Stores in Vegas

What is the best way to get upgrades at Las Vegas hotels?

I am traveling to Vegas for the first time in a few weeks to celebrate my 40th birthday. What is the best way to request an upgraded room? Should I contact the hotel ahead of time or make the request at check-in? Will it help if I tell them why I am there?

Public Comments

1. It very well may help if you tell them its your birthday. I've always found from personal experience that its better to wait until you are actually at the hotel before you ask. Be friendly...don't try to bribe them and see what happens. I think the odds are in your favor.
2. i ALWAYS WAIT UNTIL I GET TO MY ROOM AND THEN CALL DOWNSTAIRS AND THEN CALL THE DESK TO REPORT THAT THE ROOM SMELLS OF CIGARET SMOKE TELL THEM YOU ASKED FOR A NONE SMOKING ROOM, AND DEMAND IT. THEY ALWAYS UPGRADE YOU TO A FIRST CLASS SUIT BUT MAKE SURE YOUR NOT A SMOKER.
3. Call the hotel directly and ask for the name of the front-desk manager and the fax number. Fax this person a note telling them it's your 40th birthday and your first time to Vegas, and if there's anything they can do to make the trip that much more special and memorable, you would REALLY appreciate it. If they can do something for you, they will. (At the very least, they'll hook you up with a nice dinner or something.) I did this a few years ago for my mom's 50th birthday and we got upgraded to a jacuzzi suite at Luxor over a holiday weekend for the midweek regular room price of $59 a night.
4. I suggest asking at the time of check - in, you are coming in during the Las Vegas high season, however, that doesn't mean that there might not be upgrades available. Let them know it's your birthday and ask them politely and if there are no rooms available for the upgrade, ask to be placed on the list for an upgrade. If you are unable to get an upgrade and you plan on staying for longer than a weekend, be sure to utilize the hotel casino regularly and apply to their club card promotion. This will allow the hotel to track your progress through the casino which gives you some advantage in negotiating upgrades and casino comps and in some cases, you might even qualify for discounts on your room. The great thing about participating in the casino club card promotions, is that you are immediately rated for future promotions. I receive regular invites to the casino's with complimentary room nights due to my membership. Happy Birthday and Enjoy your Trip to Las Vegas!
5. I've found the infamous "$20-trick" really does work, though I've always used $40 instead. At the Venetian, I got a huge four-room suite (separate bedroom, living room, dining room, 2 bathrooms, wet bar); at Mandalay, a full suite (2 bathrooms)with a great strip view; Don't use it at the Hard Rock as their "suites" are sad excuses for rooms and they face the parking lot. Vie for a better view instead. Don't try it at Mirage as the desk people don't have access to assign suites -- it's a corporate thing. Fold the money with your license/credit card, tell them it's some special occassion (they can check your license for a birthday, so don't be dumb) and ask if there are any "FREE upgrades available", that's the key term. It also helps if you're not staying over a weekend or during a major convention. We always go Sun-Thur.
6. my friend ,goodluck on a upgrade! realize $$$ talks and BS walks, if you gamble a decent amount of time on the 1st day,,, lets say minimum $35.00 per blkjk bet, u might be upgraded or even comped...also realize in a Good 4 star plus hotel all the rooms are very very decent, large and comfortable,,, goodluck and enjoy
7. I don't know we never got upgraded in vegas, I think you have to give them a big tip on check in.
8. The BEST way to get an upgraded room or suite is to simply reserve it in advance and pay whatever it costs. That is much more reliable than any kind of tricks or negotiations. The worst way is to reserve the cheapest possible room and then tipping or telling them you are celebrating a special event when you check-in, because EVERYONE does this. The clerk may just take your tip, say "Happy Birthday" and give you the same room you were going to get anyway. Even if they wanted to give you an upgrade, the hotel may be sold-out by that time and you will end up just getting whatever you booked no matter what you say or do. It is possible to get lucky (it is Vegas after all), but just remember it's not guaranteed unless you book it in advance!
9. Pay more and you get a better room > shocking what the Americans will think up next, isn't it?