Right away she didn't seem like she was going to put much effort into it or it just wasn't a realistic possibility due to occupancy levels. I stayed at MGM last April with some buddies- we had two rooms so we gave the check in guy 50 dollars and asked for an upgrade. And you do not want to be stuck in an unbearable room. Jump Ahead Does the $20 trick work at the MGM Grand? I went through and read every comment Lol. Good luck, email me at lacollins529@excite.com if you have any further questions. You took it with the best attitude too :-). thanks. A Guide To MGMs MyVegas Reward Game. Unfortunately, these luxuries come with a hefty price tag. If you haven't attempted the "$20 tip" before, it can be a little nerve wrecking at first. Great blog! Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 35 replies Sorted by Great attitude. If they do, it's more than worth it. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. This check-in agent can really be in trouble after describing her in detail here. I was there for 4 nights. LasVegasTrip Vallarta Trip. It worked nearly every time we have tried. MGM Grand is a great resort for those who want to be in the action. What to Eat at Universal Studios, Hollywood, Chicago, Illinois Visitors Guide Basics. However, it might (and I'm pretty sure if it is a weekday booking) work in little off-strip , less glamourous properties such as Sahara or Stratosphere. Perhaps it happened because of her bday, but whatever the case, it was nice. Try it they can only say no unless you are worried you'll lose $20. So have things changed? I go to Vegas a lot, possibly 30 times in the past 10 years and many times I have 2 rooms in separate hotels , mostly comped or cheap based on my play (usually one in Caesers group of hotels and one in MLife/MGM group of hotels). Your a dork man but you crack me up with some of your antiques, I mean that in a good way. Transportation: what is the public transport? People watching; 3. The $20 trick is executed by discreetly passing a $20 bill to the check-in employee sandwiched between your ID and credit card while simultaneously asking for a complimentary room upgrade. The Trick originated in the form of a $20 sandwich. Of course, as you move up in the quality of the hotel and even the class of room you booked, the more likely it is you may need to bump the tip-up. :). Top 125 things to do with your Family in Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Westgate Tower - now Hilton Elara, US holiday dates 2012 (including spring break? I don't know what kind of room you booked but if you just got a "standard room", you have quite a few of options : 1) Ask for the Jacuzzi suite with a strip view ( in world /premier tower), 2) if denied, ask for casino suite / executive suite, 3) If denied, ask for a delux suite in premier tower (avoid regency tower at any cost !). On those occasions when I want a suite, I reserve it in advance. When Asked for these items you Sandwich a $20 bill between the two while politely enquiringif there is any chance of a complimentary upgrade? While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Live Casino Tournaments playing directly against over 30 players. Tipping etiquette, customs and suggestions- who do I tip and how much? Everything is gross in there. So I slipped her the $60. So a happy guest saving $150 on a room will be more likely to spend that in the Casino or bar or on Activities. (my husband would NEVER ask, or do this, he didnt want me to) CHALLENGE ACCEPTED LOL. This only works out well when you know specifically what to ask for ;). Dont be afraid to ask for the tip back if they dont deliver for you. Great to hear you have an amazing trip. Helpful information: Where is a low fee ATM? This post would have been a lot more useful before I checked into the Park Hyatt New York! He told us he couldn't upgrade us in room type, so instead he gave us 100 dollars per day per room resort credit, and made so when we checked out we had three of the four days resort fee waived. At the least, it will move you from a crappy room (by whatever your standards are) to a room closer to your preferences. Our users suggest that its unreliable! Fresh towels, chocolates, ocean views and room upgrades, go along way, when you travel. Perhaps it happened because of her bday, but whatever the case, it was nice. I checked in at the airport and slipped the 20 with my license & credit card and just asked for any free upgrades. Not sure what shenanigans youre really referring to or why thatd be a reason not to visit Las Vegas.". $20 is less than a single bet at the table. But still, we find its enough. I noticed the check in guy was non hetro, with a huge ego, so I bantered with him a little, complimented him on his clothing selection, and then asked him if he could give us a free upgrade, while assuring my wife, that je could make the magic happen. The $20 trick works. But we would have loved it more without the Resort Fees! 99.9% of check-in Staff are great, but there is always the odd one, having a crappy day that just doesnt want to be there! like we should do it as if we have done it before? And I had paid $30 per day to upgrade to a room that goes for $20 more per day. At any rate, it was awesome and just worth a try. