It was extremely busy when I checked in, ie 15+ groups ahead of me at about 4pm. When I got to the desk and was asked for my ID/CC I put the $20 on top so it was clearly visible and while still holding all 3 items asked if there were any complementary upgrades available. The girl at the desk said \’let me check\’ and then proceeded to tell me that she couldn\’t give me a larger room but could give me a strip view (which technically is an upgrade) or a higher floor. I politely declined so re-pocketed my money then continued to check in.

que in line 7pm checked in there during rodeo. valet said 100% occcupancy so i thought probably no hope on upgrade. 20 dollar sandwich …oops, would i accept a smoking room on a high floor with a strip view. super plush suite large floor plan refrigerator one floor below 51st dual sinks and mini bar only downside voodoo lounge doesnt stop music till 4am on saturday. and a can of fabreeze worked great for the smoke smell…worked like a charm sandwich and asked for comp upgrade before he took id/cc

Checked in about 6 PM on a Sunday. Rather than do the sandwich, I asked discreetly if I could get an upgraded suite in exchange for a $20 tip. Clerk said that a corner suite was available in the Ipanema Tower, 16th floor. It was an awesome upgrade. Floor to ceiling, wall to wall glass facing the entirety of the strip from two walls. A panoramic, view from downtown all the way to Mandalay Bay. We enjoyed watching the traffic on the freeway and also saw the railroad. The view from the bed was fantastic. Similar to the view we enjoy at the Voodoo Lounge, just a bit lower. Really the best room view we have ever had in Vegas. Suite was very roomy, with a decent couch which folded out into a bed if need be. TV was not a flat screen, however. Bathroom was clean and large with two sink areas. Also had a very cool refrigerator. Room was probably a bit larger than the standard suite, certainly with more glass, having two walls to look out and only a corner piece to block the view.

Waited in a long line upon arrival at 11:00 AM. After a 20 minute wait of people checking out I was just hoping to let them know and hopefully they would hold my bag. When I got to the counted a late 20s female helped, I gave her the sandwich and ask for a high room with a view. After typing for a couple of minutes, she said she was able to check me in now and I was in a corner room with a full view of the strip and the pool. It was just fantastic!

I booked by room by phone (which was $15 per night cheaper than the website) for $48 per night for a Wed and Thursday night. There was a long line and a 20 minute wait to check in at noon on Wednesday but after giving the sandwich and requesting a room with a strip view, I was put in a room in the newer IP tower in room 1223. With the wall to wall and floor to floor windows it was a fantastic view of the pool and the strip.

(The guy that was checking in right next to me was placed on the 6th floor)

I had a 4 day reservation through i4vegas.com for a standard suite. I went to the desk at 4 o’clock and had the $20 sandwich ready and waited in line for about 10 minutes. I was called forward by a 30ish guy. I slipped him the sandwich he wasn’t sure what to do with the cash I asked him about a complimentary upgrade because my wife and I were celebrating our anniversary. He said “Let me see what I can do and if I can earn that tip.” He made a phone call to someone and mentioned the anniversary and talked for awhile. After he got off he was on the computer so we made some chat about the hotel, casino and restaurants. He finally gave me the keys and paperwork telling me on I’m now on the 20th floor(which requires VIP access) in a super suite. He also gave me free passes to VOODOO the club/restaurant on the 50/51 floor and a coupon book. Gave him the $20 and had a great 4 days!

Handed the clerk my ID and CC with a $20 between and asked if she could upgrade us to a better room. She put the $20 under the keyboard and asked what I was looking for. I wanted a Caracas suite but was told it was an extra $100 per night. She said she good upgrade me for free to a Ipanema Tower renovated room with a strip view. We were on the 18th floor of the 20 floor tower. The Rio charges an extra $20-30$ a night for a strip view room on their website so the $20 trick worked in this case in my opinion

We had a standard room reserved but then I read about the twenty dollar tip.As we were checking in I noticed three people ask for free upgrades and each time the clerk said they were booked . Well just as it was my turn they changed clerks . I explained that this was our first time at the Rio and it was also our anniversary and by chance did the Rio have any free upgrades. Now as I did this I also gave her by credit card with my licence and a folded twenty dollar bill in the middle. Well she looked and she looked and then she smiles and asked if I ever heard of the song Girl from Ipanema and I said yes and without blinking she said Happy Anniversary and she hoped we liked the suite . Well we took the door cards and went way up and we saw the number and the words Ipanema Suite . We opened the doors and were were in HEAVEN. It was LARGE and beautiful and it had two full baths and one full bedroom plus a hot tub by the window. We had it for five days .

Tried the 20$ sandwich, asked for a upgrade to a jacuzzi suite. Clerk said she would have to check and handed money back. She made a phone call, then denied the upgrade but gave us a strip view room.