The $20 trick is essentially a bribe to the front desk clerk you are checking in with in an attempt to get a better/upgraded room/suite than you normally reserved but at the price of the room you originally booked.

There's a thread in the LV forum that discusses it and a even a website devoted to it but but there are different ways to go about it. I usually say we have a basic room booked but were wondering if they could check if we could have a complimentary upgrade to a high floor with a nice view of the strip. If I'm fairly confident that I'll get an upgrade (ie. suspect the hotel is not fully booked), I'll tip the $20 immediately. Otherwise, I'll have my wallet open on the counter with a bill ready to go to let the clerk know I'll tip him if he can accommodate our request.

A basic upgrade at the Wynn and Encore is usually pretty easy. By basic, I mean a non-view room to a high floor Panoramic view room of the strip. I think you'd normally pay an extra $40/night or so for a Panoramic room.
However, if the hotel is really booked up, it might not work or the upgrade might not be as great.

We're 2 for 2 for upgrades at the Wynn / Encore. I tipped immediately at the Wynn while the wife tipped at the end during check-in at the Encore. In the past we always ended up with crap rooms with a view of a parking garage or whatever :). Every since we started asking and employing the tip, we've gotten great rooms every time except once during a stay btw Christmas and New Years when the hotel was packed. The main thing really, is to ask nicely.

BTW, if you're going to book a Concierge room, I'm not sure how much value you'd get employing the $20 tip.

mispost

I don't really think their are any real differences to the Concierge Level Suites, except for the direct access (via a special elevator bank), inside the lounge. (otherwise, all the other elevator banks go to the 23rd floor, you just have to enter through the front of the lounge). But, this is one of the best lounges I've been too, and is probably more similar to a Ritz Carlton Club Lounge with regard to multiple presentations throughout the day. (it's also a properly sized lounge -- and is very large; with lots of sofas, chairs, and private corners/rooms) In addition, there is waiter service, it's not just self service. If you desire to self serve a cup of coffee in the AM, you can -- or instead order a dry cappuccino (my favorite) and a pellegrino directly from the server.

With Concierge Suite you receive a welcome letter, "Welcome to The Palazzo and your Concierge Level Suite" -- basically it mentions the lounge hours (and evening drinks from 5PM to 9PM);
other services listed are :
- DVD library of classic movies
- Business center with copying, printing and internet availability
- Plasma screen televisions throughout the lounge for your enjoyment
- Personal assistance with travel, dinner and show arrangements
- Packing and unpacking services upon request

"Your lounge experience has been tailored for you and one guest." --- so, if you are traveling alone, you can always have a friend join you.

You have all been really helpful but still don't know whether to choose Wynn - Encore or Palazzo! Maybe I should spend two nights at each

Plenty of "friends" for hire in Vegas ;)

Couldnt resist.

That's what I'm thinking of doing. Probably not a bad idea to establish a relationship with both to see if they send offers.

I don't need to "hire" -- ;););)

anyone who knows me will vouch for the fact that I attract many quite naturally. :D:D

Just got back from stay at the Encore. I've stayed at the Wynn twice before.

Had a basic room, got a great deal just before I went for $149/night. Overall a very nice room, slightly bigger than the Wynn. The bathroom was comparable to the Wynn in size and function. One thing I noticed is they no longer stock shaving cream. I ended up asking one of the housekeepers as I walked down the hall. Came back later taht afternoon and they had placed a box of shaving cream and disposable razor. Very nice!

You can't go wrong at either the Wynn or Encore. Staff at both places were extremely nice. Much more so than anyother place I went on the strip. Personally, I think Wynn/Encore's staff training is what puts them on top.

Bob

R U bragging or dreaming?;)

Does anyone know if you can book Wynn and "upgrade" to Encore at checkin?

right now rates seem to have "switched" and frequently are lower at encore.

others have stated reservation systems are unified so its no problem.

I can't see why not...it's really one hotel. Why not call ahead and see if they can switch you?

QL

I booked under a promotional rate which is cheaper at Wynn. I am obviously hoping to pay the same and be staying at Encore. I suppose I'll give a Casino Host a call or something since reservations will probably just ask me to pay more (even though Encore is cheaper right now).

Encore Spa/Salon Fitness Center
 

Slightly off-topic from the original post, but in keeping with the theme of amenities.

We are booked for a weekend at Encore next weekend. Does anyone have any experience with the fitness center?

We stayed at Palazzo last month and they charged us $40 per person per day to use the fitness center. I found out from baccarat_king about a Resort Package at Palazzo that would have made it cheaper (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11381255-post278.html), but not until after we got back (my fault, not his, for not asking on FT in advance).

So this time I am asking in advance, is there any way around the $30 per person per day at the Encore fitness center, and if not, is it worth it?

Thanks in advance!

I did just that this last weekend. I was checking into the Wynn, and asked for a high floor with a nice view - the checkin clerk offered me a complimentary upgrade to the Encore - 8th floor with a view of the pool or something in the 30's with a view of downtown.