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-36677', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas or what, but constant noise esp early in the am, I believe b/c they are working on some new additions, so you may want to bring that up at check in. one complaint though was it was very noisy, i dunno if that's just MGM or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Would you fly an airline that lets flight attendants accept $20 to let passengers self-upgrade? Some tipped employees mistake the lower the legally required minimum wage paid to . Thanks for suggestions. should we offer more? more. Do you know if the $20 (or more) work for other things like a food credit? Transportation- Car rental: Best deals? That is definitely the best way to do it, that way if it fails you still have a decent room. $20 Dollar Trick 2023. And never heard it directly from anyone who has had it happen to them. Prime view rooms go to their elites and high rollers. I checked in last night and wasnt going to try for an upgrade, but I had a very nice check-in agent. You think you can just get there with your money! I think the $20 trick as such doesnt get you far anymore its 2014, and everyone tries it. Theres merit to both ways of doing things, and based on where you are its interesting to observe how results differ. You should have told on her. Las Vegas Attractions All the Best Things to do in Las Vegas, What is MyVegas? Get answers to your questions about Las Vegas, Happy Hours Las Vegas - Updated March 2023, Disabled access; mobility information; Dialysis services; Hospitals; Scooters. Are you crazy? We stayed at the Venitien earlier this year and got bumped up a level, high floor strip view, Loved it! Virgin Atlantic Premium Review 787 Dreamliner Is Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade 2023? Most of the time if you're just nice, smile, ask them how they are, etc.you know, just be a nice, normal, decent person.that gets you pretty far in life. Thanks for feeding back, although this is not what we like to hear at all! Sorry, Yes it worked in the other hotels (I think!!) No matter what kind of stay you are looking for in Las Vegas, theres always an option to fit your taste and budget. While it's worked for many upgrade . I could hear some music from their club on top and I called .since I had a morning flight to catch and they told me over the phone that they would call the club to close terrace windows and asked if I need earplugs I repliedI have them already and it's really too late to Just stayed for one night and left this morning. In high-end hotels like Bellagio, it might be a good idea to up your tip, or if you have booked a very expensive room, to begin with, $20 might not be enough to get you anything better as the price difference is greater. Based on what our users have shared with us, the $20 Trick at MGM Grand works about 58% of the time, similar to its sister-property The Signature. Helpful information: proof of age- can you prove you're at least 21 years old? Re: $20 trick - Does it work in MGM Grand? But $20 could mean a lot when you think about disposable income after taxes and expenses considering non of the check in people are probably making 6 figures and this could make their day especially because Europeans are not used to tipping. At Orleans I request a room of the 20th or 21st floor, near the end of a specific hallway. All this will usually be tracked. Seriously? Clerk tried instead to offer a paid upgrade which I declined. I have a coworker friend who has done the $20 tip a couple of times. I think MGM has an airport check in,maybe that will work. Yeah, its not really a trick, just seems to have taken on that moniker, you are just, very nicely, asking about free upgrades and offering a nice tip in return for the help! You need to approach with an air of realism. Its not a trick, it is just tipping in advance. Let the agent have some space and time. In conclusion, does the $20 trick work at MGM Grand? Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ). It might not. Not be in a hurry or fear Let the agent have some space and time. Not be in a hurry or fear you will report them.. And they tend to give me or my party a very nice upgrade just for being helpful and courteous. We are going to be staying at the MGM Grand and I am worried that we won't have a great room because we booked with Expedia and I have heard that hotels often downgrade customers that book with websites like Expedia. Somewhere different! What is the Weather Like in Chicago, Illinois? Downtown and Fremont Street- worth visiting? We have previously stayed in Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, etc where it does seem to. @Mike: "Considering the sheer number of rooms most of these hotels have, it really costs the hotels very little. Have been upgraded every single time without doing the $20 trick. Always important to remember your manners. Yes, steps are below! Thanks again! That is what I did. MGM Grand is a great hotel with plenty of amenities, entertainment options, and restaurants. This is not a Bribe its a tip so the Assistant is in no way obliged to do anything extra for the tip if you present it upfront. Buffet recommendations for lobster night? I would recommend considering Planet Hollywood or New York New York. The reason it's known as the sandwich trick is because many people try to be 'sneaky' about it. Dear Fox,I do not want to sound Cynical or build a cospiracy theory but I think what you got as an "upgrade" was actually a room that MGM was not offering for booking because of repair / construction nearby. Perhaps the person will feel guilty for having sort of screwed you. We have previously stayed in Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, etc where it does seem to. You win some and you lose some. How does it work? Does this trick still apply if you book in at the airport? That's enough to last me 2 minutes at the blackjack table! Ben..dude! Don't be demanding. Read how to do the $20 Trick so you have the best chance of success. Checked in to Aria. Simply ask politely for a hotel room upgrade. In Nassau Bahamas, I was so charming to the nice lady check in clerk, that she gave us a nice partial ocean view room on an upper room, above the pool. Does the $20 trick work outside of Vegas? Otherwise, I have no first-hand knowledge to impart. Makes sense although it has worked in Cabo. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. So just tip the $20 if you can easily afford it, you either get a better room and wont forget it, or it will at least make someones day and yes sometimes they have it back. I think we made the right choice, at least for this trip. Does the $20 trick still work? MGM Grand. Keep us posted on any success or failure you have on your trip! The 20 dollar sandwich trick is a popular way tourists try to get complimentary upgrades or other free comps when checking into their Las Vegas hotel. It certainly didn't work at the 4 Seasons Las Vegas! We have however NEVER had it happen to us. But know that these are not upgrades, they are the same room type that I have reserved. Our blog on the $20 Dollar Trick Las Vegas 2022 will explain what the trick is, how it works, and what to expect if you try it. Above, you can read real stories of visitors that have done the twenty dollar trick when checking in at Aria to get room upgrades. Grand Canyon West; 3. We dont stay there anymore. Book Offer. Next time if I have a multiple night stay I might slip the agent $100 and try the smooth approach. She worked very hard to find us an upgrade and I was willing to let her keep the tip, but she gave it back and said she didnt feel she helped me and refused the tip. Things have tightened up a bit since then but still bargins to be had. Does the $20 Trick work at MGM Grand? The trick has been around for AGES and $20 is worth less than it used to be. Just be upfront and ask for an upgrade with $20 in your hand. Does the $20 Trick work at Caesars Palace? Really, if you can't charm your way to get an upgrade you are just getting a hooker like a lazy, dirty, old guy like thing. Good luck! Thought I'd test the waters here. Great insight, we totally agree! @ Bgriff -- She left it on her side of the counter until I was fully checked in. It is policy to simply accommodate the guests wishes based on availability. But you could always try, If you have any success feel free to report back. How? Part of that included the $20 trick (actually tipped $30, but I think different . I was in Vegas 10 days ago and wanted to try the $20 trick at the MGM Grand, but had no cash. Also wanted to add that my husband is a super nice man in his 60s. A: Yup. Did you still have to pay resort fees? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-72138161', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas next week staying in MGM Grand for the first time.I wondered if the "$20 sandwich" trick works there. She softly laughed, and gave it to us for free. Its also unlikely to convince someone to bump you up if they were not going to anyway. I was sweating bullets the first time I ever tried it over 20 years ago. I dont want to catch a nasty social disease. I gave her my ID, cc, and a $20 bill in the middle. Learn how you can get hotel room upgrades by using the famous $20 dollar trick at the Aria hotel and Las Vegas casino. I'm looking forward to hearing more about this stay. The $20 trick is a great way to get free upgraded rooms, complimentary food and drink, and other perks. Ivan Y- As Fog Horn Leg Horn used to say, "You probably think a Mexican boarder pays rent.". Helpful information: SIM Card and SIM Phones at LAS airport, Helpful information: ESTA visa waiver applications, Online USA Customs form for foreign visitors, Touring the Grand Canyon - West Rim and South Rim - a tour guide's comments - 2017. We are traveling Monday Thursday so would you say if they have rooms available, this will most likely work? @snic: Considering the sheer number of rooms most of these hotels have, it really costs the hotels very little. MGM Grand Las Vegas (Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts) MGM Rewards Gold status would typically require you to earn 75,000 Tier Credits each qualification year, which equates to about $18,750 each year in nongaming spending. