Does anybody know the chances of getting an upgrade at the Bellagio in December. As far as we can figure that is a slower time. Thanks.

The 'ol twenty tucked under the credit card at check-in has been known to work wonders.

I have no problem tipping the front desk host/hostess for their service. Do they have the authotity to say, bump me up to a suite if there are some available. Hoping pre Christmas there should be.

I would also like to hear from, perhaps, a front desk person....please let us know!

Does anyone know?

It usually works if you just ask when you check in. No big secret. Just ask.

Well I'll disagree with simple.
Free upgrades only work when the hotel has a relatively large amount of vacancy.
Early/mid December can be a good time for vacancy.
But if you go on a busy weekend to Bellagio you can forget about a free upgrade.

The beginning of December is Rodeo week. Packed.

When I worked at a hotel, we would get fired if we upgraded someone in exchange for a "bribe" and the managers reviewed "upgrades" on a daily basis. Only if the hotel got the extra revenue was it okay and even then $20 wouldn't do it.

The whole trick is in the way you ask. If you say something along the lines of "here's my 20, give me my upgrade", you are going to get laughed at, and placed on a low floor, with a nice parking lot view, next to the laundry, in a smoking room.

Now, if you are polite, smile, LOOK AROUND for someone that looks nice BEFORE lining up and mention that you are celebrating something special, your chances increase.

Mention that you are celebrating something (that has worked for me), and that you would appreciate all efforts to place you in the nicest room possible. At this point, make sure that your credit card is in your hand covering a $20 bill, but also making sure that the front desk person can see the bill.

And remember, as anything in Vegas, this is a gamble. Maybe your 20 will get you a suite; maybe it will get you a room with a view; maybe a bottle of champagne; maybe nothing.

Oh, and obviously it depends A LOT on how full the hotel is during your stay.

I recently posted here about a special I received in the mail for Bellagio until mid February. In addition to special room prices, there were special prices on the suites. I didn't keep the information, but if you do a search here under "Bellagio" you should find the special code and number to call and check. With the special offers, who knows if they will also be offering free upgrades or if the better rooms/suites will be available.