The legendary $20 Dollar Trick. @ Taylor -- Good thing we have the internet moral high ground police to call us out! I was sweating bullets the first time I ever tried it over 20 years ago. hahaha You have no reason to keep your mouth shut now. 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. Theres merit to both ways of doing things, and based on where you are its interesting to observe how results differ. I will be going during the slow season so that should help. If your goal is just to get an "upgrade" that's what you should ask for, giving the clerk more options. Your story of the trick is just too funny. 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. I had my preferred person picked out, since they let you choose who to line up in front of. You can try more. 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. Monorail, trams, buses and shuttles, Transportation: Uber and Lyft- including discount codes. Yeah, that can be the way it goes. The only way it is funnier is if you actually got downgraded. Thanks! Were you declined? This isnt a trick anymore. Best US breakfast? Hoover Dam; 2. Anyone use the $20 check-in tip recently? : r/LasVegas - Reddit Thanks for willing to admit when travel plans go awry and for willing to poke fun at yourself. We also hear of the trick working time and time again. Going for our anniversary and hotel hopping for the first time in our 20 or so visits to Las Vegas. Would you patronize a movie theater in which all you have to do to get to the front of a long line is give an employee $20? Its very common and most front desk people have a lot of leeway to upgrade people. We have had success at Caesars before, moving up a couple of tiers and into the fancier towers on a high floor. ;) Maybe we just had been interpreting the trick wrong the whole time. 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. We have previously stayed in Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, etc where it does seem to. Learn how you can get hotel room upgrades by using the famous $20 dollar trick at the Aria hotel and Las Vegas casino. 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.. Last Updated on March 22, 2023. I think the booking clerk actually made $20 bucks by knowingly giving you a room which was held back because of the construction (and noise associated with it).I'm 99% sure it doesnt work for big properties. Insurance? Keep us posted on any success or failure you have on your trip! In Vegas it's the norm. I always make a comment about the people before me who demanded better service and telling the agent "we always get (blank). How does it work? Transportation- Car rental: Best deals? I'm holding the 1% chance back for slow weekdays when the occupancy rate drops below 60%. Soarin Around The World Review Disney California Adventure, Top 10 Disneyland Halloween Treats: Ultimate Guide for 2023. 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. It is policy to simply accommodate the guests wishes based on availability. As we said, these are people, just like youwho would you be more likely to give an upgrade to? Sometimes when you do this, they'll also waive the resort fees or throw in other comps (without necessarily telling you about it). ;). 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. It is also VERY important to prepare for this NOT to work. If done correctly, this method can result in upgraded rooms, free breakfast or snacks, complimentary gifts, and more. 10 Best USA Road Trips Drive These Before you DIE. I'll preface by saying I'm one of those people too scared of the possible awkwardness in trying the "$20 trick.". Invite and play with your friends. Does the 20 trick work at Caesars Palace? What is it you want to accomplish? (my husband would NEVER ask, or do this, he didnt want me to) CHALLENGE ACCEPTED LOL. That's enough to last me 2 minutes at the blackjack table! Unfortunately, these luxuries come with a hefty price tag. I tried this today at The Paris. Helpful information: proof of age- can you prove you're at least 21 years old? I've never been UNHAPPY with giving a front desk person a tip so that they can attempt to upgrade you. All those spending $20/$50/$100 are simply giving tips that the front desk employee is unable to keep due to not being a tipped position. But it was all for nothing. Any advice welcomed. Offered the $20 sandwich. I checked in last night and wasnt going to try for an upgrade, but I had a very nice check-in agent. Best US breakfast? From the fountains to great restaurants, lounges and shows, Bellagio has something for everyone. Would you fly an airline that lets flight attendants accept $20 to let passengers self-upgrade? It certainly didn't work at the 4 Seasons Las Vegas! hahaha That would have upgraded you. Always important to remember your manners. How does MGM Grand compare to other Vegas hotels. Assuming you have earned the comps through play, they will be really eager to keep you happy and gambling! Amongst all MGM Resorts Casinos, you do not have to offer any money whatsoever. 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. Does this trick still apply if you book in at the airport? We sincerelydoubt it has ever happened and the people in question just didnt get as big an upgrade as they wanted. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. More day trips: 1. Helpful information: proof of age- can you prove you're at least 21 years old? Our users suggest that its unreliable! In high-end hotels like Bellagio, it might be a good idea to up your tip, or if you have booked a very expensive room, to begin with, $20 might not be enough to get you anything better as the price difference is greater. $30 per night for an upgrade isnt bad, to whatever it might be, Me: Okay, well just give me whatever youd like. Everything is expensivefrom hotel rooms to foodso if you want to experience all that this hotel has to offer without breaking the bank then the $20 trick might be worth trying out. Hope it works for you and you bag that awesome fountain view roombut have a great trip regardless. Essentially, when checking in to a Las Vegas Hotel you need 2 things. I am going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thats the only time Ive ever received anything beyond a room upgrade though. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Hi, is this wise to try 20 usd trick in Vegas during early 2017 trip? I am one of those that doesn't consider room location (upper floor, near elevator, view, etc) an upgrade. 