Discussion
Very good as you know all suites so you get coffee machine, fridge, dishwasher, 2 TVs massive bathroom, electric blinds etc, good for eating in if you just want a snack or cereal for breakfast. Take a couple of wash tabs and fabric softner with you, take advantage of the washer and drier in your room.
At Vdara to get about, walk through to Bellagio and catch the free monorail to Crystals, from there you can walk or get the deuce bus further afield.
At Vdara to get about, walk through to Bellagio and catch the free monorail to Crystals, from there you can walk or get the deuce bus further afield.
Have been to Vegas approximately 40 times.
First, $20 won't get you a room upgrade, especially for a 10 night stay. You could try $50 or $100, and ask for something with "a little more space" but KNOW YOUR ROOM CATEGORIES! A better view is NOT an upgrade! If they don't give you a decent upgrade TAKE YOUR MONEY BACK!
Stay at palazzo as opposed to Venetian, its basically the same property but palazzo is newer, Venetian rooms are looking fairly ratty now.
Id much rather stay at the wynn/encore if prices are similar. And I mean by a huge margin.
Get a cheaper rate by checking promo codes at www.smartervegas.com some nights might price differently on the hotel site with/without promo code, so make 2 bookings and at checkin stitch them together.
If you're easy about getting a decent car but not concerned about specific models, book the cheapest car hertz have, and upgrade on the day for specials. Can't remember the exact prices but a c63 was about 200 a day etc...
First, $20 won't get you a room upgrade, especially for a 10 night stay. You could try $50 or $100, and ask for something with "a little more space" but KNOW YOUR ROOM CATEGORIES! A better view is NOT an upgrade! If they don't give you a decent upgrade TAKE YOUR MONEY BACK!
Stay at palazzo as opposed to Venetian, its basically the same property but palazzo is newer, Venetian rooms are looking fairly ratty now.
Id much rather stay at the wynn/encore if prices are similar. And I mean by a huge margin.
Get a cheaper rate by checking promo codes at www.smartervegas.com some nights might price differently on the hotel site with/without promo code, so make 2 bookings and at checkin stitch them together.
If you're easy about getting a decent car but not concerned about specific models, book the cheapest car hertz have, and upgrade on the day for specials. Can't remember the exact prices but a c63 was about 200 a day etc...
Salesy said:
I second that. We did their breakfast buffet $18 with unlimited drinks. ($25 if you wanted champagne) Lovely food. very much like the cheesecake factory.
That's because it is the Cheesecake Factory, they just badge it differently in the casino! Great food though agreed.JulianHJ said:
Hertz currently have new M5s and at least one Ferrari California at McCarran. I enquired about the M5, and was given a ballpark figure of '$499 a day' by counter staff a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure that's open to negotiation, but far too steep for me!
Yeah they are very open to negotiation, off the top of my head they had boxters, 911s, cayennes, merc c63s, a few ML, the vette, and the Ferrari California, that's technically not theirs, I believe it belongs to Beverly Hills dream cars or something like that. They want $1500 a day for it, and also rent it for half days! I think they initially quoted me 400 a day for the c63, but almost instantly dropped it to 200, wasn't interested since I have one, I was just curious. I think the best value is probably the vette, I think you can get that for about $100 a daySounds good guys - will check it all out.
As for the $20 dollar trick - there are loads of reviews on-line showing that people have successfully used it at the Ventian for a room upgrade - I will definitely try it but given we're in the Palazzo I trust that we will be pleased with our room anyway (not that we plan to be in it much!) :-)
As for the $20 dollar trick - there are loads of reviews on-line showing that people have successfully used it at the Ventian for a room upgrade - I will definitely try it but given we're in the Palazzo I trust that we will be pleased with our room anyway (not that we plan to be in it much!) :-)
the problem is with those people is that a lot of them haven't done their homework, they think they've got an upgrade when the check in agent says they've given them a better view (which some hotels do charge extra for) but the room is the same and they might have got that room anyway. Read the reviews carefully and see that half of them say "oooh we got a room high up with a view, and a voucher booklet for discount pizza". Very very few are legit room upgrades. Look up the room you've booked online, and then check what is the next category in size from that. When you slide the money over (under the credit card) ask specifically by name for that room.
The other thing to note, is that a bump up for room upgrades is much much easier on short stays, like midweek for a couple of days, a 10 day trip is long and much much harder to swing, so on longer stays always use more, just think of the average over the trip, do you really think that $2 a day is going to get you a kick ass suite? I'd also play the "we're here to get married" card.
-these kickbacks are generally well regimented also, with either staff pooling them and/or supervisors taking a cut also.
Edit: sorry in case there was ambiguity in my earlier post, the bribe works, my original post might have made it look like it doesn't. Im just saying the $20 trick isn't $20 anymore, and especially for a trip that long!
The other thing to note, is that a bump up for room upgrades is much much easier on short stays, like midweek for a couple of days, a 10 day trip is long and much much harder to swing, so on longer stays always use more, just think of the average over the trip, do you really think that $2 a day is going to get you a kick ass suite? I'd also play the "we're here to get married" card.
-these kickbacks are generally well regimented also, with either staff pooling them and/or supervisors taking a cut also.
Edit: sorry in case there was ambiguity in my earlier post, the bribe works, my original post might have made it look like it doesn't. Im just saying the $20 trick isn't $20 anymore, and especially for a trip that long!
Edited by HotJambalaya on Thursday 10th April 13:25
im off to the vdara for 10 nights at the start of may really looking forward to it not sure what im going to end up with car wise but booked a Cadillac cts but we have a jeep for a bit of dirt road/offroading in death valley
only booked a lowly vdara suite you think any chance of getting a hospitality suite
all the other rooms are the same size 811sqft
only booked a lowly vdara suite you think any chance of getting a hospitality suite
all the other rooms are the same size 811sqft Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Thursday 10th April 16:16
always worth a try!
