booked via a Vdara e-mail special) Upgraded to: Vdara Suite with fountain view How it Happened: This was actually my parents. My dad didn't realize they had booked a regular room and he had wanted a suite (we stayed in a executive corner suite there last year and it was incredible). So I said why don't you try the $20 trick instead of calling them to pay and upgrade (we've never done it before). I said the worst that will happen is you can pay there for your upgrade.. My dad said he was nervous. But he tried it and the lady seemed a little unsure.. like maybe someone was watching her, and said something about it being booked.. but he could tell she REALLY wanted the $20. So my dad said they were there for their anniversary, and that they had come in December and it was a great experience, that's why they chose to come back to Vdara (which is all true!). So they ended up with a Vdara suite, he said it had a fountain view, and an extra half bath. They were really happy! Great deal considering they stayed 5 nights.
Hotel: MGM Grand Date: 3/4/2012 Nights: 3 Time: 1 PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox.: 30's Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Grand Tower Queen Room (last minute booking for a conference) Upgraded To: Grand Tower Bungalow King Suite
I forgot about the $20 trick until last minute so the sandwich was a tad messy looking. The guy at the front desk (said he had been there like 8 months) laid the money on the desk in full view and said that he is not allowed to accept a tip until after he completes the check-in, if I am satisfied with the results.
I was a close to last minute booking to begin with, first with a West Wing King room, then a week before switched to a updated Queen. He ended up finding me a renovated Bungalow King Suite, 4th floor, last room before the West Wing with no view at all (which was OK with me) with 2 huge picture windows to show me the non-view. Added bonus, I found an elevator across from my room, servicing only 1st and 4th floors, which became my personal elevator.
Hotel: Venetian Date: 8/9/2011 Nights: 2 Time: 1 PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: Late 20's Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Standard Room Upgraded To: Strip View suite.
I was luckily directed to the 'Prestige' customer check in because the regular lanes were full. Handed the lady at the counter the sammich and the $20 was gone before I knew it. I had a pleasant conversation with her, mentioned that I was hoping for a room high up, with a view and got a room on the 29th floor with a view of the strip (could see the Mirage etc). She also printed out a page of coupons for our enjoyment including two free tickets to the Phantom Of the Opera. Those were a $300 value by themselves. There were also coupons for a free massage, discounts on meals etc. My gf and I didn't even get to use the whole coupon sheet unfortunately but couldn't believe we had scored two tickets to the Phantom for free until we finally had them in our hands. First time I tried the 'trick' and couldn't have been happier with the results.
Edit: The coupons she gave us also included free passes to a couple of night clubs.
Hotel: Ti (Treasure Island) Date: 3/30/2012 Nights: 1 Time: 3 PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox.: Early 30's Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Deluxe Strip View Upgraded To: Tower Suit Strip View (Major Upgrade)
How it Happened: Got into Treasure Island around 2:30pm and there was a huge line before us so we didn't have chance to pick the clerk. We went to a male clerk and he asked me about my reservation and I hand him the $20 sandwich and I told him that this is my gf's first time in Vegas, is there a complementary upgrade you can offer us? immediately he said he will take a look since we are only going to stay for one day. Right after that, he upgraded us from a simple deluxe strip view room to a Tower suit!!! The price difference is about 60~70$ at Friday night. But later on he hand me back my Credit Card and the $20, which I told him that is for him. We were surprised when we got to our room because it is just great!!!
