$20 trick with a comp?

Discussion in '$20 Trick Section' started by backseatdriver, May 20, 2013.

  1. backseatdriver

    backseatdriver Newbie

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    Anyone have any stories up using the $20 at the Priority Check-in counter? Gold tier and up already get complimentary upgrades if they're available - wondering if the $20 will sweeten the type of upgrade they'll give you?

    Headed to MGM Grand in a month, but stories from any properties are appreciated. Thanks!
     
  2. 44inarow

    44inarow VIP Whale

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    I wouldn't go into this expecting to get anything based on being Gold. I found myself getting more and better upgrades when I was visiting infrequently and but a lowly Sapphire, than I've gotten as Gold/Platinum.
     
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  3. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    the complementary gold upgrade is just a higher floor or better view. they make it sound like you're going to get a pimp suite if it's available, but that's just not the case. also, those upgrades are processed before the day you arrive, so the desk clerk has nothing to do with it.

    also, it sounds like you're already headed in on a room comp. when that's the case, you're much less likely to get any type of good upgrade with the $20 trick than someone who's paying for the room.
     
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  4. DeMoN2318

    DeMoN2318 The DERS

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    With my Gold status I have been upgraded from a basic tower room to a contemporary room at Excalibur several times...which is only a $10 per night upgrade and only reaffirms the claims that the "upgrade" is usually just something small like a nicer room or a view.

    Since this weekend is going to be so busy I doubt they will be giving any contemporary rooms as the Gold upgrade...so I was considering trying the $20 trick...
     
  5. showtimen8rogers

    showtimen8rogers Newbie

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    I was at ARIA last month on a three-day room comp (birthday offer). Checked in on a Saturday and asked about the Gold upgrade. Because the hotel was booked, the VIP clerk asked us to check back in the morning; I called the desk on Sunday morning and they upgraded us from their normal room (mountain/Orleans view, 14th floor) to a Corner Suite on the 27th floor.

    Perhaps the exception rather than the norm, but it can happen.
     
  6. donovanrs28

    donovanrs28 Low-Roller

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    I'm currently Pearl (will be Gold this next trip) and everytime I check in I have been upgraded to a suite. My host usually books a room right below a suite, maybe that helps?
     
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  7. Ezzy711

    Ezzy711 VIP Whale

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    I've never tried the $20 trick on a comp. I figure they will look at your play afterward and not be happy if you were overcomped. I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth and keep my offers as good as I can. I have gotten some great upgrades but paid the daily up charge. They still don't charge the resort fee and if I can get a penthouse for $30/night I still feel as if I got a bargain.
     
  8. JosieCat

    JosieCat VIP Whale

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    I'm with Ezzy711. Given that I'm already on a comp, I just ask about a paid upgrade. Often times they will give it for free - in which case I provide a tip. We are there next week in a Bellagio Suite, and I will ask how much it would be to upgrade to a Bellagio Suite Fountain View.
     
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  9. NickyDim

    NickyDim Hockey is life

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    We use it all the time on comped rooms and has worked very nice at Bally's(Grand suite, Executive suite) and the Orleans(high floor elevators with strip view 4 rooms in a row for 8 persons).

    In Bally's AC comped was upgraded to a main tower 3 room suite. Trump Taj got a 2 room 2 bathroom suite. Trump marina (before it became GN) executive suite. HarrahsAC, Waterfront room, Atrium Suite, Bayview suite.

    And then there are times we just get a nice view or a corner room with 2 sets of windows. I've even had busy times when the check in person gave back the $20 and told me there was nothing she could do.

    Seems to me if they take the $20 the clerk will at least try to do their best to upgrade you no matter where you are. But be humble and pleasant and by no means expect a big upgrade. You want a big upgrade you might want to hand them a $50. I've done $50 when we stayed at Ballys LV for 5 days and I wanted a grand suite with a Jacuzzi.
     
  10. backseatdriver

    backseatdriver Newbie

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    Next question - how do you get a host at Pearl?
     
  11. donovanrs28

    donovanrs28 Low-Roller

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    Honestly I don't know, one came up to me sometime June 2012 and ever since I've always used her for my trips. I usually get resort credit, freeplay, and 3 nights. I learn not to ask questions, although i usually go only once/twice a year and miss Gold by a couple thousand. This next week is my 2nd trip this year and have 2 more already planned, I'm 3k tier credit from Gold right now.
     
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  12. backseatdriver

    backseatdriver Newbie

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    :nworthy:

    Nice. I've been mid-tier Gold consistently for over a year and never been approached. :cry:
     
  13. backseatdriver

    backseatdriver Newbie

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    Is your host at Luxor? (Can't figure out how to edit a post)
     
  14. donovanrs28

    donovanrs28 Low-Roller

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    I actually have 3 of them: MGM, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. I like staying on the south end of the strip. Mandalay Bay and Luxor always offer great comps, MGM is a hit and miss at times.
     
  15. myvegas79

    myvegas79 Tourist

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    2 room upgrade

    I have 2 rooms comped, and I'm wondering what I should do trying to get the upgrade. Do I slip $40 and mention that there are two rooms?
     
  16. SH0CK

    SH0CK Stylin' and Profilin' Quasi Tech Admin

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    If you are checking into both of them at the same time, then you can try, but I think the only thing you may be able to get with checking in and "upgrading" two rooms is having them on the same floor or adjoining. I doubt they would give 2 suites to one person. It's most likely you could upgrade one instead of both.

    You can offer whatever tip/bribe you want, but $20 should suffice.
     
  17. wigwam_salesman

    wigwam_salesman VIP Whale

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    Mentioned this in another thread, but worth repeating. An upgrade at front desk is at hotel discretion rather than casino marketing so there is no reason you can't get one. Front desk can see your tr / mlife level, so if you're diamond / platinum you might get a better upgrade but your host probably already put you in the right level room if you're a solid player. Bottom line: it's always worth a shot.
     
  18. Haute_Shot

    Haute_Shot Low-Roller

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    Let's say a host comp your stay at vdara or another property for a standard room.

    How does this impact the effectiveness of the $20 trick?

    When a host comps a stay it comes out of their quota,

    Will front desk staff be reluctant to bump up to a suite? Versus some one who paid out of pocket for a standard room
     
  19. Earl

    Earl Tourist

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    MyVegas comped room upgrade using $20 trick

    Has anyone tried the $20 trick on rooms comped through myVegas? I usually do $50 instead of $20 and it has always given me a nice upgrade. Would this work on a stay where all/some nights are comped?
     
  20. gubilxix

    gubilxix Low-Roller

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    It worked for me last September. Had two free nights, two paid nights at Mandalay Bay in a regular room. Did the $20 trick and got moved to The Delano for all four nights.