The weird sound you heard must have been coming from that construction work. Your story of the trick is just too funny. If you do this correctly, you don't just get a higher floor. They hide their 20 dollar bill in between their credit card and ID when they hand it to the . Now perhaps this is the wrong hotel at which to try the $20 trick, given that all rooms are suites to begin with. We know this can be hard after a long hard flight but never underestimate how far being nice will get you! Also, you can tell them that upgrade isn't good enough and they'll give you the tip back proactively. All this will usually be tracked. I have read some scary reviews. 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? I don't know how you can hahaha You suck. Feel free to report back your success or failure! Unfortunately, there are no guarantees and that is why we always say book at least the minimum level of from you would be happy with and hope for better. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-34239', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bellagio because hotel front desk clerks do not have authority to give you the free upgrade. They will tell you that you got one and you won't know the difference. Asked for a comp. Based on what our users have shared with us, the $20 Trick at Aria works about 40% of the time. However, it might (and I'm pretty sure if it is a weekday booking) work in little off-strip , less glamourous properties such as Sahara or Stratosphere. I wanted the Hollywood Suite for a specific reason, so that is what I asked for. Why? @ Bgriff -- She left it on her side of the counter until I was fully checked in. 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! A: You can stay at an awesome hotel for like $20 a night in Las Vegas. Of course, the people this guy was helping took forever, so eventually, I caved when the woman next door had no one in her line, and I moved over to her. Let the agent have some space and time. Well if you have chosen the most basic room availabledont expect a sky-loft off a $20 tip. 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! Instead I just asked politely for a complimentary upgrade and surprisingly the agent upgraded me for free from a 2Q grand premier view to an Exec king suite! Not that the $20 trick is a scam, but. The trick has been around for AGES and $20 is worth less than it used to be. He mentioned it does work! So just tip the $20 if you can easily afford it, you either get a better room and wont forget it, or it will at least make someones day and yes sometimes they have it back. Sorry, Yes it worked in the other hotels (I think!!) Not be in a hurry or fear you will report them.. And they tend to give me or my party a very nice upgrade just for being helpful and courteous. Not a lot. SEASONAL TQs: NYE; Super Bowl; March Madness; Chinese New Year; Memorial Day Weekend, Accommodation: savings; resort fee; budget; pre-pay/ pay later; condos; short rentals, Driving trips- day trips and planning further afield. The so-called "grand bargain" bill will ultimately raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour, implement a guaranteed paid family and medical leave program, and establishes a permanent sales . 4) if still denied, settle for a delux suite in world tower . Sometimes when you do this, they'll also waive the resort fees or throw in other comps (without necessarily telling you about it). Once you click the "Opt In" button, you'll arrive at the MGM Rewards site, where you can either sign up for the . This allows savvy travelers to enjoy luxurious amenities without breaking the bank and can make the difference between an average stay and an amazing one. Based on what our users have shared with us, the $20 Trick at MGM Grand works about 58% of the time, similar to its sister-property The Signature. You can try more. Transportation: what is the public transport? So a happy guest saving $150 on a room will be more likely to spend that in the Casino or bar or on Activities. The worst that will happen is they will say sorry there is none available. But of course that turned it into a yes or no question---and the answer was no. I stayed at MGM last April with some buddies- we had two rooms so we gave the check in guy 50 dollars and asked for an upgrade. Like it angers me. Are you crazy? Good luck, and hey, it can only cost you US$20 to find out, It's a Bribe and not a trick.magicians do tricks. Did the $20 trick and resort fees were waived, got a strip view room on the 31st floor, and think we may have gotten an extra free drink ticket or two. And if so inclined would provide you with a free room upgrade. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The $20 to $100 trick definitely plays by the rule of YMMV. So while we didn't get upgraded in the traditional sense we did get upgraded so to speak. MGM Grand Las Vegas (Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts) MGM Rewards Gold status would typically require you to earn 75,000 Tier Credits each qualification year, which equates to about $18,750 each year in nongaming spending. $20 trick - Does it work in MGM Grand? on the Mallicon Yeah, team alexander What is the Weather Like in Chicago, Illinois? They could! I think once she returned it, maybe 4 times they took it anyway without upgrade as I insisted because they tried hard but couldnt upgrade and 23 times I was upgraded to a better room 1 time I remember taking the money back as she was mean and 1 time I paid $100 and got a large one bedroom with dining table at Caesers (still no kitchen lol, these casino designers). Does the $20 Trick work at Caesars Palace? And everytime except once (,when it was a big fight night), I was upgraded into a much nicer roomsometimes a huge suite (at the Mirage and MGM), sometimes just one step up (Wynn and Encore), sometimes a couple steps up (Aria, Cosmopolitan, TI). Thats the only time Ive ever received anything beyond a room upgrade though. Its always worth a shot as the worst case is you make someone happy! $20 Upgraded to Pyramid Suite from Pyramid Deluxe I tried this and it worked sort of. I am one of those that doesn't consider room location (upper floor, near elevator, view, etc) an upgrade. Too many people think this is a catch-all trick and they will receive a top room all for a $20 tip to the check-in clerk. Usually, they will simply tell you there is nothing available and handback the money. Good luck, email me at lacollins529@excite.com if you have any further questions. I have always found the best way to get an upgrade, especially on a busy weekend or special Vegas event is to be nice to the agent. I know with my CET app, if I have a reservation booked it will still allow me to see current discounted/comped rates but won't let me book at said discounted rate if the dates overlap. What has been your experience with tipping at check-in for better rooms? With a wide selection of restaurants, nightlife, and world-renowned shows, its a great place to stay. Do you know if the $20 (or more) work for other things like a food credit? If you're on a tight budget, your money doesn't go far at MGM Grand. My advice would be at check in to hand your ID and cc and a $20 and say "anything you can do to improve our stay would be greatly appreciated" and you'll be very happy. 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. Its an absolutely gorgeous hotel, thanks to how fresh and spacious the rooms are. Money saving tips! Las Vegas Folklore tells of a magic trick you can perform upon the unsuspecting Check-in clerks of Las Vegas Casino Hotels. We do fear one day this practice will be stopped from the top down but for now, its still a valid practice. Until its shut down from the top it will continue. Monorail, trams, buses and shuttles, Transportation: Uber and Lyft- including discount codes. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-72138219', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bellagio, Wynn or Venetian either. Does this trick still apply if you book in at the airport? Cheap Trick - MGM Grand Theater at the Foxwoods in Mashantucket, November 15 Keith Urban and Little Big Town - Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, November 15 & 16 Rick Ross - MGM Grand Theater at . From the fountains to great restaurants, lounges and shows, Bellagio has something for everyone. Coupons! Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Helpful information: Where is a low fee ATM? Ivan Y- As Fog Horn Leg Horn used to say, "You probably think a Mexican boarder pays rent.". Not sure what 'shenanigans' you're really referring to or why that'd be a reason not to visit Las Vegas. 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? In Toronto, for example my wife and I booked into a hotel. Clerk tried instead to offer a paid upgrade which I declined. Log into your Hyatt account and head to this page. Only a privy few are blessed with this knowledge and they bask in the glory of utter luxury at peanut prices! Sounds to me like yet another reason to avoid LV, as if I needed one. More day trips: 1. And it was indeed a gorgeous room with great views. The Venetian September 2021 upgraded us to strip view, up higherAND waived the resort fees! 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. I am booked at the Strat, what kind of upgrade can I get with the $20 trick, do ya think? Lucky Lucky Lucky lol still learning?! And service was good too.this is what happened. Micro-Inefficiencies are a common occurrence, either due to imperfect information or situational dependencies. 