So I saw this trick two nights before I go to Vegas and decided to give it a try!! Thank god it works well Strongly encourage people to try because it wouldn't hurt
Hotel: Paris Date: 3/31/12 Nights: 3 Time: 7pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox: mid-40s Tip Amount: $20 Success: YES Reserved Room: Basic Room, Comped All 3 Nights Upgraded to: Renovated Deluxe Red Room on a High Floor How it Happened: Booked 3 comped nights by phone through a Total Rewards promotion. Waited in line behind 2 or 3 parties at the check-in desk. When I finally got to the clerk, I gave her my confirmation number, made a little small talk, and she looked on the computer for a room. She asked for my ID. I gave her the sandwich and asked if there were any complementary upgrades available. She didn't miss a beat, and took the sandwich to her keyboard. She went back on the computer for a while and looked at a clearly different selection of rooms. She asked specifically what I was after. I told her that I wanted a renovated room, on an upper floor, corner room, if possible, with a great view. She said that the hotel was rather full that evening, but she did have one renovated Red room available on an upper floor that was very nice, but only had a peak-a-boo view of the strip. Or she had a non-renovated room that had an excellent view of the strip. I hummed and hawed about that, and she said that she thought that I would be happier with the rennovated room, as it was a much nicer option. So I took that room. It was a fantastic room, very nice and clean, with a 56" plasma tv, King sized bed, separate soaker tub and shower, an empty fridge (great for the bottles of water I brought with me). There was a sofa and glass coffee table too, and built in closets and drawers. The black-out curtains were extremely appreciated after being out all night, and trying to sleep when the sun would have been shining brightly. It wasn't a suite, but I didn't need a suite. This room was great and met my needs just fine. The view was fine, although yes it was only a peak-a-boo strip view. I definitely felt that I got my money's worth.
Here's how you can avoid it (sometimes) but not all the time:
When you approach the clerk, have your ID, credit card, and $20 (I do $50 at 5 star hotels) in your hand and make sure they can see it. Engage with them BEFORE you hand over the money. Strike up a conversation with them... a good one is, "How busy are you guys over the next couple of days" which can lead in to "Wondering if you have any upgrades available. I'm looking for....." While doing this, they see the money but you haven't handed it over.
The $20 trick is very popular in Vegas and is talked about all over the internet (examples are easy to find: http://www.hoteldealsrevealed.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=109... ). Whatever hotel you go to, I can guarantee you that you're not the first person the clerk has seen trying to get an upgrade and you won't be the last. Definitely worth a try. I've had 100% success rate the 3 or 4 times I've done it.
Hotel: Palms Date: 4/1/12 Nights: 3 Time: 12:30 PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Approx.: 20s Tip Amount: $20 offered Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Deluxe Guestroom Upgraded To: Junior Suite, low floor
How it Happened: Went after lunch, hoping enough people had checked out by early Sunday afternoon. Asked if it was possible to check in yet, handed over the sandwich and then asked if there was a chance of a complimentary upgrade. She shook out the $20 *immediately* and placed it in front of me, saying she could not accept it but she would try to give me something nice. I did ask once more before heading to the room if she could accept a tip for service, and she declined again but said she appreciated it.
The Junior Suite is in the original Palms Tower. The only major difference from a regular room is the Strip view and about 100 additional sq ft. No crazy bathroom, no HDTV. But it was a quiet room, furnishings were still in good shape and I was just glad to check in early.
Hotel: Palazzo Date: 4/5/12 Nights: 3 Time: 5pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox: early-30s Tip Amount: $20 Success: NO Reserved Room: Basic Room Upgraded to: same
Well, I guess it is because of the long weekend, there are no complimentry room for upgrade, they wanted to charge me $50 rooms/night.
HKSturboKid said: Hotel: Palazzo Date: 4/5/12 Nights: 3 Time: 5pm Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox: early-30s Tip Amount: $20 Success: NO Reserved Room: Basic Room Upgraded to: same
Well, I guess it is because of the long weekend, there are no complimentry room for upgrade, they wanted to charge me $50 rooms/night.
Well, it was a good weekend at Vegas, had a lot of fun.
In regards to the upgrade and Hotel. The Palazzo is a decent hotel, even though I didn't get the upgrade, I enjoy my stay with the friendly check-in and check-out staff. That's as far as this goes. Did not get any greetings from anyone and the casino staff was rude. I spend a lot of hours in the casino and a lot of $$$. Wanted to check to see if I can get some comp. The pit boss told me to talk to the casino credit. Went there and ask a simple question to see if I can get a comp meal, and the rude guy came back and said "Why should I comp you?", I would simply accept "Sorry, you don't have enough rating" or a simple "NO". I guess since Palazzo is a luxury hotel, you will get arrogant staffs. I tip the room cleaning every morning before I leave too. I had stopped by other hotels by the strip and receive more greetings than this place. Oh well, will save some money and stay in a less expensive hotel next time.
