Does the $20 really work?
 

I am hoping for an upgrade next week. I will be staying at either the Paris or Hilton (I have status with HH). I've read about the $20 "tip" for the agent at check-in. Is this a Vegas myth or has antone here been successful doing it. I'm also having a difficult time deciding between the two properties. Both have great "deals" right now (Hilton's about $20-25 less per day),but I understand that the Hilton is an easier upgrade. Your thoughts.

you may want to post this question on the Hilton fourm as well, there is always a lot of chatter about the LV hilton properties and which is the best choice...I personally think the Paris is the best, but can't comment on the $20 trick since I've never tried.

and please keep us updated after you return from your trip.

Have fun!

The $20 dollar trick isn't a myth, it does work. Not always, but enough to make it worth giving it a try.

or drop me an e-mail. A close friend is a VP @ Park Place and may be able to help you, if you are a player.

E-mail me your full name, dates of stay, and which property. Also give me your Park Place Connections card # if you have it (or if you still have the old Hilton or Paris players card) so that he can look up your ratings then call a host... the host would then bump you up.

Now if you aren't a member but promise some "play" in the casino, he still may be able to bump you to a better room, but don't plan on the penthouses on the 32nd floor @ Paris (unless you can spend 5 hours on the tables with a min bet of $1k a hand).

-n

OK, for those that have done the $20 trick, how did you do it? I'm well versed in greasing a $20 (or $50) to the restaurant host/hostess/maitre d' for a quick or upgraded table, but how does one suavely grease a check in clerk?

Fold the $20 twice so that the denomination in the corner is visible. Hold it casually in your hand above the counter. Smile. Ask, "Would it be possible to upgrade to a suite?" If you are successful, shake hands and transfer the money.

QL, now that Frank's dead, you are the king of Las Vegas.

I'd imagine that you'd need a grizzled Vegas verteran at checkin, or will it work with anyone?

Regardless, I'm trying it in July, and I'll let you know how it works out. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Here's an amusing thought, imagine the looks you'll get as you try employing the Frequent Flyer "hang up and call again" strategy, working your through each clerk all the way down the check in counter! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

You certainly don't need to be a grizzled veteran, but you DO need to be PAYING for your room. If you are coming in on a comp the front desk is forbidden from upgrading you just about everywhere.

One thing that's annoying about upgrading is that casino marketing (at least at the MGM) bases their comp decisions on the room you stay in, not the room you've reserved and paid for.

AA and the MGM have a deal where AAdvantage Plats get free upgrades to spa suites. I've taken them up on it a few times, but the criteria for a comp for this type of room is about twice as much play as the criteria for a regular room.

Personally, I think it's pretty stupid way of doing things, the AA/MGM deal has basically "paid" for the upgrade already, I don't see why I need to "pay" for it again with my play. That's like an airline upgrading you in advance using miles, then demanding that you also pay the fare difference when you get to your destination.

So basically I have a disincentive to take the upgrade, unless I want to pay for the room (which I don't). So my choice is to be unhappy with my room or pay for a better one. I guess that's always the tradeoff with hotels...

d

FYI: The "trick" worked at Bellagio (for $50) and MGM (for $20) on recent weekend stays. Netted a Penthouse Suite at the Bellagio in July and a "Jacuzzi Suite" at MGM in September.

Aren't those Bellagio penthouse suites fabulous? http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

It was very nice, but I have to admit I like the ones on the "E" floor of the Mirage more.

Has the $20 "trick" worked for anyone at the Paris Hotel?

I am planning an upcoming stay and was wondering if I should try the trick?

What type of a room should I ask for (specific room type/name I should ask for)? As a Hilton HHonors Gold I have usually been upgraded to a view room on a higher floor, but I was wondering if any suites were available?

I will be traveling with the Mrs. and the Pupster and it sure would be nice if the room was big enough to put his crib somewhere so that we don't wake him up everytime one of us gets up at night to use the bathroom.