Summary
Once you find the right hotel in Las Vegas and arrange your accommodations, you may think you’re all set to have the best vacation ever. However, to truly elevate your stay in Las Vegas, consider asking for an even better view or a larger room to make your vacation unforgettable.
While it’s clear that you can secure a better room during your initial reservation, upgrading your room is also possible at check-in. Moreover, you may even score a better room without covering the full difference in costs.
From the popular 20-dollar trick, which involves a discreet tip, to simply being polite to your desk clerk, as well as choosing to visit during the off-season, there are several strategies to enhance your chances of obtaining a free upgrade while enjoying the Vegas Strip.
The 20-Dollar Trick: Bribing the Front Desk
Upon checking into any hotel in Las Vegas, it is essential to present a valid photo ID and a credit or debit card to obtain your room key. To utilize the 20-dollar trick, merely slide a 20-dollar bill (or more) between your identification and your credit card. Once the desk clerk notices the tip, ask if any complimentary upgrades are available.
Known as the $20 trick, this method of tipping and requesting an upgrade boasts a success rate of over 75 percent at most hotels along the Strip; however, it ultimately depends on the front desk staff’s discretion whether you will secure a complimentary upgrade. While this trick may not always guarantee success, it’s certainly worth a try, as the most you may lose is whatever amount you decide to offer the clerk—potentially earning you additional perks even if the room upgrade does not come through.
Booking at the Right Time: Conferences and Off-Seasons
Enhancing the likelihood of the 20-dollar trick’s success can often be achieved by visiting during the off-seasons or reserving a basic room when those accommodations are also being booked by larger groups, such as business conference attendees.
During mid-spring and mid-fall, hotels along the Vegas Strip frequently offer discounts on upgraded rooms, especially when they struggle to fill certain types of spaces, such as suites. The 20-dollar trick tends to work better during off-peak times, as upgraded rooms are more likely to be available and may go unsold; thus, assisting you in securing a better accommodation.
Moreover, during conventions or conferences, many companies book numerous basic-level rooms for their employees, often resulting in a shortage of more affordable accommodations. Consequently, you might find increased success when requesting a suite upgrade during these times.
Pay More to Get More Free
An additional strategy to enhance your chances of receiving free upgrades and perks, or effectively employing the 20-dollar trick, is to initially invest a bit more in your accommodations. Hotels in bustling tourist destinations like Las Vegas tend to reward guests who offer higher financial returns.
By booking accommodations at a level above basic, you indicate to the hotel that you are willing to spend more money, which could incentivize hotel staff to reward you with potential perks, making your stay even more enjoyable. Furthermore, booking directly with the hotel may also enhance your chances of receiving an upgrade, as opposed to utilizing discount travel websites. This direct approach may provide you with additional negotiating power, as the hotel staff recognizes your loyalty.
The Last Resort: Pay the Difference
If all else fails, you can almost always opt to pay the difference for an upgrade if you believe it is worthwhile. Unless a hotel faces overbooking, you can typically request a room upgrade at check-in, where you will be informed about the cost difference between your existing reservation and the new upgraded room.
Some hotels along the Strip are certainly worthy of the extra costs for better accommodations. For instance, at Cosmopolitan Hotel, the stunning views looking north can lead to regret if you miss out on a terrace view of the magnificent Bellagio fountains. Additionally, Aria features spacious corner suites that offer more room than standard accommodations, while the luxurious bathtubs are an enticing option at check-in. However, establishments like Palazzo and Venetian boast large rooms that resemble mini-suites, so you may not need to pay the extra money for an upgrade.
