Las Vegas hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, which means that it runs on tips. Everyone wants an upgrade to live like a high roller, and tips have been known to get you an upgrade from an entry-level room. This is why the 20-Dollar Trick has been popular for years.
Let’s take a look at what the 20 Dollar Trick is and if it still works today.
What is the $20 Dollar Trick?
The 20-Dollar Trick, sometimes called the sandwich trick, involves a $20 tip sandwiched between the ID and credit card required at the hotel front desk check-in. In the past, this was a great way to get a complimentary upgrade. The theory is that the front desk agent would give you a free room upgrade because you gave them an extra tip off the books.
Of course, free room upgrades are never guaranteed, but slipping the front desk agent a tip between your driver’s license and credit card has always been a good way to get room upgrades or maybe some restaurant vouchers.
Does the 20 Dollar Still Trick Work?
Though the 20-dollar trick Vegas style at the front desk check-in has given complimentary room upgrades over the years, most front desk agents have seen it a million times. Because they have seen it so often, the front desk employee is now less likely to give complimentary upgrades with a $20 bill sandwiched between your ID and credit card.
Some guests have resorted to giving the front desk clerk more than just a twenty-dollar bill. More money may help, but an upgraded room isn’t a guarantee. There is not a definitive answer on whether it will work, but you can always try.
Our Successes and Failures with this Tactic
We’ve tried the $20 trick on a couple occasions.
At the Bellagio Hotel, we offered $20 for a room upgrade, and got way more than we asked for with a view upgrade and a VIP Bellagio Buffet pass so we could skip the line.
On another occasion, we offered a $100 bill and got a room upgrade that wasn’t worth it.
Which Las Vegas hotel is the trick most likely to work?
While all the staff at the high end Strip resorts have seen this $20 trick tried, there are some budget hotels that may be more receptive to it.
- Flamingo
- Horseshoe
- Circus Circus
- Treasure Island
- Excalibur
- MGM Grand
Alternatives to the $20 Upgrade Trick
Here are some ideas to make this standard trick a little more unique or appealing:
- If you’re at a higher end resort, give $50 (Can you get $50 bills anymore?)
- Instead of asking for a room upgrade, ask for a VIP buffet line pass or a food and beverage credit
- Early Check in or Late Check out – normal fees are $50 plus tax for early check in or late check out, so this is definitely worth a tip.
- Complimentary Parking – Sometimes parking fees can range from $25-$50/day, so getting a free parking pass during your stay is worthwhile
- Special Occasions – If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, or other special occasion, mentioning this during check-in can get you a complimentary upgrade, bottle of champagne or other special touches to celebrate your special day.
Getting Complimentary Upgrades in Las Vegas
So, if the 20 dollar trick at check-in doesn’t work very often anymore, how are you supposed to get a room upgrade? Well, if you are looking for a better room on a higher floor or maybe one with a Strip view, it can’t hurt to simply ask the check-in clerk. Sometimes they can give you a nice upgrade, resort credit, Strip views, or even some waived resort fees.
Though standard rooms in Las Vegas are nice on their own, many do not have stunning views, a huge fireplace, or suite amenities. The best bet to get a free upgrade to a bigger room is to ask if there is anything available on a high floor. Worst case, you could try the $20 trick after you have asked first.
If you are looking for a room upgrade on your first trip to Las Vegas, you may think of trying the $20 trick. However, nowadays, you are probably better off just asking for the upgrade to better rooms with a great view on a really high floor. Just make sure that you ask really nicely! Good luck!
