$20 Trick - It works very well
Jun 26, 2006, 12:49 pm
#106
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: A Capital City on The East Coast
Programs: CO-Dirt,SPG-Nothing,Marriott-Gold, Hilton-Blue, Hyatt-Plat, HI-Plat
Posts: 6,872
Originally Posted by JerryGuitar
andrew or ben?
Jul 3, 2006, 11:58 am
#107
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 6,932
Originally Posted by Fishbait
Had a "clueless" clerk at Paris last weekend. Hubby did the credit card/ bill trick, and she just handed the $20 back and searched for a great view room (paid for better view to begin with). Can't complain, we got 42nd floor fountain/pool view without the tip, and weren't there much anyway (but did truly enjoy the view when there).
Robin
Robin
QL
Jul 5, 2006, 8:40 pm
#109
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Chicago
Posts: 207
Originally Posted by baccarat_king
(f) and as folks have mentioned, KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, with regard to suite or upgrade type --- it is imperative to research your options, so you know what is being offered.
My thought was to ask for the upgrade first (with cash in hand), and if confirmed then ask if s/he could combine the reservations so we don't have to pack/check-out and check-in again (with more cash in hand). Does that sound like the best approach, or other idea? And I am HHonor Silver, will that do anything?
TIA!
Jul 5, 2006, 9:36 pm
#110
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sunny Place
Programs: Star Alliance
Posts: 1,655
Originally Posted by SRQ Guy
The agent at the LV Hilton literally laughed at me when I tried the $20 trick with a $100 bill last week. 
Last edited by Sunnyhere; Jul 5, 2006 at 9:46 pm
Jul 9, 2006, 8:34 am
#112
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: IAD
Programs: HH Diamond, UA Platinum
Posts: 97
Tried the $20 trick at Luxor and it didn't work for me. I know the woman saw the $20, but she said that an upgrade would cost an additional $400 per night. By the way, Luxor charges for everything. Mini-fridge costs an additonal $15/night, and a rollaway bed is an additional $25/night.
Jul 9, 2006, 6:30 pm
#113
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: UA MM, QF Plat, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 2,563
For those trying to do it cheap and stay at Stratosphere I had good luck with a $5. I just handed it over with my Amex when I checked in and I got upgraded to a king Suite in the newer (2001) tower. It was huge and the bathroom was as large as the standard room. I did this the Saturday night before Memorial Day around midnight when I checked in.
Jul 9, 2006, 9:36 pm
#115
Join Date: May 2003
Location: RDU
Programs: TSA/INS/FBI Platinum (stopped last 12 of 13 int'l returns - the computer broke once)
Posts: 2,639
Originally Posted by trvloftn
Tried the $20 trick at Luxor and it didn't work for me. I know the woman saw the $20, but she said that an upgrade would cost an additional $400 per night. By the way, Luxor charges for everything. Mini-fridge costs an additonal $15/night, and a rollaway bed is an additional $25/night.
Jul 10, 2006, 7:26 am
#116
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,992
Originally Posted by trvloftn
Tried the $20 trick at Luxor and it didn't work for me. I know the woman saw the $20, but she said that an upgrade would cost an additional $400 per night. By the way, Luxor charges for everything. Mini-fridge costs an additonal $15/night, and a rollaway bed is an additional $25/night.
I also tired at the Luxor and had no joy!!!! Wont be staying there again at all to be honest, much better hotels around!
Jul 10, 2006, 1:58 pm
#117
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,664
Originally Posted by gregorygrady
LOL, that's too funny!! 
That's why I like to do it at the airport counters. Fewer witnesses....
Jul 11, 2006, 1:55 am
#118
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 6,932
Originally Posted by disneybride
Hi! I could use some help here. We are staying at the Flamingo Hilton next week and I would love to try this tip but the web site only lists "Deluxe room" as their only room type. Does anyone here know what the other room types are and how much I should proffer at the Flamingo? Also what is the best way to broach this as I have a reservation in my name for Wed/Thurs, then in my husbands name for Fri/Sat (the Fri/Sat thing was a 2 night only web special, but a great deal).
My thought was to ask for the upgrade first (with cash in hand), and if confirmed then ask if s/he could combine the reservations so we don't have to pack/check-out and check-in again (with more cash in hand). Does that sound like the best approach, or other idea? And I am HHonor Silver, will that do anything?
TIA!
My thought was to ask for the upgrade first (with cash in hand), and if confirmed then ask if s/he could combine the reservations so we don't have to pack/check-out and check-in again (with more cash in hand). Does that sound like the best approach, or other idea? And I am HHonor Silver, will that do anything?
TIA!
QL
Jul 11, 2006, 7:05 am
#119
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
Originally Posted by disneybride
Hi! I could use some help here. We are staying at the Flamingo Hilton next week and I would love to try this tip but the web site only lists "Deluxe room" as their only room type. Does anyone here know what the other room types are and how much I should proffer at the Flamingo? Also what is the best way to broach this as I have a reservation in my name for Wed/Thurs, then in my husbands name for Fri/Sat (the Fri/Sat thing was a 2 night only web special, but a great deal).
My thought was to ask for the upgrade first (with cash in hand), and if confirmed then ask if s/he could combine the reservations so we don't have to pack/check-out and check-in again (with more cash in hand). Does that sound like the best approach, or other idea? And I am HHonor Silver, will that do anything?
TIA!
My thought was to ask for the upgrade first (with cash in hand), and if confirmed then ask if s/he could combine the reservations so we don't have to pack/check-out and check-in again (with more cash in hand). Does that sound like the best approach, or other idea? And I am HHonor Silver, will that do anything?
TIA!
Forget the HHonor card --- since the ONLY thing that matters will be your total rewards status and ADT. At most Harrah's property, if they follow procedure properly, suites are assigned by highest average ADT (which usually tend to be the Seven Stars and Diamonds). Next level would be a discretionary suite upgrade in an EMPTY hotel to a Platinum or Diamond at check-in (I have had this happen before, but usually late at night check-in --- after 10PM)
Your biggest issue is the upgrade for the Fri/Sat portion --- or basically getting the upgrade for the entire 4 days. You might just want to work on the the upgrade at check-in on Wed/Thur and NOT even mention the weekend stay. Then, if you get the upgrade, go down to the front desk on Friday, and mention that you would just like to check-out re-check-in and stay in the same room ---- it "might" just work --- though, you have to get the upgrade first.
Other Flamingo Tips (not from my personal experience) --- but, might help you get a better room, if you can't get the suite :
rooms on the 27th or 28th floors, are a bit larger.
28-064, overlooking Caesars with a view of Bellagio fountains.
high floor with a number ending in 060 / 062 / 064 are great rooms with a view.
28-064 to 28-074 (even numbered rooms face Caesars; odd numbers will face the pool).
the $20 trick is becoming much more difficult at Harrah's properties, due to the large number of Platinum and Diamond (and Seven Star) total reward members, who, rightly so, should get the upgrade before a non-status guest. (and IMHO, the folks at Diamond Desk Check-in have more latitude on upgrades)
Though....... you never know......