Tipping to get a hotel room upgraded

[JP Tod]

Anyone ever successfully manage to get a room upgrade by tipping the front desk person?

Taking the GF down to Mexico next week. I booked a vacation package through Apple and we're in a standard, ocean-front, room, but it's on the small side. I'm wondering if slipping $100 in cash to the front desk clerk would be enough to get us upgraded. Does that sound like enough?
How, exactly, do you go about intiating that kind of thing?

 

[Xericx]

$100 is a lot for mexico, even in beach resorts as the workers see that maybe in a week.....it may be insulting to tip that much (at least in my view). 10-20 bucks should suffice...if it works, it'll work........ http://www.thetwentydollartrick.com/ that's for vegas, but you get the idea.......not sure if it'll work there........

 

[x26]

Upon check-in just ask: "Is there a much nicer room that you can upgrade me to?"
OR: Call in advance and ask to speak with "Rooms Control"
Good Luck

ETA: I usually get upgraded w/o a tip or surcharge.

 

[savvyibd]

Use your credit card company/pull you have with frequent stays?

 

[JP Tod]

Thanks for the suggestions. Not sure if any of my credit cards/frequent stay programs will apply. We're staying at the Las Brisas, which is an independent chain, I believe.

The deal is - I paid for a "standard" room. The next level up - to a jr. suite - was an additional $440 per person, if booked through Apple. I wasn't willing to pay that, figuring I would just take my chances upon arrival. I have already called the hotel and know that it's far from sold-out.

Well, we'll see how it goes.

 

[savvyibd]

If this 20 bux thing doesn't work, as them if they have any upgrades available *now* and the price for them. Take or balk.

 

[Xericx]

Acapulco?

Nice, I go there frequently for work....weather is fantastic....not too hot and humid (was there about 2 weeks ago).

They opened up a new upscale mall area close to the airport..but not too good ..going into town is a bit hectic.

 

[JP Tod]

^^ no, this one is in Ixtapa. I believe it used to be a Westin, but was recently acquired by the Las Brisas group.

Never been there, myself, but it sounds pretty good. Speaking as a Chicagoan, even hot and humid weather would be preferable to what we've had for the past few weeks.

 

[Xericx]

cool, same general vicinity. surprisingly not a lot of mosquitos, which was a big plus.

DO you know spanish? Sometimes there are lots of misinterpretations, even dealing with people who speak good English down in Mexico. Service ain't the greatest, at least in my experience....my advice is to appear pretty laid back and friendly...I would probably leave the money out of view until an upgrade is secured but verbally indicate that one is available (if you can upgrade me, it will be worth your while)...in this situation, I'd feel more comfortable slipping a C-note (or even better, 20s as it may be easier for them to change it versus a 100)...it may appear as a bribe (which it is, in essence).... the "go-getter" mentality doesn't seem to go that well in the beach resort areas.

 

[Gus]

Ixtapa is a wonderful place. To add to your trip take a cab over to a resort in Ziha some afternoon and stay until late in the evening. I recommend either The Tides (best beach), Amuleto (best view) and small or La Casa Que Canta (the most elegant). Zihuatanejo is still a charming fishing village without the massive hotels of Ixtapa.

But back to the OP's topic. I would have a $20 handy, upon checking in, I would hand it to the clerk, smile (very important) tell him/her you are happy to be here and ask "do you have any upgrades available". If they say "no" you are only out $20 and just smile and accept whatever they say.

 

[MaxJ360]

Yes it will get you a upgrade.


-That is all.

 

[JP Tod]

Just wanted to give a quick update on this thread I started. After the desk agent told me which room he was giving us (12th floor - which was barely above the tree line), I smiled and asked about any possible upgrades, which discretely showing a $20 bill in my hand.

Unfortunately, it didn't really work. Apparently, all of the rooms are basically the same except for Jr. Suites (which he offered us for an additional $200/nt). He did offer a slight bump by moving us to the 15th floor.

FWIW, we had a great time and I highly recommend the Las Brisas in Ixtapa. We did end up spending a lot of time in Zihua. The GF wants to stay there next year.

Jeez, it sucks to be back in Chicago....

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by JP Tod

Just wanted to give a quick update on this thread I started. After the desk agent told me which room he was giving us (12th floor - which was barely above the tree line), I smiled and asked about any possible upgrades, which discretely showing a $20 bill in my hand.

Unfortunately, it didn't really work. Apparently, all of the rooms are basically the same except for Jr. Suites (which he offered us for an additional $200/nt). He did offer a slight bump by moving us to the 15th floor.

FWIW, we had a great time and I highly recommend the Las Brisas in Ixtapa. We did end up spending a lot of time in Zihua. The GF wants to stay there next year.

Jeez, it sucks to be back in Chicago....

Ever thought of an Amex Platinum? Upgrades galore, along with other perks.

 

[savvyibd]

Who posted this on FT? Or vice versa?