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.

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.

Although I agree I would NEVER pay that much for a room in Las Vegas, ChicagoBound is referring to a "Nice" suite not a "nice" suite. That being said, I highly doubt you would be able to readily book a "Nice" suite at the Paris in advance without a host.

That's a decent price for that suite, which really is very "Nice." But the $20 trick is INSTEAD of paying extra! I guess you'll need to be a shade less subtle in the future. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

QL

As mentioned by others, the $20 is in lieu of paying any additional $.

I always fold the $20 and put it with partially under my CC (with the 20 clearly showing) and ask the clerk if there are any 'COMPLIMENTARY ungrades available'. Be sure to say COMPLIMENTARY.

In addition, your best success will often be with a middle aged male clerk. Sorry to sound sexist, but this is well documented in other LV forums.

FTR, I have had success at MBay, Ballys, and the Mirage.

hockeystl

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

We are booked at the Venetian this coming weekend, on the FHR program. We have Vista King rooms booked (your std luxury suite, with a quaranteed view). What should we expect to get from the FHR program? Will we have a decent chance of getting upgraded to a Rialto suite? Which "view" should we request when checking in?

Thanks!

You should get complimentary breakfast, an upgrade based on availability and a $50 coupon (at least I got those things last time at the Bellagio, had booked thru FHR).

You actually don't want a Rialto suite. They only come with 2 queen size beds, and their only space advantage (if you can call it that) is a slightly larger entryway. Other than that, they are exactly the same as a standard suite.

If you're looking for an upgrade, ask for a Piazza suite. Failing that, insist on a strip view.

Good luck.

sorry - I made a mistake....I meant to say the Piazza suite...

We should have a strip view (paid a little extra for it), so I would assume that the Piazza suite would be the next "level" to upgrade to. Will it be automatic, or do we need to ask about it? Also, any opinion on which "view" to request?

thanks

The Pool view is my favorite, overlooking the Treasure Island pirate battle and avoiding the construction.