The Legendary Vegas $20 Trick: How to Potentially Get an Upgrade
If you've ever dreamed of snagging a nicer room at your Las Vegas hotel without shelling out extra cash, you've likely heard whispers of the "$20 trick." This informal, yet surprisingly effective, method has been circulating among savvy travelers for years. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and is it guaranteed to get you that coveted Strip-view suite or an upgrade to a corner room?
Understanding the $20 Trick: The Basics
At its core, the "$20 trick" is a strategy employed during the check-in process at a Las Vegas hotel. The idea is to discreetly offer a $20 bill (or sometimes a $50 or even $100 bill, though $20 is the traditional and often sufficient amount) to the front desk agent. The goal is to incentivize them to look for an upgrade for you.
It's important to understand that this isn't a bribe in the traditional sense, and the money isn't intended to be pocketed by the agent in exchange for a specific room. Instead, it's seen as a gesture of goodwill, a thank you for their service, and an implicit request for a little extra effort in finding you a better accommodation than what your original booking might have secured.
How to Execute the $20 Trick: A Step-by-Step Approach
Success with the $20 trick often hinges on your delivery and the agent's discretion. Here's a generally accepted method:
- Approach the Counter with Confidence: Walk up to the front desk with a friendly and polite demeanor. Avoid looking rushed or stressed.
- Have Your Documents Ready: Before you get to the front, have your ID and credit card out. This makes the transaction smoother.
- The "Sandwich" Technique: This is where the $20 bill comes into play. The most common method is to place your ID and credit card on the counter, and then place the $20 bill *on top* of them. This is crucial. Don't hand it directly to the agent. The bill should be visible but not aggressively offered.
- Make Your Request (Subtly): As the agent begins processing your check-in, you can say something like:
- "I was hoping for a nice room, perhaps with a good view if anything is available."
- "We're celebrating a special occasion, and I'd love to see if there are any upgrades available."
- "Is there anything you can do to help us get a slightly better room?"
- Wait for Their Response: The agent will then either process your check-in as usual or, if they're open to the trick, they'll likely pause, discreetly take the $20, and start looking for better options.
- Be Gracious: If you receive an upgrade, a sincere "Thank you!" goes a long way. If you don't get an upgrade, don't be upset. The trick doesn't always work, and you should still be polite and accept the room you've booked.
Why Does the $20 Trick Work?
Several factors contribute to the potential success of the $20 trick:
- Front Desk Agent Discretion: Many hotels empower their front desk staff to offer complimentary upgrades to guests when certain criteria are met or when it doesn't significantly impact the hotel's revenue. A $20 bill can be the nudge they need to go the extra mile.
- Incentive for Service: While not a direct bribe, the money acts as an incentive for the agent to spend a little more time searching for a better room, potentially rearranging room assignments, or looking for cancellations.
- Goodwill and Relationship Building: A friendly gesture like leaving a $20 bill can create a positive interaction. Agents deal with many guests daily, and a little extra politeness and a monetary token can make a guest stand out.
- Hotel Policy (Sometimes): Some hotels may have policies that allow agents to offer upgrades for a small "gratuity" or "service fee" that they can then process. The $20 is essentially an upfront payment for this service.
What Kind of Upgrades Can You Expect?
The success of the trick doesn't guarantee you a penthouse suite, but here are some common upgrades you might receive:
- Higher Floor: Often, a higher floor offers better views and less noise.
- Better View: This could mean a Strip view instead of a mountain or parking garage view, or a view of the pool.
- Larger Room or Suite: You might be moved to a room with more square footage, a separate sitting area, or a larger bathroom.
- Corner Room: These often offer more windows and a slightly different layout.
- Quieter Location: Sometimes, you might be moved to a room away from elevators or ice machines.
Important Considerations and Caveats
While the $20 trick is a popular strategy, it's crucial to manage your expectations:
- It's Not Guaranteed: This is the most important point. Some hotels are stricter with their room assignments, and some agents might not participate. You could try the trick and get no upgrade.
- Timing is Key: The trick is most effective when the hotel isn't at full capacity. If the hotel is packed, there will be fewer (if any) upgrades available. Avoid trying it during major holidays or conventions if you're looking for a significant upgrade.
- Your Original Booking Matters: If you booked the absolute cheapest room in the house, the chances of a significant upgrade might be slim, even with the trick.
- Be Prepared to Pay More for Significant Upgrades: The $20 trick is generally for complimentary upgrades. If you want a truly premium suite, you'll likely need to pay the difference.
- Don't Be Pushy: If the agent says no or indicates they can't help, accept it gracefully. Aggressive or entitled behavior will not work in your favor.
- Know the Hotel: Some luxury resorts or boutique hotels might be less receptive to this kind of tactic, preferring to offer upgrades based on loyalty programs or special promotions.
In essence, the $20 trick is a gamble with potentially rewarding odds. It's a way to politely ask for a little extra at check-in, capitalizing on the discretion of front desk agents and the desire to provide good customer service. It’s a small investment for the possibility of a more enjoyable Vegas stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About the $20 Vegas Trick
Q: How much money should I offer for the $20 trick?
A: The traditional amount is $20. While some people have success with $50 or $100, $20 is often sufficient and less likely to be perceived as an aggressive bribe. Stick with $20 unless you're aiming for a very significant upgrade and the hotel is known to be more accommodating.
Q: Why is it called the "$20 trick"?
A: It's called the "$20 trick" because a $20 bill is the most common amount used in the strategy. The "trick" refers to the clever, informal way it's employed to try and get an upgrade without officially paying for one.
Q: What happens if the front desk agent keeps my $20 but doesn't give me an upgrade?
A: In this scenario, you've essentially paid a $20 gratuity for their time and effort. While it's disappointing not to get an upgrade, the agent may have genuinely looked and found nothing available, or they may have simply decided not to offer one. The key is to remain polite throughout the interaction, regardless of the outcome.
Q: When is the best time to try the $20 trick?
A: The best time to try the $20 trick is when the hotel is not fully booked. Weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons, often yield better results than weekends or during major Las Vegas events and holidays when rooms are at a premium.
Q: Does the $20 trick work at all Vegas hotels?
A: While the trick is widely known and has a good success rate, it's not a universal guarantee. Its effectiveness can depend on the specific hotel's policies, the individual front desk agent, how busy the hotel is, and the room inventory available at the time of check-in. It's more common and often more successful at mid-range to upscale hotels than at the absolute cheapest accommodations.
