How does the $20 trick actually work?

Can you describe how you actually do the upgrade trick? I want to try it at Golden Gate in three weeks for a suite.

Dos and don'ts?

Only expect what would be given for asking nicely, then discreetly volunteer a folded twenty before you ask.

Quote: onenickelmiracle

Only expect what would be given for asking nicely, then discreetly volunteer a folded twenty before you ask.

Can I get in trouble or can I get the front desk attendant in trouble? If so, how?

It does not really work anymore. When I worked at the casinos I asked the front desk people and they all said they were not able to do much more with the $20 than they could do for any random person asking.

Start with having your credit card, ID, and player's club card in hand before you walk up to the counter.

Greet them with a smile, introduce yourself, hand them the cards, tell them you have a reservation for x nights.

They will set the cards on their counter or on the edge of the computer keyboard.

Say something like, "I'd very much like to buy you lunch if you were to look and see if an upgrade is available for me." and sort of twitch the money if they haven't seen it. Or, if you know they see the money (Preferred way), just "Would you mind looking to see if an upgrade is available ("they're just doing their job for a customer" if the boss overheard it)?"

At the same time as you say this, reach out your hand again to their edge of the counter. (Most check-ins have high countertops and the clerks work a little below that level, on a set-in shelf behind it. If it's not that type of counter, just a flat surface between you, lay your hand on the counter itself, close to them, but not the whole way. Either way, it's a casual reach, and you leave your hand there once you move.) In your fingers is the pre-folded (so the amount shows) $20 you had in a close-by pocket, with your fingers curled loosely over it so the other person can see it; you don't want to open your wallet again to pull out the money or wave a bill around. You hold the money over the edge (or close to it if flat surface), ready to drop (unless it will fall on the floor if you let go; if that's the case, hang on to the money until they give you the ID/credit card back and have it tucked in your fingertips when you reach for the cards).

They will either smile and check for you and find you one (90%), smile a little sadly and say "I'm sorry, we're overbooked, and we don't have anything tonight." (8%) or ignore your money/say "you qualify for an upgrade even without the tip, but thank you" (2%). (Percentages based on personal experience). If they try, even if they're unsuccessful, I generally drop the money. If they automatically respond with a no, I say, "well, thanks for considering it" with a smile and keep the money (all very civil). If they turn down the money and upgrade me, I drop it there anyway.

Once they've found the room, as they hand over the next thing (your ID, your room keys, your pre-auth sig on the credit card slip), let the money fall on their lower counter as you reach up to take whatever they're handing you. They'll get it from there. Know their name; you'll get better service later if there's a problem with the room or you call down to request something once you're upstairs; just ask for them.

There are some houses that allow their clerks to be tipped openly. There are other houses which will look the other way (think this would be the majority, but it might be part of the game just to get their clerks tips in some places). There are still others that genuinely don't want customers trying to bribe their clerks, usually because they have a strict room/comp/club hierarchy. So the best way IMO is to be subtle, ask quietly, and not put the clerk on the spot, no matter how they respond or whether they can do it, because there's no telling what kind of house it is or which hospitality manager is on the floor.

Quote: NicksGamingStuff

It does not really work anymore. When I worked at the casinos I asked the front desk people and they all said they were not able to do much more with the $20 than they could do for any random person asking.

Hey, Nicks! LTNS - welcome back!

They may be kidding me along, but I pulled it 2 times in 2 weeks last month, and got 2 very nice rooms, the first one a suite, though you may be right about them doing it anyway; the last place was the one that said "I'd upgrade you without the money; you've earned the tier." But they took the money happily, and I had a double-upgrade according to the website. So I don't know for sure.

Quote: debitncredit

Can I get in trouble or can I get the front desk attendant in trouble? If so, how?

Can't say I would guarantee no problems for you or the staff, but I wouldn't expect any. I don't think it's wise offering upfront cash for something you don't yet know is available free. Those girls probably need the money anyways, so go for it. They say you'll usually get the money back if they say no and can't accommodate. Last time I was given an upgrade to a suite for free and gave a nice tip because I never asked and she was nice.

Quote: debitncredit

Can you describe how you actually do the upgrade trick? I want to try it at Golden Gate in three weeks for a suite.

Dos and don'ts?

It's called the $20 trick or the $20 sandwich. Present a folded $20 between your ID and credit card and ask away. That's it! If they can't do anything for you, they'll return the money. It's always hit or miss. Google it. There is one site that breaks it down by sucess rate for each property. Good luck.

Quote: debitncredit

Can you describe how you actually do the upgrade trick? I want to try it at Golden Gate in three weeks for a suite.

Dos and don'ts?

Don't do it, just ask if they can upgrade you, they will if they have extra. The later you check in, the better, this way they know what they have left and available there policy is to give if they have and are asked there is an protocol. People only think it works. They would have got the upgrade anyway. Some get nothing but -20.

Yes an employee could lose a job doing this or no hiding would be necessary.

I've always been convinced that the twenty is wasted and all they do is give you something they merely call an upgrade.

For my cousins bachelor party we were upgraded without asking at harrahs AC. We are total rewards memebera

Quote: NicksGamingStuff

It does not really work anymore. When I worked at the casinos I asked the front desk people and they all said they were not able to do much more with the $20 than they could do for any random person asking.

Hey, welcome back!