There is also the added notion from the hotels perspective that guests that save on one aspect usually spend heavier on others. I checked in at the airport and slipped the 20 with my license & credit card and just asked for any free upgrades. I went with a group of girls to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? @snic: Considering the sheer number of rooms most of these hotels have, it really costs the hotels very little. I would sack any front desk agent on the spot for accepting this bribeand that's what it is! I asked the check-in lady if she had any complimentary upgrades available for my wifes birthday. Sounds to me like yet another reason to avoid LV, as if I needed one. Looks like she pulled a trick on you. Honestly, we have only ever tried it for room upgrades! does the $20 sandwich "trick" still work? : r/LasVegas - Reddit thanks. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Ireland. If it's a small upgrade, or room selection with a category, that's probably within the desk agent's power and discretion. i suspect if you tried the "$20 trick" here in new york you'd be laughed at in most of the better hotels. I expected the "Las Vegas $20 Trick" to be something else entirely. If I were a hotel owner/manager I'd fire any employee on the spot for accepting personal bribes and implicitly diminishing my cashflow/profit. How I Screwed Up The Las Vegas $20 Trick - One Mile at a Time 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. Yes. Not that the $20 trick is a scam, but. $56.00 in resort fee's credited back Throughout the Carribean, I tip often, and with a smile. Because it angers customers. Clerk tried instead to offer a paid upgrade which I declined. Does anyone have any idea whether employees get to keep the money or if they have to give a certain cut to management? Regardless, what is there to lose? Last Updated on March 22, 2023. Includes places to see and things to pack! That's enough to last me 2 minutes at the blackjack table! The next room type above the Grand Tower rooms at MGM would be their mini-suite, and they have a number of these. 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. We do fear one day this practice will be stopped from the top down but for now, its still a valid practice. And I had paid $30 per day to upgrade to a room that goes for $20 more per day. This place is a moral sewer. Theres merit to both ways of doing things, and based on where you are its interesting to observe how results differ. The twenty dollar bill trick is sweeping the travel industry and becoming extremely popular, especially in Las Vegas. Complained following day and was switched to similar room but quieter location. I don't write a blog but even if I did I don't think I would share all my strategies In most places people would get fired for doing that. Shame they let your anniversary pass unmarked as well, its the little things that could have retained your custom! Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. Your exchange just sounds awkward personally. 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. 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 This Trick, similar in nature to a Jedi Mind Trick, renders the clerk unable to resist upgrading your room to the best available at no extra cost. I think the $20 trick as such doesnt get you far anymore its 2014, and everyone tries it. the $20 trick used to mean something now it's upgrading from low floor to high floor. I dont think Ive ever checked in without giving $20 tip. As such being kind, happy, and friendly always works best for us. Las Vegas Folklore tells of a magic trick you can perform upon the unsuspecting Check-in clerks of Las Vegas Casino Hotels. We were upgraded at the MGM from 2 grand tower rooms to 2 Bungalow Suites with the $20 trick. And everytime except once (,when it was a big Been at every single one of the nice and expensive Vegas strip hotels. I thought the whole situation was hilarious and was laughing about it after the fact. 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. Or has the price increased since then (most messages are from 2014), like 30 dollars now perhaps? Those who have successfully executed the $20 trick are commonly found bragging on social media, showing off their additional space, better view, or more luxurious amenities. The $20 trick is a great way to get free upgraded rooms, complimentary food and drink, and other perks. Hoover Dam; 2. It's a total BS thing. Luxor. How do you do the $20 trick at MGM Grand? Thanks for suggestions. Ben, I admire your willingness to admit it when you've done something, well, dumb. Get exclusive deals, travel tips, guides, and more. Its not a trick, it is just tipping in advance. Insurance? Without missing a beat, she asked if I had a preference between the Venetian and Palazzo. What about touring the Grand Canyon from LV? As such we stick to the traditional $20, if the clerk is unusually helpful, nice, or just fun, we may give an additional tip just for that. Is it dependable? 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. What do you consider an upgrade? I go to Vegas a lot, possibly 30 times in the past 10 years and many times I have 2 rooms in separate hotels , mostly comped or cheap based on my play (usually one in Caesers group of hotels and one in MLife/MGM group of hotels). They are not giving things away anymore, Resort King Room to a Stay Well King Room, Basic Room to a 38th Floor Fountain View room, Basic Room to Strip View Suite High Floor. Just be upfront and ask for an upgrade with $20 in your hand. The more they get away with not having to return the money the more theyll think its acceptable to keep doing. But is it worth trying out in one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in Vegas MGM Grand? You said you would like to know if anyone did not get an upgrade and the clerk just kept the $20. I have read that some have received one of these, but certainly don't count on it. $20 Upgraded to Pyramid Suite from Pyramid Deluxe I tried this and it worked sort of. They also offered me a penthouse suite for an extra $100 a night. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-72138161', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas next week staying in MGM Grand for the first time.I wondered if the "$20 sandwich" trick works there. The 20 Dollar Trick in Las Vegas: Everything You Need to Know $20 is less than a single bet at the table. This check-in agent can really be in trouble after describing her in detail here. You can stay at an awesome hotel for like $20 a night in Las Vegas. Save. She recommended I keep the view if wed never experienced it before. Based on what our users have shared with us, the $20 Trick at Mirage works about 85\% of the time. I'd ask for big bucks to share that information publically and eventually that would die Does the $20 trick really work?? - Las Vegas Forum - Tripadvisor Also to pick the friendliest looking check-in person. When you check into a hotel you simply slip the front desk clerk a $20 bill with your credit card, while asking Do you have any complimentary upgrades available? The general rule of thumb is that the front desk clerk will check for upgrades and if they cannot find anything they will return the $20 tip, making it risk free! 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. Research the hotel and adjust accordingly - if all the rooms are priced similar, a single 20 for the stay is more than sufficient. Transportation- Car rental: Best deals? Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. 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. Does the $20 trick still work in Vegas? - Worldsrichpeople.com We also hear of the trick working time and time again. These are people, of course, and people always respond better to polite friendly people. Karaoke, Shopping: where are the best places? Did you still have to pay resort fees? We are reader-supported. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Often Yes. On check-in discretely put $20 between ID and Credit Card Ask the clerk for any "complimentary upgrades" Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. When we checked in this past January for 4 nights I'd already booked a King Executive Suite and gotten a pretty good rate from an offer they'd emailed me (a few weeks after I'd booked) so when I checked in I wasn't sure what I'd get when I slipped the $20! on the Mallicon Yeah, team alexander ; budget options; Pool season? We stayed at the Venitien earlier this year and got bumped up a level, high floor strip view, Loved it! Not a lot. . 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. What would you have done differently? I always make a comment about the people before me who demanded better service and telling the agent "we always get (blank). Helpful information: proof of age- can you prove you're at least 21 years old? 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. or should we seem as though we havent done it? hahaha That would have upgraded you. Buffet recommendations for lobster night? We sincerelydoubt it has ever happened and the people in question just didnt get as big an upgrade as they wanted. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I ve tried the dumb male, charming guy approach. New York CityPASS Review Is The New York CityPASS Worth It In 2023? Hyatt members, listen up: Use this simple tip to avoid resort fees at $20 got us dessert facing to city facing on 28th floor. @ Bgriff -- She left it on her side of the counter until I was fully checked in. Hooters hotel was like $20 a night. What we dont have is that View, a High Floor at the Paris is a mindblower! They hide their 20 dollar bill in between their credit card and ID when they hand it to the . 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. Boston Attorney General Maura Healey announced today that her office has filed an emergency regulation to prohibit price gouging of essential products and services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.. That is definitely the best way to do it, that way if it fails you still have a decent room. How To Do The $20 Dollar Trick for Las Vegas Room Upgrades - Front Desk Tip Put the $20 sandwiched between ID as suggested, clerk immediately put $20 back on counter (bad sign). Does this trick still apply if you book in at the airport? Doing it your way meant, win or lose, you had an awesome room! Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. ; budget options; Pool season? 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! To be honest with you, it's probably the best use of $20 you can get in Vegas. Thats the only time Ive ever received anything beyond a room upgrade though. Seriously? 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. Above, you can read real stories of visitors that have done the twenty dollar trick when checking in at Aria to get room upgrades. Yes, steps are below! Lucky Lucky Lucky lol still learning?! Been at every single one of the nice and expensive Vegas strip hotels. Implicit in the research is knowing its face pricing. Occasionally they even waive my resort fees as a regular which more then takes care of any gratuities I have had to dole out. Gone are the days of expecting a huge suite for $20 but you still can get a nice bump and as you say sometimes they just offer a great rate for a mega upgrade! Fresh towels, chocolates, ocean views and room upgrades, go along way, when you travel. Lets call it travel insurance, while others wait in line for their favorite eggs done right, or the nicest piece of fish, i get served first. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-72138219', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bellagio, Wynn or Venetian either. When Asked for these items you Sandwich a $20 bill between the two while politely enquiringif there is any chance of a complimentary upgrade? Delano LV used to be TheHotel Mandalay Bay, so not really brand new, though I'm sure they did a big refurb. 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 Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas is an iconic hotel and casino filled with glitz and glamour, perfect for a celebrity-like vacation on the famous Las Vegas Strip. we are hoping to be able to get a higher floor and maybe a fountain view which would be awesome. People watching; 3. At Orleans I request a room of the 20th or 21st floor, near the end of a specific hallway. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. And then I went online to look up the room types. 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. 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. Or has the price increased since then (most messages are from 2014), like 30 dollars now perhaps? 