tipping for a better room
Jul 9th, 2008, 12:14 PM
#41
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dmlove,
I would assume it to be illegal to give away a more expensive car since the owner of the car dealership does not give the salesperson the authority to "upgrade" any customer to a nicer car at no charge - at least I've never heard of it happening. if one gives away something that is not theirs to give, that is illegal.
However, as is documented by previous posters, not only is it a standard practice but at many hotels it is at the desk clerk's discretion to give away free upgrades to nicer rooms.
I would assume it to be illegal to give away a more expensive car since the owner of the car dealership does not give the salesperson the authority to "upgrade" any customer to a nicer car at no charge - at least I've never heard of it happening. if one gives away something that is not theirs to give, that is illegal.
However, as is documented by previous posters, not only is it a standard practice but at many hotels it is at the desk clerk's discretion to give away free upgrades to nicer rooms.
Jul 9th, 2008, 12:54 PM
#42
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Got it. It would be "illegal" for the hotel clerk to give away the hotel room, too, unless the front desk clerk is authorized to do so by the hotel owner/manager. I was just pointing out once again that it has nothing to do with the cost of the product, but with the authority of the person exercising the discretion to give away the owner's product.
Jul 9th, 2008, 05:15 PM
#43
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Author: goddesstogo
Date: 07/09/2008, 03:49 pm
If you would would not offer the check-in clerk $20 tip/bribe for a potential upgrade, would you still be willing to take it from that very same person for free, even knowing that the guy next in line was going to pay full price?
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1. I would not offer the bribe/tip because I wouldn't be sure if the hotel and workers frowned on such things. If I knew it was acceptable behavior at that establishment, that would resolve that dilemma, however it still would not solve the following:
2. What if there was no room available? Am I then going to ask for my 20 bucks back?
3. I would accept the free upgrade because I would assume that that is an acceptable offer from the clerk and hotel. If I thought it wasn't, I wouldn't accept it.
Date: 07/09/2008, 03:49 pm
If you would would not offer the check-in clerk $20 tip/bribe for a potential upgrade, would you still be willing to take it from that very same person for free, even knowing that the guy next in line was going to pay full price?
***********************************
1. I would not offer the bribe/tip because I wouldn't be sure if the hotel and workers frowned on such things. If I knew it was acceptable behavior at that establishment, that would resolve that dilemma, however it still would not solve the following:
2. What if there was no room available? Am I then going to ask for my 20 bucks back?
3. I would accept the free upgrade because I would assume that that is an acceptable offer from the clerk and hotel. If I thought it wasn't, I wouldn't accept it.
Jul 9th, 2008, 05:43 PM
#44
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Hi T&G,
Thanks for your response. Let me ask my questions in order of your answers:
1. Are you saying that if you knew it was acceptable you would then offer the tip/bribe in the hopes of an upgrade? To be honest, I've never tried it. But I think that if the hotel had a strict policy, probably the clerk would let you know that.
2. Since, as I say, I've never tried it, I've always assumed that the clerk would decline the money and say there are no rooms available.
3. I'd accept the free upgrade too, but it's still not fair. Someone else has paid full price for the same room. At least with the tip/bribe, the clerk is getting something from it.
As I say, I've never tried it. I don't think I have any kind or moral or ethical position against trying, though.
Thanks for your response. Let me ask my questions in order of your answers:
1. Are you saying that if you knew it was acceptable you would then offer the tip/bribe in the hopes of an upgrade? To be honest, I've never tried it. But I think that if the hotel had a strict policy, probably the clerk would let you know that.
2. Since, as I say, I've never tried it, I've always assumed that the clerk would decline the money and say there are no rooms available.
3. I'd accept the free upgrade too, but it's still not fair. Someone else has paid full price for the same room. At least with the tip/bribe, the clerk is getting something from it.
As I say, I've never tried it. I don't think I have any kind or moral or ethical position against trying, though.
Jul 9th, 2008, 05:44 PM
#45
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Hi T&G,
Thanks for your response. Let me ask my questions in order of your answers:
1. Are you saying that if you knew it was acceptable you would then offer the tip/bribe in the hopes of an upgrade? To be honest, I've never tried it. But I think that if the hotel had a strict policy, probably the clerk would let you know that.
