Method:
I wasn’t targeting anyone specific in the situation. I got to the desk, I said, “hi!, I’m checking in (big smile).” He asked for my ID. “Here’s my ID and credit card (slid it over to him), and this is for you, (slid a $20 bill folded in half) anything you can do for me I would really appreciate it (big smile).”

What I booked: Regular one bedroom balcony suite

Upgrades:
1. UPPER Penthouse Suite
2. Strip View
3. Early 11am Check in
4. $75 in Food/Beverage credit at MGM.

Value: Early check-in alone was $75. I’m going to guess total value was close to $500.

Strategy: Don’t be sneaky or sly about it. Have the attitude of, Yes, this $20 is for you no matter what you can do for me. Create a conversation where you can relate to each other. Ours was how he wanted to switch careers to the tech industry and I had just made that switch.

I have reserve 3 Deluxe Suites for 2nights. $50 sandwich, upgrade to Deluxe Balcony Strip View Suite, Deluxe Suite Strip View, One Bedroom Balcony Suite, in same floor.

My first time trying this – The $20 was in between the CC and the license. I mentioned that it was my girlfriend’s birthday and asked what kind of room we were getting and that it would be great if it had a strip view. We got a room on almost the highest floor possible with a decent strip view. Now – whether to say this was upgrade or not is hard to say. I was hoping for the “one bedroom” suite. I would say overall it was a success since I got what I asked for, and I didn’t get a room on the 2nd floor with a view of the monorail. Oh, and don’t take your eyes off of your bags for one second, even at The Signature people will steal anything (one bag was taken from me).

Failed….I asked for a comp upgrade. Clerk(Male) handed me the $20 back and said “nice try”. Not only did I fail, but was given a room without a balcony as requested when booking even though I had written confirmation No housekeeping for 3 days. Ran out of towels and TP on the second day. Went to registration and they said they could do nothing about it since our room was separately owned…Beware of this Hotel..It has a high rating but they have many separate owners with different policies.

Tried the $20 sandwich. The guy took the money, but then said he couldn’t upgrade me because something special was already in our room. It was a free box of chocolates to congratulate us on our anniversary. Oh well.

Had us down for an 8th floor rm, w/ rear view. The clerk spent about 10-15 mins trying to find us a room, and asked if 28th floor was OK, I snapped his hand off. Room was fantastic

I was foiled by my own hand. On my reservation, I had asked for a strip view as it was our 2nd anniversary. I didn’t get an upgrade but I realised later why. On arrival at my room there was complimentary fruit, chocolates, wine and a card. So, the reception clark couldn’t really do anything as all these things had already been put in place.

Got a $129 promotional rate here. When I asked the desk clerk about what the best room was that she’d give me, I had a $20 peeking out of my right hand. She hooked us up with a 1br suite and then *came around* the desk to hand us our paperwork and wish us a pleasant stay… and make it easy for her to stealthfully collect her well-earned tip.

When checking in at the hotel I took a $20 and put it on the check in counter after giving my credit card and ID. I asked if there were any comped room upgrades and he told me he could get me a high room with a balcony. I told him make it a strip view and I put the $20 back in my pocket. Either he did not see it, did not think it was for him, or did not care. Either way, I will try again in the future. Maybe it is best to just come out and say it next time. “This $20 is for you if you can upgrade the room..”

We headed to vegas early in the morning and checked in at 11am. My friend let me handle it since I was the one who had been reading about it here on fatwallet. I chatted him up a bit obviously mentioning it was my girlfriends birthday, etc. When he asked for my card I had the 50 dollar bill between my card and id. When he noticed it he actually mentioned it was there and I said “I know its for yourself. We were hoping you could offer us some rooms you think we would like” He got right to it upgrading us both to 1bedroom suites($200 more a night) on the top floor, right next to eachother and with great strip views. He also asked if we were headed to any clubs and we mentioned we were going to check out Pure. He said Tao was a much hotter spot and picked up the phone and got us on the list, no line, no cover. It was great. Tao rocked.