Just how do you go about asking for a room upgrade, and are upgrades always understood to be free by definition?

I've read that tipping the registration clerk $10 or so is a good idea. But....do you walk up to the registration desk with the $10 in hand and ask while offering the money to the person, or wait and see if you are offered an upgrade and then give the money along with a thanks? Thanks for any input.

ask for a high room strip view

no tip needed

In fact I have gone to the area of the hotel I wished to stay at and noted a preferable room number

Fold a $20 twice. Place it under your license/cc with the corner sticking out. When the clerk asks for your credentials, as you slide them toward him/her, ask if there's any chance of being upgraded to a suite today. If they say yes, it will cost $xx, then take your $20 and put it back in your pocket and decide if you want to pay. If they say no problem we have one available for you, then just slide the license/cc/$20 toward the clerk all together and say than you very much. Ask specifically for a suite. Better views aren't worth it in my opinion, many hotels will give them just for asking.

That's pretty much the way to do it. You can also try mentioning that you have been planning the trip for some time, that you are celebrating an anniversary or a promotion and that you are very happy to be there and that it would really make your day if they could find any way to put you in a better room.

Upgrades are NOT free by any definition, and 10 will get you nowhere nearer to a suite.

If you approach the right person, act nicely, smile and politely ask if a better room is available (and the hotel is not full), you have a pretty good chance of being upgraded.

Good luck!

I think I'm learning. No need to pay for a better view -- think suite, think $20 as opposed to $10, be polite and act happy to be there. Thanks to all.

Hmmmm, think I'll try that. I'm thinking of Vegas for my 40th b-day bash and the last time I was in Las Vegas was 18 years ago!