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. Really its pretty simple. And everytime except once (,when it was a big Been at every single one of the nice and expensive Vegas strip hotels. Im scared to try the Las Vegas $20 Trick. Throughout the Carribean, I tip often, and with a smile. Anyway, we keep trying it and keep getting great results, There is probably something about confidence in there, we expect it to work and ask for the upgrades with that attitude, the less confidence may not be as lucky. I research availability at the hotels and cost of the availability. That is definitely the best way to do it, that way if it fails you still have a decent room. Traveling and making great decisions is an art form and we all have various strengths but we all learn every day what to do and what not to do! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-36677', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas or what, but constant noise esp early in the am, I believe b/c they are working on some new additions, so you may want to bring that up at check in. Had it not worked out, I would have still gladly given $20 anyway. If you do try tipping for a better room and don't recieve one; just make sure your room is up to par before settling in. As Gary stated you have to know somewhat in advance what you are after and then the right individual can even exceed your expectations Transportation: Taxis-how much does it cost for a taxi from the airport to the Strip? IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Review: Worth Will Americans New York To Doha Route Survive? Did it work? Its just not going to happen. Thanks for suggestions. Youve never worked in management for the hotel industry before then. Helpful information: SIM Card and SIM Phones at LAS airport, Helpful information: ESTA visa waiver applications, Online USA Customs form for foreign visitors, Touring the Grand Canyon - West Rim and South Rim - a tour guide's comments - 2017. And we are going Sun-Thur so hopefully that helps.. If they can't upgrade your room (they usually will), they'll give you spa passes or drinks to your room or late checkout or something worth more than $20. ;). For $100 per night I can upgrade you to [I forgot the room type]. If anyone has been in my situation or has tried the $20 trick your help is much appreciated. These are people, of course, and people always respond better to polite friendly people. Get answers to your questions about Las Vegas, Happy Hours Las Vegas - Updated March 2023, Disabled access; mobility information; Dialysis services; Hospitals; Scooters. We all need to know to keep up with the hotels policies. Usually stay at an MGM property but doing Park, Venetian, then Cosmo this time around just to mix things up. Because it angers customers. We never actually hand the money over first. READ ALSO: Is it easier to lose weight by exercising or eating less? 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. Been at every single one of the nice and expensive Vegas strip hotels. The twenty dollar bill trick is sweeping the travel industry and becoming extremely popular, especially in Las Vegas. There is nothing wrong with requesting a cleaner, nicer room if you are not satisfied. I noticed the check in guy was non hetro, with a huge ego, so I bantered with him a little, complimented him on his clothing selection, and then asked him if he could give us a free upgrade, while assuring my wife, that je could make the magic happen. Next time if I have a multiple night stay I might slip the agent $100 and try the smooth approach. I'm not good at things like this unless no one is around. When I checked into MGM grand a few days ago I tried and she handed it back to me saying they are at limited capacity and had nothing available. So I slipped her the $60. is it ok to ask specifically what I want, for example Id like a room ABC but if not XYZ would be great as well. Valuables, Nightlife: Bars and lounges- 1. You said you would like to know if anyone did not get an upgrade and the clerk just kept the $20. Everything is gross in there. Yes and no. In Vegas, most lose and end up losing a lot more than $20. Often Yes. She recommended I keep the view if wed never experienced it before. With a view; 2. 1 box of chocolates. Dining (UPDATED 2017) - Las Vegas Dining 101 - all dining needs in 1 resource, Dining: Dinner & breakfast buffets? You can get many other perks from suites to comped resort fees. Would you eat at a restaurant where you have to slip the maitre d' $20 to get a decent table? I've never been UNHAPPY with giving a front desk person a tip so that they can attempt to upgrade you. Were you declined? ALWAYS book the minimum level of room you will tolerate and use the trick to try and get better. Top 125 things to do with your Family in Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Westgate Tower - now Hilton Elara, US holiday dates 2012 (including spring break? For example, Ill intentionally fall for scams that arent dangerous just to see how theyre executed, because I find that interesting. we are staying at Caesars Palace and we booked a pretty good room already. Sometimes. Yes, steps are below! Insurance? Your chances of a room upgrade vary with the hotel and the clerk who serves you. The $20 trick is a great way to get free upgraded rooms, complimentary food and drink, and other perks. How you go about it is pretty irrelevant, at the end of the day, you are offering them a tip to see if they can help you out, they are either willing or they are not (or possibly unable but unlikely mid-week). 