Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 18,159
I take offense at being called a thief. It is not "stealing" to offer a tip to the desk clerk, to wit:
(1) Everybody tips everyone in vegas, so a $20 tip is no big deal.
(2) You are not "stealing" the room because you paid for it.
(3) Vegas hotels frequently overbook the low-price rooms and someone will end up with a free upgrade - why not you?
Are you stealing a first class seat when a gate agent upgrades you? Or the FA gives you a free beer?
As for the original question, I found that a $20 tip at 4* casino/hotal got me a nicer room in the newer tower - and probably would have gotten a bigger suite if we had not wanted 2 beds. The key is to be subtle - and don't have high expectations. Your original room rate makes absolutely no difference (we were paying a casino rate) though it probably helps to have a casino card.