Hotel: The Mirage Date: 4/10/2012 Nights: 3 Time: 2 PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: 25 Tip Amount: $20 Success?: No Reserved Room: Two Standard Rooms Upgraded To: No Room Upgrade
This is my third attempt and first failure at The Mirage. The previous two other attempts I was upgraded without a problem and even give complimentary champagne. I did the classic oreo cookie and the clerk took the money and then handed it back stating that she wasn't allow to take tips to comp room upgrades anymore. I told her what a shame and when did this new rule start. She said the first of the year. I asked her if she was able to accept tips for other comps and she stated yes. I handed back the tip and asked her for some complimentary show tickets. She said not a problem and went in the back for a min and came out with 4 show tickets Overall I think it was worth the tip.
Hotel: The Mirage Date: 4/10/2012 Nights: 3 Time: 2 PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: 25 Tip Amount: $20 Success?: No Reserved Room: Two Standard Rooms Upgraded To: No Room Upgrade
This is my third attempt and first failure at The Mirage. The previous two other attempts I was upgraded without a problem and even give complimentary champagne. I did the classic oreo cookie and the clerk took the money and then handed it back stating that she wasn't allow to take tips to comp room upgrades anymore. I told her what a shame and when did this new rule start. She said the first of the year. I asked her if she was able to accept tips for other comps and she stated yes. I handed back the tip and asked her for some complimentary show tickets. She said not a problem and went in the back for a min and came out with 4 show tickets Overall I think it was worth the tip.
Hotel: Tropicana Atlantic City Date: 4/15/12 Time: 4:00 PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Male Clerk Age Aprox.: 25 Tip Amount: Initial $20 then additional $10 once I found out how great the room was Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Comp Upgraded To: Suite in refurbished section
How It Happened: Approached clerk and handed my ID, Credit card and Club card as well as $20 sandwich. Clerk said what is this, then "oh". Said I will take care of you. Upgraded to newly refurbished corner suit with direct beach and ocean views one floor from top.
A free room for 2 nights was upgraded to a 150-200 suite.
Hotel: Marriott Philadelphia Center City Date: 4/1/12 Time: 6:00PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: 21 Tip Amount: $20 Success?: Yes Reserved Room: Priceline standard Upgraded To: Highest Floor, direct museum view and Garage comp
How It Happened: Approached clerk and gave her the sandwich. She initially tried to hand it back but, I said it was a tip for the great service I know she is going to give. She waived the garage fees which were $30+/night and I was staying 5 nights so that was worth it alone. Then she gave my GF and I spectacular view room.
Hotel: Plaza Date: 3/25/12 Nights: 3 Time: 10 PM Airport or Hotel Check-in: Hotel Clerk Gender: Female Clerk Age Aprox.: 25 Tip Amount: $20 Success?: No Reserved Room: One Standard Room Upgraded To: No Room Upgrade
I slipped her the $20 along with my driver's license, and she held it up and said "hey you accidentally gave me a $20, it was stuck to your ID!" with a genuinely surprised expression. Fail.
I booked 2 rooms through Priceline and desperately need double beds because there's going to be 4 of us to a room.
Priceline policy is that they can't guarantee 2 beds and that I would have to talk to the front desk.
I just want to make sure that I get 2 beds. Should I give the $20 tip a try? or should I just ask nicely first?
Count26, derpends on where you are staying. Check below for a summary telling you how good your chances are. Assuming they are good, give the desk clerk the sandwich and tell him/her what you want.
I booked 2 rooms through Priceline and desperately need double beds because there's going to be 4 of us to a room.
Priceline policy is that they can't guarantee 2 beds and that I would have to talk to the front desk.
I just want to make sure that I get 2 beds. Should I give the $20 tip a try? or should I just ask nicely first?
Count26, derpends on where you are staying. Check below for a summary telling you how good your chances are. Assuming they are good, give the desk clerk the sandwich and tell him/her what you want.
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