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Its not a trick, only fools would believe that your tricking the people behind the desk who have heard Every excuse known to man as to why one deserves a complimentary up-grade. Probably a mistake, like I knew it would be. Looks like she pulled a trick on you. However, if youre looking for more than MGM Grand has to offer, then take a look at hotels such as Bellagio or Caesars Palace. Thanks so much for the feedback! Worst case, if they can't upgrade you, then they'll give you your tip back. How does MGM Grand stack up against similar Las Vegas hotels? I asked the check-in lady if she had any complimentary upgrades available for my wifes birthday. I know, because I speak from Experience. Not a lot. Lets call it travel insurance, while others wait in line for their favorite eggs done right, or the nicest piece of fish, i get served first. Save. $30 per night for an upgrade isnt bad, to whatever it might be, Me: Okay, well just give me whatever youd like. Essentially, when checking in to a Las Vegas Hotel you need 2 things. I had my preferred person picked out, since they let you choose who to line up in front of. Karaoke, Shopping: where are the best places? :) I don't write a blog but even if I did I don't think I would share all my strategies Wouldn't want to devalue or end what works for me the vast majority of the time all over the world I'm simply to selfish and I like to help only those I know personally and or care about in my circles I'd ask for big Lucky Lucky Lucky lol still learning?! How best to visit the Grand Canyon in one day? But is it worth trying out in one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in Vegas MGM Grand? Insurance? ; Last minute tickets- Tix4Tonight; Cirque, Sightseeing- the "Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. As such we stick to the traditional $20, if the clerk is unusually helpful, nice, or just fun, we may give an additional tip just for that. In the past, the Clerk would simply say nothing about the note and check to see if they could bump you up. Bloggers especially. Feel free to report back your success or failure! Of course, the people this guy was helping took forever, so eventually, I caved when the woman next door had no one in her line, and I moved over to her. Implicit in the research is knowing its face pricing. Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas is an iconic hotel and casino filled with glitz and glamour, perfect for a celebrity-like vacation on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Last Updated Feb 2022 two successful upgrades! I offered $50 and requested an upgrade to a Hollywood Suite. How does MGM Grand compare to other Vegas hotels. You may have heard of the infamous $20 trick a method used to get freebies, upgrades, and other perks at hotels in Las Vegas. Ben, I admire your willingness to admit it when you've done something, well, dumb. With our Meet and Greet package, you'll get a photo, a gift bag, and an autographed item - get your tickets now! document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I ve tried the dumb male, charming guy approach. 10 Best USA Road Trips Drive These Before you DIE. on the Mallicon Yeah, team alexander Arrived at hotel around noon, went to check in and when asked for ID and Credit Card, I stuck $20 in between and asked if there was any complimentary upgrades, clerk said let me look at what's available. Been at every single one of the nice and expensive Vegas strip hotels. According to our user reviews, MGM Grand has a 55% success rate. Delano LV used to be TheHotel Mandalay Bay, so not really brand new, though I'm sure they did a big refurb. In Toronto, for example my wife and I booked into a hotel. Really its pretty simple. Based on what our users have shared with us, the $20 Trick at Aria works about 40% of the time. While having all that space is nice, we dont really spend that much time in the room and the space is pretty wasted, plus we have space at home! I always make a comment about the people before me who demanded better service and telling the agent "we always get (blank). Ben, any wild guess: would the 20$ trick work to get upgraded to eg a