The "$20 trick" - trip report requests, does it work?

[ColdCaller]

In another thread a poster referred to the "$20 trick," where you hand a hotel/casino operator a $20 bill concealed in your palm with the organization's rewards card and say "Are there any complimentary upgrades available?"

I assume it helps to make some small talk before doing so, of course, and prime them with some probing questions before forking over the cash.

Does anyone have trip reports, possibly for nice Vegas hotels/casinos, i.e. the Wynn?

[Milo]

I tried it twice at the Monte Carlo. First time the $20 got ignored, and I was quoted $95 extra a night for an upgrade to a suite. Tried it again at the customer service desk at the same hotel an hour later. Upgrade now cost me $20/night on one of those floors you need a special key to get to. Since I was there for 5 days, it seemed well worth it.

Who knows, maybe I ask at customer service and I get the better rate without a tip, but the guy didn't seem interested in helping at first, but got more motivated to make something happen for me once he saw the $20.

[Kneel B4 Zod]

there are a ton on this site

[cball86]

works well in mexico, 1's will get the job done there

[ColdCaller]

[ QUOTE ]
works well in mexico, 1's will get the job done there

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh great, this is really relevant.

[Drew16]

I was just at the Flamingo last week. Dont waste $20, just check in late.

"Sir, I have bad news. We are out of the regular rooms which is what you booked. I am gonna have to put you in a luxury suite instead."

[youtalkfunny]

I checked in very late once, got the VIP room. I always thought she did it because she thought I was cute.

When I lived in Vegas, my wife's parents visited a lot. They would stay at a different hotel each time. My father-in-law would ALWAYS tip the front desk girl $20, and ask for a nice room.

He never got a suite or anything, but he always had a nice view.

EDIT: I should note that he was usually staying 5-7 days, and wasn't tipping 5-7 Andrew Jacksons.