2. Since, as I say, I've never tried it, I've always assumed that the clerk would decline the money and say there are no rooms available.
3. I'd accept the free upgrade too, but it's still not fair. Someone else has paid full price for the same room. At least with the tip/bribe, the clerk is getting something from it.
I've never been tempted to give a tip/bribe. I don't think I have any kind or moral or ethical position against trying, though.
Thanks for your response. Let me ask my questions in order of your answers:
1. Are you saying that if you knew it was acceptable you would then offer the tip/bribe in the hopes of an upgrade? To be honest, I've never tried it. But I think that if the hotel had a strict policy, probably the clerk would let you know that.
2. Since, as I say, I've never tried it, I've always assumed that the clerk would decline the money and say there are no rooms available.
3. I'd accept the free upgrade too, but it's still not fair. Someone else has paid full price for the same room. At least with the tip/bribe, the clerk is getting something from it.
I've never been tempted to give a tip/bribe. I don't think I have any kind or moral or ethical position against trying, though.
Jul 9th, 2008, 06:11 PM
#46
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You fold a $20 bill in fourths, hold it with the denomination showing, look the person in the eye, and pleasantly ask . . " Any chance of an upgrade ( earlier reservation . . whatever ) . .
The clerk/reservationist looks at what you have in your hand and replies . . either positively or negatively . . and either takes the bill or not.
It is easy to do, without drawing attention and with no chance of embarassment.
All very low key and understated. .
It either works or not. If it works, you got a room that would otherwise go vacant, if it does not, you get the room you were originally assigned.
The clerk/reservationist looks at what you have in your hand and replies . . either positively or negatively . . and either takes the bill or not.
It is easy to do, without drawing attention and with no chance of embarassment.
All very low key and understated. .
It either works or not. If it works, you got a room that would otherwise go vacant, if it does not, you get the room you were originally assigned.
Jul 10th, 2008, 03:48 PM
#49
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Author: goddesstogo
Date: 07/09/2008, 09:43 pm
Hi T&G,
Thanks for your response. Let me ask my questions in order of your answers:
1. Are you saying that if you knew it was acceptable you would then offer the tip/bribe in the hopes of an upgrade? To be honest, I've never tried it. But I think that if the hotel had a strict policy, probably the clerk would let you know that.
2. Since, as I say, I've never tried it, I've always assumed that the clerk would decline the money and say there are no rooms available.
3. I'd accept the free upgrade too, but it's still not fair. Someone else has paid full price for the same room. At least with the tip/bribe, the clerk is getting something from it.
*************************
1. I would consider it. If it was acceptable practice (as it seems to be in many Vegas hotels from an article I read), then the "awkwardness" of the situation is removed.
2. I would hope the clerk would do the same thing as well, although I could see him graciously taking the 20, thanking you, looking into his computer then telling you, "sorry, no rooms available."
3. It may be unfair to the person paying the full rate, but that's how it works, and not just in hotel bookings. Sometimes you pay full price for a shirt. The next day, it goes on sale and you're out of luck. Somebody else benefits, you didn't, but you still got your shirt. Also, I'm not sure how the tip would make it up to that person? Granted, it would benefit the clerk, but the person who paid the higher rate is still out of luck.
Date: 07/09/2008, 09:43 pm
Hi T&G,
Thanks for your response. Let me ask my questions in order of your answers:
1. Are you saying that if you knew it was acceptable you would then offer the tip/bribe in the hopes of an upgrade? To be honest, I've never tried it. But I think that if the hotel had a strict policy, probably the clerk would let you know that.
2. Since, as I say, I've never tried it, I've always assumed that the clerk would decline the money and say there are no rooms available.
3. I'd accept the free upgrade too, but it's still not fair. Someone else has paid full price for the same room. At least with the tip/bribe, the clerk is getting something from it.
*************************
1. I would consider it. If it was acceptable practice (as it seems to be in many Vegas hotels from an article I read), then the "awkwardness" of the situation is removed.
2. I would hope the clerk would do the same thing as well, although I could see him graciously taking the 20, thanking you, looking into his computer then telling you, "sorry, no rooms available."