club room on an IC award stay ??? Add-on does not include a ticket to the show and must be . You can get many other perks from suites to comped resort fees. Offered the $20 sandwich. Dining (UPDATED 2017) - Las Vegas Dining 101 - all dining needs in 1 resource, Dining: Dinner & breakfast buffets? I had booked a Delano Suite King for $129. Looks like she pulled a trick on you. Most of the time if you're just nice, smile, ask them how they are, etc.you know, just be a nice, normal, decent person.that gets you pretty far in life. Its an accepted way of doing things, both you and the clerks know this, as does the management. Karaoke, Shopping: where are the best places? I know with my CET app, if I have a reservation booked it will still allow me to see current discounted/comped rates but won't let me book at said discounted rate if the dates overlap. I just got back last night. i suspect if you tried the "$20 trick" here in new york you'd be laughed at in most of the better hotels. Thank you. for $60 you can get a real trick into your room. Hoover Dam; 2. Valuables, Nightlife: Bars and lounges- 1. I ve tried the dumb male, charming guy approach. With a wide selection of restaurants, nightlife, and world-renowned shows, its a great place to stay. wow, the whole thing sounds super tacky but it's vegas so i guess that's to be expected. Agent: Of course, let me see what we have here. Downtown locations; UK drivers, Weddings: Chapels; Wedding Wagon; Vows renewals; Formalities; Photography; Proposing, Helpful information: availability of wi-fi in hotels and elsewhere, Helpful information: Calendars of events, including forthcoming shows & headliners, Websites for researching forthcoming attractions. Hooters hotel was like $20 a night. - I fully understand. Great to hear they waived your resort fees! My husband tried the $20 hope for an upgrade. As such being kind, happy, and friendly always works best for us. These are people, of course, and people always respond better to polite friendly people. Luxor. Does the $20 Trick work at Mirage? It is also a place where everyone wants an upgrade to live like a high roller. Birthday freebies! Best value? Theres even a website dedicated to it, which describes it as follows: The twenty dollar bill trick is sweeping the travel industry and becoming extremely popular, especially in Las Vegas. I could hear some music from their club on top and I called .since I had a morning flight to catch and they told me over the phone that they would call the club to close terrace windows and asked if I need earplugs ; budget options; Pool season? A bigger tip is unlikely to help secure a bigger or better upgrade as they are not really supposed to bump you up too high. Does the 20 trick work at Caesars Palace? Love the fact you took it back once! This thread is to discuss the $20 Trick at MGM Grand. We sincerelydoubt it has ever happened and the people in question just didnt get as big an upgrade as they wanted. I repliedI have them already and it's really too late to move to a quiter side. When you check into a hotel you simply slip the front desk clerk a $20 bill with your credit card, while asking "Do you have any complimentary upgrades available?" I have always found the best way to get an upgrade, especially on a busy weekend or special Vegas event is to be nice to the agent. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-37598', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas, even on a weekend, he got a suite with a nice view of the strip at Harrah's. Honestly, we have only ever tried it for room upgrades! Any idea if this would work on Maui and the Hyatt for getting resort and/or parking fees waived? And what room did you book? Improving the odds of getting a better available room or suite isn't. We just make it very clear if they do hook us up the money we are holding will be theirs. I always attempt the $20 trick. You can try more. Las Vegas Folklore tells of a magic trick you can perform upon the unsuspecting Check-in clerks of Las Vegas Casino Hotels. Get exclusive deals, travel tips, guides, and more. If all I lose is $20 on a non upgrade then this trip will be a success! This allows savvy travelers to enjoy luxurious amenities without breaking the bank and can make the difference between an average stay and an amazing one. Good luck, and hey, it can only cost you US$20 to find out, It's a Bribe and not a trick.magicians do tricks. Coupons! PSA: Used to work at MGM. We have had success at Caesars before, moving up a couple of tiers and into the fancier towers on a high floor. (Well, not that there are long lines at movie theaters anymore, but you get the point.). Cheers, just used the $40 trick and got upgraded to a suite in New Orleans. Would you patronize a movie theater in which all you have to do to get to the front of a long line is give an employee $20? Its actually sometimes more likely on comped rooms!
does the $20 trick work at the mgm grand?