What is the 20 Dollar Trick at The Venetian Las Vegas?

The $20 trick refers to a clever travel hack where guests discretely slip a $20 bill sandwiched between their ID and credit card when checking in at hotels like The Venetian in hopes of scoring a free room upgrade from the front desk agent. It‘s a gamble that can pay off big, but is not guaranteed.

When executed properly, this simple act of generosity and gratitude can transform your Vegas vacation by landing you perks like complimentary suite upgrades, resort fee waivers, late checkouts, and more for just $20!

How Does The $20 Trick Actually Work?

The logic behind the $20 trick is that front desk agents and managers often have some discretion to upgrade select guests as a gesture of goodwill, especially when hotels are not at full occupancy. By subtly presenting them with a tip, you give them incentive to choose you for one of those unfilled suites or premium rooms they have available.

Think of it like tipping your waiter upfront in hopes of securing the best table in the restaurant or extra attentive service. A gamble for sure, but one that many savvy Vegas travelers have found pays off surprisingly well.

That said, there is an art to smoothly executing the trick:

• Be discrete – Sandwich a crisp $20 bill (folded longways) in between your ID and credit card as you hand them to the agent during check-in. Do not make a big deal of it.

• Be polite – Kindly inquire about any complimentary upgrades available before attempting the trick. If they say none are available, do not push the issue.

• Do not demand – Graciously accept whatever upgrade (or lack of) they provide. You are asking a favor, not buying an upgrade.

• Consider timing – Late at night and middle of the week is best when fewer guests are around. Avoid major events or holidays.

• Try multiple times – Try the trick at a few different hotels on your trip. One may turn you down while another agent bites.

• Show gratitude – Thank them sincerely if you receive an upgrade, even if not what you hoped for. Negative behavior may lose goodwill.

Now let‘s look at real experiences travelers have had using the $20 trick at The Venetian and other top Vegas hotels.

"I tried the $20 trick at check-in at the Venetian last month for my anniversary stay. Handed the agent a $20 sandwich and politely asked if any upgrades were available. She upgraded us to a beautiful 700 sq ft suite from our humdrum double queen room! Well worth the $20 gamble." – John from San Diego

"Bellagio was booked solid when I tried the trick last July. The agent smiled when he saw the $20 but regretfully said no upgrades were open. Still thanked me for thinking of him. You win some, you lose some, no hard feelings." – Mary from Philly

What Type of Upgrades Might You Score?

While scoring a free multi-room suite is rare, here are some of the more common upgrade successes travelers have seen:

As you can see, while your chances of any single upgrade type are modest, the cumulative potential value makes the $20 trick worthwhile. Even smaller upgrades like a better view or waived fees can add up to big savings.

When Are Your Odds of Success Highest?

Based on historical Vegas occupancy data, your best odds come:

• Midweek stays – Monday through Wednesday nights are far less crowded. Weekends see heavy traffic.

• July and August – Summertime heat keeps crowds down. Rates peak in March/April instead.

• Between 8-10 pm – Late night check-ins after dinner see less lobby traffic.

• Non-holiday periods – Avoid New Years, CES, March Madness and other major events.

So book your Vegas trips for hot summer weeknights and you stand the best chance of converting with the $20 trick!

Other Insider Tips for Scoring Free Vegas Hotel Upgrades

While the $20 trick is clever, here are some other hacks this Vegas expert always keeps up his sleeve:

• Use hotel loyalty programs – Sign up for MGM Resorts, Caesar‘s Rewards, and other chains. Even the basic tier status gets you special treatment.

• Book direct – Call the hotel directly rather than third-party sites for the best rates, perks, and upgrade eligibility.

• Ask, ask, ask – Inquire politely about upgrades when you book, before check-in, at check-in, and even post-check-in if unhappy. Squeaky wheel gets the grease!

• Be disarmingly kind – Kill them with kindness. Front desk agents are more likely to go the extra mile for polite, grateful guests.

• Mention special occasions – If celebrating something, let the hotel know. They often surprise birthday or anniversary couples.

• Consider length of stay – For longer stays, ask to change rooms after a few nights. Newly available upgrades may open up.

• Try lower tier hotels – Lesser known properties like The Linq allow staff more flexibility on upgrades.

Follow those tips and with a little luck, your Vegas vacation budget will stretch much further. That‘s more money freed up for shows, restaurants, shopping, and other Sin City fun!

Top 10 Free Things To Do at The Venetian Las Vegas

Beyond scoring free hotel upgrades, Las Vegas offers tons of spectacular experiences that won‘t cost you a dime, like these my favorites at The Venetian:

1. Stroll through St. Mark‘s Square and take in the talented Streetmosphere performers.
2. Ride a complimentary gondola down the Grand Canal through the lobby. A budget way to experience this activity!
3. Marvel at the giant painted ceiling modeled after the Sistine Chapel.
4. Gaze up at the painted blue sky and golden angels in the Doge‘s Palace courtyard.
5. Watch gondolas being expertly constructed at the Gondola Workshops.
6. See live actors reenact Venice‘s famous Carnivale festival in full costumes.
7. Cross the Rialto Bridge and explore the hotel‘s replicas of real Venetian landmarks.
8. Sample house-made gelato inside the Venetian‘s Gelateria cafe.
9. Snap photos kissing under the Bridge of Sighs just like in Venice.
10. Enjoy nightly lounge acts like dueling pianos and 80s rock cover bands.

With so much free entertainment, cuisine, and scenery, you can spend an entire Vegas visit immersed in the ambiance of The Venetian without spending big.

Is The Gondola Ride at The Venetian Worth It?

Gliding in an indoor gondola through the Grand Canal shops is one of the most iconic Vegas experiences, but with tickets costing $34+ per person, is this activity actually worth the splurge?

In my opinion as a Vegas insider, the Venetian gondola ride is absolutely worth doing at least once. Here‘s why:

• The craftsmanship is impressive – Hand-built gondolas, talented singers, accurate uniforms. An immersive experience.

• It‘s extremely photogenic – The canal setting indoors makes for romantic, unique pictures.

• You get serenaded in Italian! – Having a personal gondolier sing to you feels special.

• The relaxation and escape is unparalleled – A peaceful break from Vegas‘ sensory overload.

• FOMO factor – It‘s one of those things you simply have to do in Vegas at least once.

To make it more affordable, opt for a daytime ride Monday through Thursday when prices are discounted to $29/person. And use any credits you have from hotel upgrades!

While not cheap, floating under bridges in an indoor canal is a charming experience that helps justify the Vegas splurge. Grab a gelato after and make an afternoon of embracing the Italian grandeur of The Venetian.

So there you have it – inside tips on scoring free Vegas hotel upgrades, top free Venetian attractions, and whether their iconic gondola ride is worth the cost from a Vegas expert. Use these hacks and get ready to experience Sin City to the fullest while avoiding overspending! Let me know if you have any other Vegas questions!