She said there were no complimentary upgrades and returned my 20. Got a room with a nice view, though.

My friend and I booked separate rooms, but went to the clerk at the same time. I placed two $20s between my license and credit card and asked if each of us could get a complimentary upgrade. She went into the back (apparently to ask permission), but came back out and asked if we’d like balconies or not. We said yes. When I checked out, I asked a different clerk to look up my room number and asked if it was a “standard room” (what we had booked), but she said no, it’s a junior suite. Nice trick!

The Front Desk Clerk didn’t catch on at first, and wouldn’t even look at the money! They initially stated they were only allowed to upgrade to the next level up. I thought we weren’t going to get it, then I guess they caught on, and we were given our complimentary “Suite with a balcony”. They didn’t look up the whole time, but once the deal went through, they actually took the $20 and held it up and asked if it was for them. I indicated yes, and all was good. NOTE: Remember a Suite in the Sahara (especially in the Alexandria Tower) is not going to be like the Bellagio…so don’t get your panties all tied up in a knot when things are showing some wear. The balcony is great for looking down across Vegas, enjoying a drink, and having a great Cigar you bought from Don Yeyo down Sahara Street (shameless plug, but these guys are great! donyeyo). Good Luck!

I’m so glad I stumbled across this site.

I waited in a long line on a Friday evening. Most of the staff was female so I was happy when I was able to check in with the male about 30ish (great looking, too 🙂 ).

I slipped the 20 between my license and CC just like you guys instructed me. I left the 20 sticking out a bit. I asked for a complimentary upgrade. He looked at the $20 and then at me and said, “We’re sold out-We don’t have any suites.” He hid the $20 under my license completely out of sight. He typed on the computer fiercly. After much typing, he told me he was able to get me a deluxe room. The room was great! It was the first from the elevator in the Tangliers Tower on the 9th floor (a little low but not complaining) with a strip view. I could tell he would have for certain give me a suite if he had one.

Also, I was supposed to pay a daily energy fee or something when I checked out but had no bill what-so-ever when I check out so I’m guessing he fixed that too. I’m not sure if it was ALL the 20 or if the DDs helped 😉

I will try this every time. Thanks much to everyone for thier advice!!!

It worked, but the suite was a big room of nothing. The TV was small and far away. The bathroom was very shabby. The lighting is non-existant. OK, it’s the Sahara. I’m there because I like their casino-that is until they changed the 60’s music to the new non-descript put you to sleep stuff. We requested another room and after I rejected a standard room with the same issues, we got a Deluxe Room with better fixtures. Both rooms were very dusty. We ran into the casino’s VP and told him about the cleanliness issue. He made sure the room was serviced. The front desk super followed up and sent a bowl of fruit. Sahara does care.

Checked in the Friday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend so I figured it would not work. When asked to hand over ID and credit card I placed the $20 bill in between them and put it on the counter. I asked if there were any free upgrades possible and when he saw the bill he said “I can put you in a deluxe room.” The room was on the 21st floor with a view of the strip. The clerk also threw in a $10 food credit, 2 for 1 show coupon, and some drink coupons. Definately worth the extra $20. As a side note, my father checked in on Thursday and also tried the $20 trick but wanted a suite instead of the standard room. They gave him a one for an extra $50 per night. He ended up saving money and received extra coupons as well.

We were traveling with another couple, but had booked 2 rooms with same reservation. Thus, handed over $40 with credit card and requested upgrade. Clerk went away to check & came back with approval. Great deal to have huge corner suites with bar/living room/balcony on ~23rd floor all for an extra $5/room/night.

slid the sandwhich over and told her I would appreciate whatever she could do to give me a nice, clean room maybe a nice view.
I had booked a standard room on Expedia for $38/nite.
She put me in an older tower but in one of her “favorite types of rooms” with a large balcony ont he 18th Floor and view of the strip.
In case I wasn’t happy with that she also put blocked out another room for me on the 26th floor of the Tangiers tower (newer room, no balcony).
The room I had was older, dated but clean and had a great big balcony and view. I decided to stay put.
Oh, I didn’t have to change rooms I just had to come back to her and she would give me a key to go look at the other room.
Not bad for service for $20 tip.
Had a great time at the Sahara, everyone was friendly. It’s old school Vegas and one of the last old ones left.

Worked like a charm…I was skeptical because we checked in on a Friday at 3pm and were staying for 3 nights, and there was a huge line, so i thought the clerks might rush us since they had so many customers waiting….not to mention it was Easter weekend, spring break, and March Madness. I got a blond Caucasian lady in her early 40’s, she saw the tip and looked up with a smile as i asked if there were any complimentary upgrades available….she asked if i still wanted 2 beds and a non-smoking room, and found a great remodeled room on the 26th floor of the Tangiers tower. Made for a wonderful bonus on a great trip, I’m definitely trying again anytime i visit vegas! Glad i found this site before we went!