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 I repliedI have them already and it's really too late to Just stayed for one night and left this morning. One of the keys that's always said about the $20 trick is to research AHEAD OF TIME which room type you want and specifically ask for that. And you do not want to be stuck in an unbearable room. Great insight, we totally agree! The only way it is funnier is if you actually got downgraded. The Trick originated in the form of a $20 sandwich. Is it dependable? Offered the $20 sandwich. I actually didnt think of trying for an upgrade until she asked me if I had a preferred room type or if I cared if I were on a high floor or low floor. She softly laughed, and gave it to us for free. She then also handed me a printed out page with tickets for free breakfast daily and a few other discount coupons for various things on the property. And never heard it directly from anyone who has had it happen to them. Its actually sometimes more likely on comped rooms! BTW, it didn't work at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Received horrible room facing street with a non sealed sliding door, noise was unbearable. i suspect if you tried the "$20 trick" here in new york you'd be laughed at in most of the better hotels. They said they did not have any better rooms available and simply kept the money. I checked in last night and wasnt going to try for an upgrade, but I had a very nice check-in agent. Our users suggest that its unreliable! I repliedI have them already and it's really too late to move to a quiter side. I do tip but only once the satisfaction is there and then even more generously then 60 if its an extraordinary accommodation as my last stay which was bigger then my house Get answers to your questions about Las Vegas, Happy Hours Las Vegas - Updated March 2023, Disabled access; mobility information; Dialysis services; Hospitals; Scooters. I think we're going to give the $20 trick a shot. We know the Hotels do not mind these little upgrades as the rooms are sitting empty anyway, Food Credit is more of a cost to the Hotel so maybe they are less inclined to give them away in exchange for tips. Id tip for a room upgrade or a food credit (like what can be one of the offers to book)? Includes places to see and things to pack! Yes. If they do, it's more than worth it. Learn how you can get hotel room upgrades by using the famous $20 dollar trick at the Aria hotel and Las Vegas casino. The new law - known as the "Grand Bargain" legislation will be implemented in phases over the next five years beginning with a change in the calculation of tipped employees' wages, a decrease in holiday premium pay and an increase in the minimum wage to . Hoover Dam; 2. This morning upon check out, the sweet desk agent asked me if I had a great stay. She got me a nice room on a high floor. How to get Sold-Out My Vegas Rewards 2023? I dont want to catch a nasty social disease. Federal law has established a maximum tip credit of $5.12, which means tipped employees can earn an hourly wage as low as $2.13. I tend to think there are two ways you can approach things in life. On check-in discretely put $20 between ID and Credit Card Ask the clerk for any "complimentary upgrades" Try it they can only say no unless you are worried you'll lose $20. However, there is a line for that amount. Somewhere different! PSA: Used to work at MGM. Gorgeous suite with a gray view. 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. 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 Downtown locations; UK drivers, Weddings: Chapels; Wedding Wagon; Vows renewals; Formalities; Photography; Proposing, Helpful information: availability of wi-fi in hotels and elsewhere, Helpful information: Calendars of events, including forthcoming shows & headliners, Websites for researching forthcoming attractions. And service was good too.this is what happened. When checking in to Caesars Palace, simply slip the $20 bill to the desk attendant while asking if there are any complimentary upgrades available - such as bigger rooms . We certainly never hit the jacpot like that. Does the $20 trick work at the MGM Grand? We love the Mirage and its a real shame to hear you did not have a good experience. Delano LV used to be TheHotel Mandalay Bay, so not really brand new, though I'm sure they did a big refurb. 34 Location: Tempe, AZ Trips to Las Vegas: 8 Went to Vegas over Easter Weekend and stayed at the Monte Carlo through MyVegas comp rooms. They will put the $20 dollars on top of their keyboard and try their best to get you an upgrade. Great rooms! MGM Grand is a great hotel with plenty of amenities, entertainment options, and restaurants. In conclusion, does the $20 trick work at MGM Grand? Naturally, the Clerks are the ones checkingpeople in and they are naturallygoing to reward those who will tip them highly. hahaha You have no reason to keep your mouth shut now. 