Just curious how you handle check-in upgrades. Particularly when you are unfamiliar with a hotel or resort and are requesting an upgrade at the front desk (either by offering to pay extra cash or points each night or because you are a frequent guest card holder of that hotel). If the hotel is willing to grant an upgrade for say $50 a night, does it make sense to first see the room you have reserved and then take a peek at the upgraded room? Comparison shop so to speak? Or do you try to a free upgrade by tipping the check-in employee? I know this works particularly well in Vegas!!

In short, how do you handle getting upgrades at check-in and ensuring that they are worth the extra money or points? Certainly a free upgrade is taken sight unseen!!!

Thanks for all the insight,

Marc