Room upgrades in Vegas

slamdunkpro · #1 02-07-2007, 11:51 PM

Does the quarter or blackbird under your credit card at check-in still get one a better room or upgrade? Haven't been to Vegas in a while. Anyone done it lately? I'll be staying at the Mirage.

Zele · #2 02-07-2007, 11:58 PM

Here's a site devoted to people's experiences with that trick at different hotels.

somapopper · #3 02-08-2007, 12:05 AM

There was a thread on this awhile ago. Consensus was the following:

1. 20 bucks would usually get you some kind of upgrade

But

1a. Occasionally you're simply going to lose the 20

1b. You may be upgraded simply to a better view (or you may get a truly sweet upgrade)

1c. It seems you're somewhat less likely to get an upgrade if you're on poker rate, casino rate, comped rooms, or booked as part of an online room and airfare deal

2. If 20 is good, 100 is better, but all the previous caveats apply. Also, in terms of bang for buck, 20 may be better, but you're definately making somebody's day at the front desk, and maybe you'll get something to brag about.

3. At some desks managers look the other way, at others the whole operation has to be a little more on the dl. Handing over your credit card early with a 20 dollar bill folded beneath it (but visible) was the most accepted option. Some chose to also mention "a complimentary upgrade" but this is probably not necessary.

4. If the hotel is full, you're likely sol.

5. (I think) airport check in was the best place to try this, when the hotel has it, because the desk isn't as closely monitored. Good luck.

pig4bill · #4 02-08-2007, 03:41 AM

[ QUOTE ]
5. (I think) airport check in was the best place to try this, when the hotel has it, because the desk isn't as closely monitored. Good luck.

[/ QUOTE ]

It depends on the hotel. I asked about getting a room in a specific location once, and they didn't have that capability. They could check me in, but I would have to go to the hotel front desk to ask for a room change.

*TT* · #5 02-08-2007, 01:03 PM

[ QUOTE ]

5. (I think) airport check in was the best place to try this, when the hotel has it, because the desk isn't as closely monitored. Good luck.

[/ QUOTE ]

At the Bellagio when you try this trick the front desk person has to whisper in the ear of the manager on duty. The employees are in cahootz with management on this.

TT [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]

Ghazban · #6 02-08-2007, 01:37 PM

I'm glad I stumbled across this thread-- I guess I have a new thing to try at the B when I go next month.

Whiteliar · #7 02-08-2007, 03:30 PM

I did the $20 under the CC thing on 1-26 at the TI and we were upgraded from a Deluxe room to a Tower Suite (comped Champagne for my b-day as well). It was the best room I've had in vegas ever!! I'm doing this at EVERY hotel in LV for the rest of my life, and if I hit 1 out of 10 it's still worth it.

WL

mxp2004 · #8 02-08-2007, 03:58 PM

I am shocked that these kind of upgrades are available for a lousy $20! But after reading through the posts here and on the website linked in one the replies above, it seems like you can get some pretty incredible perks for less than the cost of most of the buffets in town. Just another reason to love Vegas!

punkass · #9 02-08-2007, 04:00 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I am shocked that these kind of upgrades are available for a lousy $20! But after reading through the posts here and on the website linked in one the replies above, it seems like you can get some pretty incredible perks for less than the cost of most of the buffets in town. Just another reason to love Vegas!

[/ QUOTE ]

It works because the clerk waiting on you will really appreciate a $20 tip, since most likely it'll take them 2 or more hours to get that on the clock. And if he/she has the power to upgrade you with no ill-effects to his/her job standing, then you should get an upgrade no problem. Winwin!

zman31 · #10 02-08-2007, 05:31 PM

Mentioned in my trip report that I tried this at Monte Carlo on 2/1/07. We were early checking in so I'm sure we got the best possible room available but not an upgrade. We got a high floor, nice view, end of hallway, king bed, non-smoking. But still just a regular room. I'm sure we could have gotten all of it by just asking. We were on an air/hotel combo that was prepaid so I would guess that had something to do with it.