Planet Hollywood Westgate Tower - now Hilton Elara, US holiday dates 2012 (including spring break? It may not be a crime, but it is sleazy and dishonest. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Only a privy few are blessed with this knowledge and they bask in the glory of utter luxury at peanut prices! I went through and read every comment Lol. For example, Ill intentionally fall for scams that arent dangerous just to see how theyre executed, because I find that interesting. We are going in September for my 50th birthday. Above, you can read real stories of visitors that have done the twenty dollar trick when checking in at Aria to get room upgrades. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. We tend to time our trips to quiet times (cheaper and quieter) and as such the trick almost always works, in one way or another. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-37173', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas for my friend's 21st bday. We have however NEVER had it happen to us. You should have told on her. I was staying at MGM, and I was set to stay in the Grand Towers room, normal rooms. We have previously stayed in Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, etc where it does seem to. Its very common and most front desk people have a lot of leeway to upgrade people. Cox and his wife, Minh-Hahn Cox, are seeking unspecified damages in the negligence . As we said, these are people, just like youwho would you be more likely to give an upgrade to? I can't seem to be able to do the same thing with MGM so I find myself making reservations and then cancelling to see if I can find better rates, and . Dear Fox,I do not want to sound Cynical or build a cospiracy theory but I think what you got as an "upgrade" was actually a room that MGM was not offering for booking because of repair / construction nearby. Had it not worked out, I would have still gladly given $20 anyway. I just got back last night. I dont want to catch a nasty social disease. The $20 trick isn't just for Vegas, it works everywhere. I'm holding the 1% chance back for slow weekdays when the occupancy rate drops below 60%. The reason it's known as the sandwich trick is because many people try to be 'sneaky' about it. I thought the whole situation was hilarious and was laughing about it after the fact. She did get us a great room on a uh floor near the elevator. Does the 20 trick work at Caesars Palace? $20 is all it takes, and I've always gotten upped to a strip view from the cheapest room category. Your best bet is to combine the two, be happy smiley and nice to the agent, tell them you are there for your birthday and really excited, then just straight up ask for an upgrade with the $20 in hand. My wife and I are going in July for her Birthday and I told her I want to try this out. Transportation: Taxis-how much does it cost for a taxi from the airport to the Strip? In Havana Cuba I just slipped the hotel clerk ten covertable pesos, and walla, upgrade to a junior suite with a beautiful tub, and ocean view. Get answers to your questions about Las Vegas, Happy Hours Las Vegas - Updated March 2023, Disabled access; mobility information; Dialysis services; Hospitals; Scooters. Book Offer. If you haven't attempted the "$20 tip" before, it can be a little nerve wrecking at first. That said, with all this in mind, I tried the $20 trick at Bellagio not so long ago. It is also a place where everyone wants an upgrade to live like a high roller. . Tried the smooth version, but it was pretty akward as the $20 sat there between us the whole time we are discussing everything else. I dont think Ive ever checked in without giving $20 tip. There may be some exceptions to what I share but I have studied the system and to the best of my knowledge came up with a work around with front desk lack of empowerment . Monorail, trams, buses and shuttles, Transportation: Uber and Lyft- including discount codes. When I check into a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Tipping etiquette, customs and suggestions- who do I tip and how much? Includes places to see and things to pack! When Asked for these items you Sandwich a $20 bill between the two while politely enquiringif there is any chance of a complimentary upgrade? Its a very common and accepted practice in Las Vegas and helps the Hotel out in a number of ways. And you do not want to be stuck in an unbearable room. Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ). How best to visit the Grand Canyon in one day? Its an accepted way of doing things, both you and the clerks know this, as does the management. The last time he went to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I tend to think there are two ways you can approach things in life. (Of course, if you also have gaming spend, Gold may be more easily within reach.) Good luck! Its actually sometimes more likely on comped rooms! You can stay at an awesome hotel for like $20 a night in Las Vegas. On those occasions when I want a suite, I reserve it in advance. However, there is a line for that amount. It depends on your goal. Theres even a website dedicated to it, which describes it as follows: The twenty dollar bill trick is sweeping the travel industry and becoming extremely popular, especially in Las Vegas. Perhaps it happened because of her bday, but whatever the case, it was nice. You can get many other perks from suites to comped resort fees. But it was all for nothing. With our Meet and Greet package, you'll get a photo, a gift bag, and an autographed item - get your tickets now! I think that it will work with the parking valet at the MGM, at least will, when they begin charging for parking. for $60 you can get a real trick into your room. in Vegas, the few hotel interactions I remember, was this nice man who was a waiter at NYNY. Thanks for suggestions. I'll be in Vegas next month, rate for Sat night in this hotel is $599! Sorry, Yes it worked in the other hotels (I think!!) Always important to remember your manners. They may offer you a paid upgrade, which you can obviously make a decision on, if you do take them up on this they are not really doing you a favor so just tip as you usually would. Stories like these are a big part of why I enjoy reading your blog. Based on what our users have shared with us, the $20 Trick at Aria works about 40% of the time. front desk agents have a lot of leeway in choosing your room (so comparisons to upgrading on a flight don't really work here) - i've given clerks more like 30 euros, and said i would appreciate anything they can do to make my stay more special - sometimes they say with a smile that i've already been upgraded (and make sure i take my money back), sometimes they take the money and i get a front desk agents have a lot of leeway in choosing your room (so comparisons to upgrading on a flight don't really work here) - i've given clerks more like 30 euros, and said i would appreciate anything they can do to make my stay more special - sometimes they say with a smile that i've already been upgraded (and make sure i take my money back), sometimes they take the money and i get a better room than last time, but nothing specific is said - remarks re: management getting pissed off about this don't really obtain here, since again, part of a front desk clerk's job is to assign rooms and they have a lot of discretion. If you do this correctly, you don't just get a higher floor. How does MGM Grand compare to other Vegas hotels. Your exchange just sounds awkward personally. Parking; Walking tours; Arts District, Leisure: Pools; Pool Parties; which hotel? MGM Grand is a well-known Las Vegas hotel that offers an unforgettable experience. It worked, big time, Another time, we booked into the Fairmont, I got tanked, drank all the booze in the hotel mini bar, and when we checked out the next day, I innocently assured the hotel clerk, nice lady, that I thought it was complimentary? Yeah, its not really a trick, just seems to have taken on that moniker, you are just, very nicely, asking about free upgrades and offering a nice tip in return for the help! We know this can be hard after a long hard flight but never underestimate how far being nice will get you! It is policy to simply accommodate the guests wishes based on availability. Great insight, we totally agree! Transportation: what is the public transport? Average room rates fall between $69-$349 per night for a standard room. Would you fly an airline that lets flight attendants accept $20 to let passengers self-upgrade? Ben, any wild guess: would the 20$ trick work to get upgraded to eg a club room on an IC award stay ??? wow, the whole thing sounds super tacky but it's vegas so i guess that's to be expected. Keep it smooth and simple, that's what I'd do anyway ha. We find a warm friendly demeanor, with lots of smiles and conversation a very good additionaltactic. - I fully understand. And service was good too.this is what happened. We had just returned from LA, after the bus tour. How does MGM Grand stack up against similar Las Vegas hotels? It's a total BS thing. What is the Weather Like in Chicago, Illinois? This is not a Bribe its a tip so the Assistant is in no way obliged to do anything extra for the tip if you present it upfront. @snic: Considering the sheer number of rooms most of these hotels have, it really costs the hotels very little. Do you suggest that I should ask directly for a specific upgrade, rather than be vague about it? We tried it this weekend at the SLS in Las Vegas and it worked for us. Makes sense although it has worked in Cabo. Also wanted to add