3. It may be unfair to the person paying the full rate, but that's how it works, and not just in hotel bookings. Sometimes you pay full price for a shirt. The next day, it goes on sale and you're out of luck. Somebody else benefits, you didn't, but you still got your shirt. Also, I'm not sure how the tip would make it up to that person? Granted, it would benefit the clerk, but the person who paid the higher rate is still out of luck.
Jul 10th, 2008, 04:05 PM
#50
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My brother and his wife are tall, thin, young, well dressed and he is extremely charming with the ladies. They always get free upgrades without asking.
My objection to the practice is that the people expecting the upgrades feel they are somehow entitled to them over and above someone else, due to a sense of (false) superiority. I don't believe it's fair to the people who have reserved and paid extra for that fountain view or suite.
The one time we were upgraded without asking was when we had waited in line patiently for a long time at the Bellagio and out of appreciation and apology we were given a slightly better room than we reserved.
My objection to the practice is that the people expecting the upgrades feel they are somehow entitled to them over and above someone else, due to a sense of (false) superiority. I don't believe it's fair to the people who have reserved and paid extra for that fountain view or suite.
The one time we were upgraded without asking was when we had waited in line patiently for a long time at the Bellagio and out of appreciation and apology we were given a slightly better room than we reserved.
Jul 10th, 2008, 05:31 PM
#51
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"although I could see him graciously taking the 20, thanking you, looking into his computer then telling you, "sorry, no rooms available."
That won't happen if you hold the bill with only the tip showing . . besides, they all know the game . .
"I don't believe it's fair to the people who have reserved and paid extra for that fountain view or suite."
That does not happen either . . you either get a room that would otherwise go empty or your original room. It's a game they all know well. All you do with the offer is move yourself up in the chain.
That won't happen if you hold the bill with only the tip showing . . besides, they all know the game . .
"I don't believe it's fair to the people who have reserved and paid extra for that fountain view or suite."
That does not happen either . . you either get a room that would otherwise go empty or your original room. It's a game they all know well. All you do with the offer is move yourself up in the chain.
Jul 11th, 2008, 08:27 AM
#52
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As someone whose family worked in hotels, who worked front-desk through college and now travels a great deal, I'll offer my perspective (note that this may be totally off-base in Vegas - Vegas IS its own world):
- Most of the time, the hotel will have empty rooms available, some of which are nicer than the one you booked. A clerk,often but NOT always, has the discretion to move someone to a "better" room. In my experience, the decision to do so is HEAVILY based upon the attitude and manner of the way the question was phrased - politeness, courtesy and a request vs a demand goes a long way with someone who regularly deals with snotty people who complain about things the clerk has no control over (traffic from the airport, rain, lines at check-in, etc). A smile and a politely phrased "I hope this is a nice room, as we are so excited to visit XXX" has often resulted in us getting a SLIGHTLY better room (view, higher floor, etc) - with no money changing hands. If someone had offered me a tip, I would have appreciated it and taken it, but can't say that I would have done anything more than I would have for a "nice person".
As far as the argument about fairness, please realize that in almost every transaction, there are different pricing structures - hotels offer consolidators and tour operators lower prices than the general public, seniors get discounts, etc - the name of the game in hotels is filling the rooms, so you can NEVER be sure who is paying what (for example, my husband's corporate rate at hotel chains is almost always higher than what I can find online). Same thing for Broadway theater tickets, etc. The bottom line is that you need to do your homework and ALWAYS be prepared to stay in the room you booked (unless it has a problem) - and always remember that the folks serving you deserve and appreciate being treated politely.
- Most of the time, the hotel will have empty rooms available, some of which are nicer than the one you booked. A clerk,often but NOT always, has the discretion to move someone to a "better" room. In my experience, the decision to do so is HEAVILY based upon the attitude and manner of the way the question was phrased - politeness, courtesy and a request vs a demand goes a long way with someone who regularly deals with snotty people who complain about things the clerk has no control over (traffic from the airport, rain, lines at check-in, etc). A smile and a politely phrased "I hope this is a nice room, as we are so excited to visit XXX" has often resulted in us getting a SLIGHTLY better room (view, higher floor, etc) - with no money changing hands. If someone had offered me a tip, I would have appreciated it and taken it, but can't say that I would have done anything more than I would have for a "nice person".
