if you check out vegaswatch.com there are many threads concening this...seems to work...I'll be there in 2 weeks and not sure what to try, have HH Gold, Amex, and a $20...we will see

The $20 "tip" worked for me this past weekend at Paris. I did as suggested, holding the twice-folded $20 in my hand as I asked about a larger room. The agent checked, and told me that they did have a larger room available for $200 (we were paying $136/night for our original room -- for a Fri. and Sat. night). Our new room turned out to be on the top floor of Paris. It was a "Nice" suite -- I assume it's pronounced "neice" -- as in the city in France. The suite was huge, simply huge. And it was very nicely furnished -- not trashy but classy.

When we checked out, it turns out they charged us $200 per night extra, not simply $200 a night for the room. So the room cost $136 plus $200 a night. I felt a little suckered but the room was so amazing, I really didn't mind.

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ChicagoBound - formerly PremEx2000 (wrong year, wrong status!)

So, what worked, exactly? It's not clear that the $20 actually got you anywhere.

Whoa. The $20 definitely did not work in your case. For it to have worked you should have gotten that same room for your originally stated price of $136/night.

Given that this is the absolute slowest time of year for Vegas, if you paid $336/night for a suite, you got pretty much screwed over. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/frown.gif

I may have gotten screwed, but honestly I felt like I got a pretty good deal -- $336 a night for the biggest and nicest hotel room that I've ever stayed in (and probably will ever stay in). So I guess at least I don't feel violated. But next time, I know to ask if the room costs $200 TOTAL or the upgrade costs an ADDITIONAL $200.

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ChicagoBound - formerly PremEx2000 (wrong year, wrong status!)

Oh ! My ! God !

Scr*wed over does not even begin to describe it.....This sounds almost criminal/fraudulent. This so bad, its almost funny http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif !

Regarding the 20$ "trick", it usually,if at all, works at the lower end properties. Its very very rare for it to work at one of the better strip hotels

I've done it at Bellagio. It was very easy.

ChicagoBound, If you're happy that's all that really counts.

If you go in December next year, keep in mind that from about Dec 1st through the 24th, it is dead slow in Vegas. The closer you get to the the 24th, the deader it is. When the NFR (Rodeo) is in town it gets a little busier, but the month of December (especially the weekend before Christmas) is great for deals.

You should have been able to to book the "Nice" suite in advance for less than $300/night, or been able to get a comparable suite at MGM (which has quite a few choices), the Venetian, the Mirage, or the Bellagio for quite a bit less.


[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited 12-12-2002).]

Hi

I am going to be in Vegas Dec 22-24. Staying at Paris and Venetian. Venetian booked thru American Express FHR for a rate of 129.00. Paris-because my husband just wants to try it out. Question:
What would be the best way to get an upgrade at Paris??
Also, do u have any preferences between Bellagio vs. Venetian?
Thanks
kelly786

The Venetian at $129 a night is a good deal, especially if you take advantage of the FHR amenities.

I wouldn't move to go to the Paris, I think it is a nice hotel, but pretty average compared to the Venetian...

[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited 12-14-2002).]

Venetian is $76 on PL on 12/22 and 12/23. The hotel is running a promo for $99 for these dates as well.

Contrary to what is being said by some, the going rate for a "Nice" suite is $1750 if booked in advance and it has a rack rate of $4850. At ~1400 sq. ft. the "Nice" suite is in my opinion nicer (with much higher quality furnishings) than both the Piazza suite at the Venetian and the Bellagio Penthouse suite.

"Nice" in quotes as a play on words, not referring to any suite at the Paris in particular.

I'd truly love to meet the non casino rated person who'd be willing to pay $1750 a night for a 1400 SQ foot suite at the Paris, when the Venetian, The Four Seasons, and Mirage/Bellagio (all of whom I consider to be better resorts) have their big 1BR's going for less than $800/night weekends and $600 weekdays.

Hasn't the Four Seasons captured the market that's willing to pay for the big suite?

Are tasteful furnishings at a 4* resort worth an additional $1000/night?


[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited 12-14-2002).]

So when you are doing the $20 trick, when exactly during the check in process do you do the exchange?? is it right as you introduce yourself as checking in, or right before he asks for a credit card etc...???

Yes, and make sure the check in clerk sees it.