that my husband is a super nice man in his 60s. I research availability at the hotels and cost of the availability. I would sack any front desk agent on the spot for accepting this bribeand that's what it is! Lucky, while I enjoyed your telling of the story, I'd really rather have heard the desk clerk's version of how she stuck it to the poor sap who tried the $20 trick. Most of the time if you're just nice, smile, ask them how they are, etc.you know, just be a nice, normal, decent person.that gets you pretty far in life. Essentially, when checking in to a Las Vegas Hotel you need 2 things. Complained following day and was switched to similar room but quieter location. It worked nearly every time we have tried. Its not a trick, only fools would believe that your tricking the people behind the desk who have heard Every excuse known to man as to why one deserves a complimentary up-grade. Any advice welcomed. You can try to be smooth like most people would, or you can actually be honest and innocent about it (we both know whats going on, so lets cut to the chase). Vegetarian options, Dining: Special occasion/ celebration/ fine dining/ great views/ Sunday Brunch. Because it angers customers. Keep us posted on any success or failure you have on your trip! I think we're going to give the $20 trick a shot. Downtown and Fremont Street- worth visiting? Probably a mistake, like I knew it would be. Solo Traveler Looking for Cool Group to Hang With in May, Old Man Trip Report April 24-28..no wait the 29th, Las Vegas Airport Passport control wait times. If being stuck in a tiny old cramped room will ruin your trip dont rely on this trick to get you out of a hole. FWIW personally the only time I ever tried the "trick" was at MGM. I was next up and the girl at the VIP desk to the left of the main desk waved that she was available. Sometimes using these trick can get you other things than just room upgrades (drink coupons, resort credit, etc). On the flip side I spend heavily during my stay on Food and beverage primarily within the MGM group of hotels not that many others don't do the same thing @Pavel: Agreed, which is why its typically specifically called the Las Vegas $20 Trick. Agent: I probably shouldnt do this, but Ill give you this upgrade because I like you. Jump Ahead ), Rialto suite Venetian or Bella Suite Palazzo, Superbowl - Big Game 2013 Parties and Info, Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Fwiw we would have done the same. I am one of those that doesn't consider room location (upper floor, near elevator, view, etc) an upgrade. Thanks again! I don't know what kind of room you booked but if you just got a "standard room", you have quite a few of options : 1) Ask for the Jacuzzi suite with a strip view ( in world /premier tower), 2) if denied, ask for casino suite / executive suite, 3) If denied, ask for a delux suite in premier tower (avoid regency tower at any cost !). The Trick originated in the form of a $20 sandwich. The amendment to regulation 940 CMR 3:18, filed today with the Secretary of State's Office and effective immediately, prohibits price gouging of goods and services necessary for . Clerk tried instead to offer a paid upgrade which I declined. Been at every single one of the nice and expensive Vegas strip hotels. Not that $60 gets you far either, but hopefully it gets you further. We had some banter back and forth. What has been your experience with tipping at check-in for better rooms? She softly laughed, and gave it to us for free. So it's not even really "under the table" and it's not clear if the employees even get to keep it. Helpful information: Where is a low fee ATM? If you're on a tight budget, your money doesn't go far at MGM Grand. upgrade, preferably to fountain view (from cheapo package deal with flight mountain view). Seriously? I could hear some music from their club on top and I called .since I had a morning flight to catch and they told me over the phone that they would call the club to close terrace windows and asked if I need earplugs They hide their 20 dollar bill in between their credit card and ID when they hand it to the . She worked very hard to find us an upgrade and I was willing to let her keep the tip, but she gave it back and said she didnt feel she helped me and refused the tip. Transportation: Airport- International arrivals- how long is the arrival process? People watching; 3. It is likely the hotel is really full and there is just nothing they can do. When checking in to MGM Grand, simply slip the $20 bill to the desk attendant while asking if there are any complimentary upgrades available such as bigger rooms with a nicer view and then wait to see what they offer you in return. We are sure he is, and we do hope that this is not a case of him being taken advantage of for his good