As far as the argument about fairness, please realize that in almost every transaction, there are different pricing structures - hotels offer consolidators and tour operators lower prices than the general public, seniors get discounts, etc - the name of the game in hotels is filling the rooms, so you can NEVER be sure who is paying what (for example, my husband's corporate rate at hotel chains is almost always higher than what I can find online). Same thing for Broadway theater tickets, etc. The bottom line is that you need to do your homework and ALWAYS be prepared to stay in the room you booked (unless it has a problem) - and always remember that the folks serving you deserve and appreciate being treated politely.
Jul 12th, 2008, 08:16 AM
#53
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Rich, Thanks for shedding the light of experience on this issue.
In my experience, the decision to do so is HEAVILY based upon the attitude and manner of the way the question was phrased - politeness, courtesy and a request vs a demand goes a long way with someone who regularly deals with snotty people who complain about things the clerk has no control over (traffic from the airport, rain, lines at check-in, etc).
So true. I learned from an unpleasant experience that it is important to be pleasant with whoever greets me upon arrival at a hotel. Even if I am tired from driving 500 miles, I pull myself together to avoid grumpiness. I travel three to four months a year, and the only time I have gotten a room I didn't want was when I got the last one available of the one I got when I "snapped" at a desk clerk.
In my experience, the decision to do so is HEAVILY based upon the attitude and manner of the way the question was phrased - politeness, courtesy and a request vs a demand goes a long way with someone who regularly deals with snotty people who complain about things the clerk has no control over (traffic from the airport, rain, lines at check-in, etc).
So true. I learned from an unpleasant experience that it is important to be pleasant with whoever greets me upon arrival at a hotel. Even if I am tired from driving 500 miles, I pull myself together to avoid grumpiness. I travel three to four months a year, and the only time I have gotten a room I didn't want was when I got the last one available of the one I got when I "snapped" at a desk clerk.
Jul 14th, 2008, 09:31 AM
#54
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Author: DellaS
Date: 07/11/2008, 12:27 pm
If someone had offered me a tip, I would have appreciated it and taken it....
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Della, I assume by tip, you mean it was offered AFTER you upgraded them to a better room? Which I can see as ok and you accepting.
But how would you have felt if they offered you the money AS THEY WERE ASKING for the upgrade, discreetly or not.
Would you have accepted it, then started seeing if you had an upgrade to offer? If so and NO upgrade was available, would you have returned the money?
Or would you have just politely refused the tip/bribe? And if so, how would that gesture have made you feel about this particular guest? Would you think him generous or sleazy?
Date: 07/11/2008, 12:27 pm
If someone had offered me a tip, I would have appreciated it and taken it....
*************************
Della, I assume by tip, you mean it was offered AFTER you upgraded them to a better room? Which I can see as ok and you accepting.
But how would you have felt if they offered you the money AS THEY WERE ASKING for the upgrade, discreetly or not.
Would you have accepted it, then started seeing if you had an upgrade to offer? If so and NO upgrade was available, would you have returned the money?
Or would you have just politely refused the tip/bribe? And if so, how would that gesture have made you feel about this particular guest? Would you think him generous or sleazy?
Jul 16th, 2008, 07:29 PM
#56
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If you book through Expedia or some other online sites, you will not be able to upgrade your room. It mostly works if you book your room directly through the hotel.
and if you play at the hotel a lot, make sure you get a players card. charge the food you eat at the hotel to your room. YOu might get a few meals comped or a discount on your room.
Good Luck!
and if you play at the hotel a lot, make sure you get a players card. charge the food you eat at the hotel to your room. YOu might get a few meals comped or a discount on your room.
Good Luck!
Jul 17th, 2008, 10:57 AM
#58
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If you book through Expedia or some other online sites, you will not be able to upgrade your room.
The one time I booked through Priceline, I got an upgrade and I didn't tip anybody--I was nice to the desk clerk.
The one time I booked through Priceline, I got an upgrade and I didn't tip anybody--I was nice to the desk clerk.
