It was for an early check-in. The hotel is using kiosks for contactless check-ins, so we told the clerk that we had called earlier about requesting an upgrade and that we were instructed to talk to the front desk clerk. He went ahead and checked us in himself. He said the only upgrade available would cost us $600 per day! We decided against it and gave him $30 between the card and the ID. He upgraded us to a room with a view for free.

Walked right up to the Platinum Clerk with C/C(Total Rewards), Platinum card, and $20. Handed it to the clerk, and she said thanks. Upgraded from “P” Room to Red Room on 26th Floor, facing Bellagio fountains. Comped us 2 tickets to see COCO Peep Show as well! Never tried this before but it works well!
thanks for the info

We checked in at about 2:00 pm on Monday. We didn’t get a chance to pick a clerk. We ended up with a woman in her 30’s. I gave her my licence, credit card and 40$. ( was hoping to get upgraded to a suite ) She asked me if i needed change, I told her that it was for her and was wondering if she had any complimentry upgrades available. She typed away for a minute, then said she had a renovated Red Room with a view of the Bellagio fountains. Our original room was there basic room, so we were very happy. We probably could have got the same room for 20$. I don’t know if it helped, but I had my wife call a week before to confirm our reservation and ask them to make a note that we were in town celebrating my birthday (which was true). Maybe it helped, maybe it didn’t. We will try the 20$ sandwich now every time.

We arrived around 10:30pm on Friday. Myself, my wife and our daughter. We waited in line and luckily we were waited on by a young man. I didn’t even disguise the tip – just handed him a $20. I said we were in town to celebrate our daughter’s 21st birthday and would appreciate anything he could do to help us with a memorable trip. He was great and told us the room he put us in might be noisy due to the band and if we didn’t like the room to let him know and he would switch us to a different room. It was PERFECT!!! Best $20 I ever spent.

I had a younger/ early middle age man (like myself). I just handed him a $20 bill and he said he see what he can do. He got me a room just remolded (so much they came and put the right trap on the sink the first day I was there) on a non-smoking floor.(but everybody was anyway) I had a view of the fountain show from the Belligio (sp?) but it wasn’t the greatest, but who cares I could watch it from the room or just walk outside. Works for me. Also, Travolcity had me with a buy 1 get 1 helicopter tour, but it didn’t get booked right. I slipped the lady at the excersion counter $5 after helping me get this figured out and she got me the other ticket free (this tour was NOT through the hotel). I’m happy 🙂

We arrived on a Monday afternoon around 3pm. There was a “Disney” line of people waiting to check in. It took me about 20 min to get to the front. I was watching all the clerks and picked a couple of women I thought looked nice. I ended up getting the one I wanted without having to line shuffle. I took out my reservation and handed it to her. I put my wallet on the shelf in front of me along with a $20 bill.

I asked her if I might get a complimentary upgrade to a high floor “P” room. (A “P” room is and end room with two views). As she started working on the computer, I told her how this was a special trip celebrating our 25th anniversary. While waiting in line, I didn’t have high hopes, since it was so busy.

She began working on the computer, writing down room numbers, tearing it off and trying again. She did this for like 15 minutes. I waited patiently and hopeful since all the rooms had high floor numbers she was writing. (the premier I booked is a “view” room, but not a high renovated red room). Finally, she handed me my room keys. 2825P! Yahoo!!. She said she had to shift people around to get us the room since the hotel was full. I couldn’t believe it. The room was gorgeous. Beautiful views of the strip, the pool, the tower and the fountains. It made our week wonderful. I gave her the tip, and she thanked me.

I don’t know if it was the $20 or my story, or she would have done it regardless. All I can say is I was so thrilled, I brought her some chocolates the next day from Max Brenner. She said it wasn’t necessary, but thanked me, after I thanked her again.

Third time trying the $20 Trick. First time I was denied, so I’m now 2 for 3.

Arrived around 1pm on a Monday. There were four clerks working the registration desk, but only one was open. Female, mid-30s, possibly hispanic. I placed the credit card/ID/$20 sandwich on the counter and asked if there were any complimentary upgrades available. She took the credit card and ID, but left the $20 bill on the counter, saying that she cannot accept gratuities for upgrades. Tried to offer me a renovated room for an additional $40 per night, but I declined.

A couple of minutes later, she mentioned that her boss recently started monitoring travel blogs and websites (including this one, I presume) and was clamping down on clerks handing out upgrades for tips.

Was a little nervous to try but figured what the heck. We arrrived in Vegas at 10am so I was hoping to store our bags while we waited for our room to be ready. Did the sandwich and the clerk said if we were willing to wait about an hour she could get us an early check-in. I asked her about any upgrades and she said she could see what she could do. Ended up with early check-in and an awesome view.

We checked in around midnight, and went to a young-ish looking clerk, as the other clerk appeared to be talking with a manager. Simply gave the $20 sandwich and asked if there were any complimentary upgrades. She put it aside, was super friendly, and said she had something “really nice” for us. It ended up being a red room on the 27th floor!

Short lineup, went to the next available clerk, friendly filipina lady in her forties. Upgraded to a top floor room overlooking Bellagion Fountains, Eiffel Tower and Swimming Pool. We had the best view in Vegas!!!