<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by letiole:
You know g_leyser this has been so great and popular that you should have your own forum. 
I have another question. Twice you've (jokingly?) made remarks about slipping the front desk clerk some cash when asking about an upgrade. I've heard people say they actually do this, but it's always seemed slimy to me and like something the front desk clerk would get fired for if they were taking cash personally in exchange for upgrades (afterall, wouldn't this be like lost revenue for the hotel when instead of charging the rate for the better room the front desk clerk pockets the cash). I'm sure guests do try to offer up bribes, but does it work? Is it an accepted practice?
Also good to see your comments on which guests are valuable to hotels. There's an attitude among some that business travelers subsidize everyone else's travel. Good to know that there are some cases where it's the leisure travelers who are likely bringing in more of the cash with all the additional charges for spa services, meals, activities, etc. </font>
Hello again letiole-
As far as bribes go, or "special gifts" as I like to call them, this is one of those unwritten rules of the front desk. Yes it does happen regularly. Yes it most certainly is an effective way to get an upgrade. Yes it is slimy to a certain extent, but it doesn't have to be, there is a right and wrong way to go about it: Don't just throw a twenty down on the desk and say "how 'bout an upgrade". Rather try, "are there any upgrades available tonight" and then add something like "if you can help me out, I would certainly take care of you." Most hotel front desks have cameras on them, so if you wait to give "gifts" wait until after you've gotten you're room key, then you're tipping and not bribing.
A couple of disclaimers:
1) This has a lower probability of working the more nights you are staying.
2) Beware of trying this in other countries where it might be deemed offensive.
3) Don't be pushy. If the answer is "no", then the answer is "no."
Hope that helps. Thanks for the kind words.
[This message has been edited by g_leyser (edited 09-20-2002).]