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?" Fwiw we would have done the same. Get answers to your questions about Las Vegas, Happy Hours Las Vegas - Updated March 2023, Disabled access; mobility information; Dialysis services; Hospitals; Scooters. 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 . Otherwise, I have no first-hand knowledge to impart. We love the Mirage and its a real shame to hear you did not have a good experience. See more about our ethics policies here. @ Bgriff -- She left it on her side of the counter until I was fully checked in. The $20 trick isn't just for Vegas, it works everywhere. "The 20 dollar trick" or "20 dollar sandwich" is a phrase most people seem to be familiar with when Vegas is brought up. More day trips: 1. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. People watching; 3. Massachusetts "Grand Bargain" Includes New PFML Law | Paychex This is why the Hotels have never acted on discouraging the Clerks from doing this. Coupons! Things have tightened up a bit since then but still bargins to be had. I'm not good at things like this unless no one is around. Agent: I probably shouldnt do this, but Ill give you this upgrade because I like you. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. We are going in September for my 50th birthday. I just got back last night. Good luck! :) thanks. People watching; 3. That's why when I went to Mandalay Bay, I slipped $20 and asked for the best view they had vs. the $100 I've slipped before. Is there a way to see current prices on MGM app once booked? I wanted the Hollywood Suite for a specific reason, so that is what I asked for. Your chances of a room upgrade vary with the hotel and the clerk who serves you. We had just returned from LA, after the bus tour. I think that it will work with the parking valet at the MGM, at least will, when they begin charging for parking. Buffet recommendations for lobster night? Does the $20 Trick work at Mirage? I replied with "I love the design but don't like the noise from the hotel that kept me awake." I went with a group of girls to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hyatt members, listen up: Use this simple tip to avoid resort fees at While it's worked for many upgrade . How to get Sold-Out My Vegas Rewards 2023? It depends on your goal. 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. Sorry, Yes it worked in the other hotels (I think!!) I think the $20 trick as such doesnt get you far anymore its 2014, and everyone tries it. Sleazy, plain and simple. one complaint though was it was very noisy, i dunno if that's just MGM or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I ve tried the dumb male, charming guy approach. Above, you can read real stories of visitors that have done the twenty dollar trick when checking in at Aria to get room upgrades. I gave her my ID, cc, and a $20 bill in the middle. 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. or should we seem as though we havent done it? Live Casino Tournaments playing directly against over 30 players. They could! 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 !). Most people do not realize how much pull the front desk clerk has. 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. Does the $20 trick still work with comped rooms? We too have found that sometimes the upgraded room is not actually better than the booked room, Its no doubt the Suites at Paris are a huge upgrade in room, but we all have different preferences and the view meant more to you than space. If you are polite, humble, and not expectant then it cant hurt to ask for specifics, assuming you are being realistic, you are not going to get several levels of upgrade. So it's not even really "under the table" and it's not clear if the employees even get to keep it. The $20 trick is a great way to get free upgraded rooms, complimentary food and drink, and other perks. 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. Which can be an upgrade to a suite, resort fee waived, strip views and much much more! She softly laughed, and gave it to us for free. 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 booked via priceline a pretty good price, knowing they have free parking is a plus to keep in mind as well. (Of course, if you also have gaming spend, Gold may be more easily within reach.) Lucky Lucky Lucky lol still learning?! The Mirage is one of the best hotels to do the $20 Trick. It's a total BS thing. I was once given a suite with 3 bathrooms (one with a bidet), sauna, an over sized shower with three shower heads, living room with fireplace , dining room, full bar, and jacuzzi over looking the Las Vegas strip. And everytime except once (,when it was a big Been at every single one of the nice and expensive Vegas strip hotels. Because it angers customers. If you haven't attempted the "$20 tip" before, it can be a little nerve wrecking at first. At Orleans I request a room of the 20th or 21st floor, near the end of a specific hallway. But asking for a specific view room or high floor etc should all be fine. I am MLife Platinum (courtesy of Hyatt) which may have helped. Ben..dude! 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. ; Last minute tickets- Tix4Tonight; Cirque, Sightseeing- the "Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. 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. Your a dork man but you crack me up with some of your antiques, I mean that in a good way. Have been upgraded every single time without doing the $20 trick. ;-). Thank youuuuuu. While there are many factors to consider before attempting this method, our users report that if done properly there is a 50/50 chance that you will be able to score some freebies or upgrades during your stay at MGM Grand. As always when trying new budgeting techniques like this one use caution and common sense! 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. We all need to know to keep up with the hotels policies. Planet Hollywood Westgate Tower - now Hilton Elara, US holiday dates 2012 (including spring break? Transportation: Airport- International arrivals- how long is the arrival process? Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 35 replies Sorted by Does the $20 Trick work at Caesars Palace? A Credit Cardand some form of ID. Let the agent have some space and time. We had just returned from LA, after the bus tour. However, if youre looking for more than MGM Grand has to offer, then take a look at hotels such as Bellagio or Caesars Palace. $50.00 at the bellagio got me a room on the 2rd from top floor dead center overlooking the fountain 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 . Yes. The $20 trick works. Does anyone have any idea whether employees get to keep the money or if they have to give a certain cut to management? 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. It removes the Awkwardness of them handing back the cash if they cannot help. Perhaps it happened because of her bday, but whatever the case, it was nice. 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 research availability at the hotels and cost of the availability. Not that $60 gets you far either, but hopefully it gets you further. I thought the whole situation was hilarious and was laughing about it after the fact. 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. And in Vegas there is a whole other pecking order to getting the mission accomplished to super premium rooms and VIP suites being a non gambler here. All you can do is try,it depends on the clerk also, some will and some won't. I have read some scary reviews. Only a privy few are blessed with this knowledge and they bask in the glory of utter luxury at peanut prices! Valuables, Nightlife: Bars and lounges- 1. Which hotels do I have the best bet of an upgrade at? Fresh towels, chocolates, ocean views and room upgrades, go along way, when you travel. Sounds to me like yet another reason to avoid LV, as if I needed one. How best to visit the Grand Canyon in one day? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Dining: what is "Open Table"? Doing it your way meant, win or lose, you had an awesome room! So there is no need to mess about with clandestine passes of the money out of the eyes of the bosses. Really it's pretty simple. Honestly, we have only ever tried it for room upgrades! Luxor. Oh, and they did nothing for our anniversary. Oh I just lol'd out loud in a public place at the story. Just by asking nicely and being a decent human being about it. Does the $20 trick really work?? - Las Vegas Forum - Tripadvisor I am constantly amazed at how slimy people involved in this game are. It's still a upgrade from standard rooms !! 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. 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. Save your money. But know that these are not upgrades, they are the same room type that I have reserved. 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. What to Eat at Universal Studios, Hollywood, Chicago, Illinois Visitors Guide Basics. That is what I did. How Are the Self-Check-In Kiosks Working out at Park MGM? | Las Vegas READ ALSO: Is it easier to lose weight by exercising or eating less? Best value? So have things changed? And as ever any questions just fire away! 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 . Lets find out. I recently paid for 3 hours on a parking meter only to find out that metering stopped at 7PM two hours later. Get exclusive deals, travel tips, guides, and more. You need to approach with an air of realism. Saved: $$150 Tipped: $20 Upgraded to Rush Tower Deluxe from Carson Tower No certain clerk. Also wanted to add that my husband is a super nice man in his 60s. A bigger tip is unlikely to help secure a bigger or better upgrade as they are not really supposed to bump you up too high. Does the $20 Dollar Trick Still Work in 2022? How to Maximize the Hyatt-MGM Partnership - NerdWallet MGM Slots Live - Vegas Casino - Apps on Google Play BTW, it didn't work at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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? For those who want something similar but on a budget, Planet Hollywood is an excellent choice with affordable rates and great entertainment options. If they simply cant due to overbooking nothing will help. There is nothing wrong with requesting a cleaner, nicer room if you are not satisfied. 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. Try it they can only say no unless you are worried you'll lose $20. Shame they let your anniversary pass unmarked as well, its the little things that could have retained your custom! Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. You said you would like to know if anyone did not get an upgrade and the clerk just kept the $20. Heels First TravelVdara Suites at the Vdara Las Vegas Review, IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Review: Worth It For The Perks, $15 Million In Gold Stolen From Toronto Airport In Wild Heist, Introduction: A Ski Trip In The French Alps, Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners, I love understanding how systems work. Does the $20 trick work at Mandalay Bay? - idswater.com This post would have been a lot more useful before I checked into the Park Hyatt New York! Tipping etiquette, customs and suggestions- who do I tip and how much? In conclusion, does the $20 trick work at MGM Grand? Hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come as resorts tighten their belts during the Covid recovery. Love the fact you took it back once! This only works out well when you know specifically what to ask for ;). But we would have loved it more without the Resort Fees! and we are booked into a "Grand King" room. 4) if still denied, settle for a delux suite in world tower . The MGM Grand is generally not budget-friendly. 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. Doubt it would work really much of anywhere else. Youll really like this room.. How to Get Room Upgrades in Vegas - Las Vegas Then and Now Buffet recommendations for lobster night? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-37598', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas, even on a weekend, he got a suite with a nice view of the strip at Harrah's. While having all that space is nice, we dont really spend that much time in the room and the space is pretty wasted, plus we have space at home! This is why the 20 Dollar Trick has been popular for years. 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 . Arrived at hotel around noon, went to check in and when asked for ID and Credit Card, I stuck $20 in between and asked if there was any complimentary upgrades, clerk said let me look at what's available. 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.