nature! What about touring the Grand Canyon from LV? Usually in Vegas, because the casinos are very strict about employees moving cash around, the agents actually have to clearly demonstrate to the cameras that they are taking cash from you. In Vegas it's the norm. The legendary $20 Dollar Trick. This morning upon check out, the sweet desk agent asked me if I had a great stay. hahaha You have no reason to keep your mouth shut now. Be chatty, tell them about your wifes birthday and how excited you are ectJust make it clear what you are asking. Do they ever upgrade because it is a special occasion? Just being kind, respectful, and genuine, while others act like typical asshole tourist pricks, makes the magic happen. Which hotels do I have the best bet of an upgrade at? Money saving tips! Noise won't bother me as long as the room is clean and doesn't smell. What I will share is that if I were to do what you did I wouldn't compensate until after the upgrade was cinched and I was satisfied with the upgraded accommodations in or out of Vegas She offered me a junior suite without a strip view. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-72138219', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bellagio, Wynn or Venetian either. Like it angers me. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. $50.00 at the bellagio got me a room on the 2rd from top floor dead center overlooking the fountain But is it worth trying out in one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in Vegas MGM Grand? Does the $20 trick work at the Mirage? Sometimes. Yup. Great to hear they waived your resort fees! Thanks for suggestions. I checked in at the airport and slipped the 20 with my license & credit card and just asked for any free upgrades. hahaha That would have upgraded you. Just by asking nicely and being a decent human being about it. $20 Upgraded to Pyramid Suite from Pyramid Deluxe I tried this and it worked sort of. First a stunning revelation. Again assuming hotels are quiet and rooms available then they should hook you up, so as long as there are no big events or conferences on, then yeah midweek should be better. Dining: what is "Open Table"? Its much easier to fill lower level rooms than it is suites and club level rooms. We are going to be staying at the MGM Grand and I am worried that we won't have a great room because we booked with Expedia and I have heard that hotels often downgrade customers that book with websites like Expedia. We sincerelydoubt it has ever happened and the people in question just didnt get as big an upgrade as they wanted. Im scared to try the Las Vegas $20 Trick. Not of the stripe but none the less great view. Really, if you can't charm your way to get an upgrade you are just getting a hooker like a lazy, dirty, old guy like thing. If they simply cant due to overbooking nothing will help. Transportation: Airport- International arrivals- how long is the arrival process? Grand Canyon West; 3. Virgin Atlantic Premium Review 787 Dreamliner Is Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade 2023? Massachusetts has passed legislation to provide paid family and medical leave and make changes to state wage and hour provisions. Perhaps it happened because of her bday, but whatever the case, it was nice. Or has the price increased since then (most messages are from 2014), like 30 dollars now perhaps? Oh, and they did nothing for our anniversary. We have heard third or fourth-hand stories of this happening. But $20 could mean a lot when you think about disposable income after taxes and expenses considering non of the check in people are probably making 6 figures and this could make their day especially because Europeans are not used to tipping. I am constantly amazed at how slimy people involved in this game are. The next room type above the Grand Tower rooms at MGM would be their mini-suite, and they have a number of these. Me: Now you could give me my credit card back and I could try to be smooth and slip money under it and hand it back to you, but in all honesty do you prefer an official or unofficial paid upgrade? If you see the same check-in agent and she isn't busy you may want to pay him/her a visit and ask if there are any perks associated with your room. I never thought California was such a beautiful state, who was so grateful for the twenty dollar tip I left him, which was genuine on my part, he explained that Vegas was near the end of the dead season, and was hurting PSA: Used to work at MGM. we are hoping to be able to get a higher floor and maybe a fountain view which would be awesome. Tips have been known to get you an upgrade from an entry-level room. Of course, as you move up in the quality of the hotel and even the class of room you booked, the more likely it is you may need to bump the tip-up.