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 I don't write a blog but even if I did I don't think I would share all my strategies $60 is crazy money. Worst case, if they can't upgrade you, then they'll give you your tip back. If they simply cant due to overbooking nothing will help. Hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come as resorts tighten their belts during the Covid recovery. Helpful information: proof of age- can you prove you're at least 21 years old? What to Eat at Universal Studios, Hollywood, Chicago, Illinois Visitors Guide Basics. I always make a comment about the people before me who demanded better service and telling the agent "we always get (blank). Implicit in the research is knowing its face pricing. Its much easier to fill lower level rooms than it is suites and club level rooms. the $20 trick used to mean something now it's upgrading from low floor to high floor. Thanks for suggestions. Then the conversation went something like this: Me: Do you have any paid upgrades available, by chance? God I love that word, In Nassau Bahamas, I was so charming to the nice lady check in clerk, that she gave us a nice partial ocean view room on an upper room, above the pool. I did this back in 2010 at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay (the Delano now) and they offered me a corner suite for no extra cost. Jump Ahead How does it work? How does MGM Grand stack up against similar Las Vegas hotels? Thanks! ). It removes the Awkwardness of them handing back the cash if they cannot help. Agent: Its totally up to you., I dont carry a lot of cash around with me, so I had three $20s, for a total of $60. Just be upfront and ask for an upgrade with $20 in your hand. Yeah, that can be the way it goes. But today we Bust open the Magic Circle and share the secrets of this powerful trick. Regardless, what is there to lose? Any idea if this would work on Maui and the Hyatt for getting resort and/or parking fees waived? more. It was a VERY busy weekend (I knew that which is why I tried it) and the clerk could not comply, although she did offer a mini-suite for our last couple of nights. Cox and his wife, Minh-Hahn Cox, are seeking unspecified damages in the negligence . 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). The 20 dollar sandwich trick is a popular way tourists try to get complimentary upgrades or other free comps when checking into their Las Vegas hotel. We find a warm friendly demeanor, with lots of smiles and conversation a very good additionaltactic. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Las Vegas Right Now, 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. The Clerks are authorized to make minor adjustments to your room allocation and often itshelpful to the hotel to upgrade people as they overbook basic rooms. He told us he couldn't upgrade us in room type, so instead he gave us 100 dollars per day per room resort credit, and made so when we checked out we had three of the four days resort fee waived. I tried this today at The Paris. Thanks for willing to admit when travel plans go awry and for willing to poke fun at yourself. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Ireland. All you need is a $20 bill, some confidence, and a little bit of luck. Bellagio is one of the most popular hotels on The Strip for a reason it has everything you could want in a vacation. in Vegas, the few hotel interactions I remember, was this nice man who was a waiter at NYNY. Which can be an upgrade to a suite, resort fee waived, strip views and much much more! Transportation: Airport- International arrivals- how long is the arrival process? My husband has done it also for one of the shows we watched in Vegas, gave $20 to the usher, and we got great seats.. 5 rows back from the stage and center. I always attempt the $20 trick. Noise won't bother me as long as the room is clean and doesn't smell. Did you notice what the agent did with the money? Hope it works for you and you bag that awesome fountain view roombut have a great trip regardless. I ve tried the dumb male, charming guy approach. thanks. hahaha You suck. We do only hear about this very rarely, but like your style in confronting them if they do try and do the dirty, Afterall, they are not helping, calling them out cant make it worse! You took it with the best attitude too :-). I'm holding the 1% chance back for slow weekdays when the occupancy rate drops below 60%. If you haven't attempted the "$20 tip" before, it can be a little nerve wrecking at first. In Vegas it's the norm. Hoover Dam; 2. Does the $20 trick still work with comped rooms? we are hoping to be able to get a higher floor and maybe a fountain view which would be awesome. In Nassau Bahamas, I was so charming to the nice lady check in clerk, that she gave us a nice partial ocean view room on an upper room, above the pool.