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. Does the $20 Trick work at MGM Grand? $20 is all it takes, and I've always gotten upped to a strip view from the cheapest room category. Does the $20 Trick Work in Vegas 2020? You could directly ask them to return the bill or say something like Sir/Maam, I believe I may have dropped a bill when handing you my id/credit card, would you please hand it back? The clerk absolutely knows how this works and what you were asking for and is doing you dirty but pocketing the money without an upgrade. We stayed at the Mirage for our anniversary which we had done twice in the past. $20 Dollar Trick for Aria Las Vegas Hotel Room Upgrades - Front Desk Tip 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). Do you suggest that I should ask directly for a specific upgrade, rather than be vague about it? Invite and play with your friends. And believe me, it will come right back to you another way very quickly. God I love that word I'm simply to selfish and I like to help only those I know personally and or care about in my circles Sorry, Yes it worked in the other hotels (I think!!) 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. So while we didn't get upgraded in the traditional sense we did get upgraded so to speak. All you need is a $20 bill, some confidence, and a little bit of luck. This only works out well when you know specifically what to ask for ;). upgrade, preferably to fountain view (from cheapo package deal with flight mountain view). And if so inclined would provide you with a free room upgrade. If they do, it's more than worth it. Meet the crew at MGM Grand Las Vegas! I gave her my ID, cc, and a $20 bill in the middle. 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. I always attempt the $20 trick. Answer 1 of 35: We are returning to Vegas next week staying in MGM Grand for the first time.I wondered if the "$20 sandwich" trick works there. - I fully understand. 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. 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. on the Mallicon Yeah, team alexander. My husband tried the $20 hope for an upgrade. Of course I prefer the Palazzo. 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. MGM Grand. Its actually sometimes more likely on comped rooms! Or is this still 20? Had it not worked out, I would have still gladly given $20 anyway. Throughout the Carribean, I tip often, and with a smile. Birthday freebies! Transportation: Airport- International arrivals- how long is the arrival process? does the $20 sandwich still work - Wizard of Vegas 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? Great blog! Oh I just lol'd out loud in a public place at the story. Love the fact you took it back once! I went through and read every comment Lol. Next time if I have a multiple night stay I might slip the agent $100 and try the smooth approach. 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 think that room looks gross, and all I can see is Vegas hooker in there. in Vegas, the few hotel interactions I remember, was this nice man who was a waiter at NYNY. Have been upgraded every single time without doing the $20 trick. Does the $20 Trick work at Mirage? This isnt a trick anymore. More day trips: 1. We know this can be hard after a long hard flight but never underestimate how far being nice will get you! I ve tried the dumb male, charming guy approach. In Vegas, most lose and end up losing a lot more than $20. I recently paid for 3 hours on a parking meter only to find out that metering stopped at 7PM two hours later. It worked, big time So I slipped her the $60. Parking; Walking tours; Arts District, Leisure: Pools; Pool Parties; which hotel? It worked nearly every time we have tried. Right away she didn't seem like she was going to put much effort into it or it just wasn't a realistic possibility due to occupancy levels. My wife and I are going in July for her Birthday and I told her I want to try this out. Best value? The so-called '$20 dollar trick' or 'credit card sandwich' is common across the US, but in Las Vegas - a city that runs on tips - it's universal. I am going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Transportation: Taxis-how much does it cost for a taxi from the airport to the Strip? I will be going during the slow season so that should help. You need to approach with an air of realism. Thanks again! For example, Ill intentionally fall for scams that arent dangerous just to see how theyre executed, because I find that interesting. In conclusion, does the $20 trick work at MGM Grand? 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. Fwiw we would have done the same. If all I lose is $20 on a non upgrade then this trip will be a success! How best to visit the Grand Canyon in one day? Does the $20 trick work at the MGM Grand? Id tip for a room upgrade or a food credit (like what can be one of the offers to book)? Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Youve never worked in management for the hotel industry before then. We are going in September for my 50th birthday. Id booked the cheapest room off of Priceline; it was a hell of an upgrade! 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 . Now that's impressive, Well, if you opt for late checkout, then you got your money's worth! Keith Urban bringing 'Light the Fuse Tour 2013' to Uncasville Often Yes. We all need to know to keep up with the hotels policies. It was in the fall and there were a few conferences in town; still I didnt expect the Penthouse! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-33723', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas on November 12th and I was wondering if the $20 trick really works. Money saving tips! If the hotel has substantial price spread for the nicer suites, only then give me. Unfortunately, these luxuries come with a hefty price tag. Thanks so much for the feedback! I repliedI have them already and it's really too late to move to a quiter side. What about touring the Grand Canyon from LV? You think you can just get there with your money! I'm hearing these self-checkin kiosks are a nightmare, especially at the new Park MGM where you cannot talk to anyone or complain about room assignments (no $20 trick). At the least, it will move you from a crappy room (by whatever your standards are) to a room closer to your preferences. 10 Best USA Road Trips Drive These Before you DIE. It's a silent code. The $20 trick works. According to our user reviews, MGM Grand has a 55% success rate. How? 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. What has been your experience with tipping at check-in for better rooms? She did get us a great room on a uh floor near the elevator. 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. Great to hear you have an amazing trip. Were you declined? Jump Ahead So essentially you are asking the wrong individual in this case a mere check in agent who needs permission/authorization to get access to the best luxurious, spacious premium room inventory . Downtown and Fremont Street- worth visiting?