I'm not sure what the deal is with panoramic suites at Vdara, they're the same size as a regular room, but appear nicer. If you fancied your chances getting the bigger suites theres another avenue.
Vdara is a condo hotel, so the rooms are owned by individuals and operated as a hotel with owners and the hotel splitting the money. Lots of the owners rent out their rooms privately at a cheaper rate then the hotel offers.
You can check www.vrbo.com and search Vdara
http://www.vrbo.com/3653800ha is a 2 bed suite, its being operated by a company that pools units from owners and rents them out, I'd email them and see how much they offer it for. You could also get a regular room from them for cheaper, but then bare in mind that this would not be upgradable by the hotel at checkin, because you're in a specific room.
If not just check http://www.smartervegas.com/hotels/vdara/promotion... and get a cheap room, and tip lots on check in.
I'm not sure what the deal is with panoramic suites at Vdara, they're the same size as a regular room, but appear nicer. If you fancied your chances getting the bigger suites theres another avenue.
Vdara is a condo hotel, so the rooms are owned by individuals and operated as a hotel with owners and the hotel splitting the money. Lots of the owners rent out their rooms privately at a cheaper rate then the hotel offers.
You can check www.vrbo.com and search Vdara
http://www.vrbo.com/3653800ha is a 2 bed suite, its being operated by a company that pools units from owners and rents them out, I'd email them and see how much they offer it for. You could also get a regular room from them for cheaper, but then bare in mind that this would not be upgradable by the hotel at checkin, because you're in a specific room.
If not just check http://www.smartervegas.com/hotels/vdara/promotion... and get a cheap room, and tip lots on check in.
HotJambalaya said:
the problem is with those people is that a lot of them haven't done their homework, they think they've got an upgrade when the check in agent says they've given them a better view (which some hotels do charge extra for) but the room is the same and they might have got that room anyway. Read the reviews carefully and see that half of them say "oooh we got a room high up with a view, and a voucher booklet for discount pizza". Very very few are legit room upgrades. Look up the room you've booked online, and then check what is the next category in size from that. When you slide the money over (under the credit card) ask specifically by name for that room.
The other thing to note, is that a bump up for room upgrades is much much easier on short stays, like midweek for a couple of days, a 10 day trip is long and much much harder to swing, so on longer stays always use more, just think of the average over the trip, do you really think that $2 a day is going to get you a kick ass suite? I'd also play the "we're here to get married" card.
-these kickbacks are generally well regimented also, with either staff pooling them and/or supervisors taking a cut also.
Edit: sorry in case there was ambiguity in my earlier post, the bribe works, my original post might have made it look like it doesn't. Im just saying the $20 trick isn't $20 anymore, and especially for a trip that long!
Thanks for this info! The other thing to note, is that a bump up for room upgrades is much much easier on short stays, like midweek for a couple of days, a 10 day trip is long and much much harder to swing, so on longer stays always use more, just think of the average over the trip, do you really think that $2 a day is going to get you a kick ass suite? I'd also play the "we're here to get married" card.
-these kickbacks are generally well regimented also, with either staff pooling them and/or supervisors taking a cut also.
Edit: sorry in case there was ambiguity in my earlier post, the bribe works, my original post might have made it look like it doesn't. Im just saying the $20 trick isn't $20 anymore, and especially for a trip that long!
Edited by HotJambalaya on Thursday 10th April 13:25
We are in a luxury suite which is the standard offering I believe. Looking at the Palazzo's website it would appear that the Fortuna suite would be the next step up.
So, hand over the money as above and say, "hi, we're hear to get married, very excited etc etc. and we were wondering if there was any chance of a comp upgrade to a fortuna suite?" I'm cringing writing it never mind saying it! (rubbish at that sort of thing) but just to clarify, $20 isn't going to cut it? If I knew 100% $50 would secure it then obviously I'd hand it over but I'm a tad concerned that they wouldn't be able to do it for us but keep the money anyway lol
Martin_M said:
So, hand over the money as above and say, "hi, we're hear to get married, very excited etc etc. and we were wondering if there was any chance of a comp upgrade to a fortuna suite?" I'm cringing writing it never mind saying it! (rubbish at that sort of thing) but just to clarify, $20 isn't going to cut it? If I knew 100% $50 would secure it then obviously I'd hand it over but I'm a tad concerned that they wouldn't be able to do it for us but keep the money anyway lol
well I'd drop it into the conversation, vegas has a heap of weddings every day, so its not that unusual, I'd say something like "we're so excited, first time here and getting married, say, any chance you can bump us up to the fortuna suite?" while you're saying that last part, put your credit card on the counter with the $50 poking out, MAKING SURE SHE SEES THE MONEY!, everyone's there for some celebration or another. $20 isn't going to cut it, try $50, but take the money back if they can't hook it up!Trustmeimadoctor said:
too late to change unfortunately its been booked for about 14 months now will just take a punt on a $100 trick
the in-laws stand a better chance as its their ruby anniversary
Pretty much every vegas hotel has cancellation up to 24 hours before with no penalty. I'd try booking the new room rate, and then just cancel the old one if it works outthe in-laws stand a better chance as its their ruby anniversary
HotJambalaya said:
Martin_M said:
So, hand over the money as above and say, "hi, we're hear to get married, very excited etc etc. and we were wondering if there was any chance of a comp upgrade to a fortuna suite?" I'm cringing writing it never mind saying it! (rubbish at that sort of thing) but just to clarify, $20 isn't going to cut it? If I knew 100% $50 would secure it then obviously I'd hand it over but I'm a tad concerned that they wouldn't be able to do it for us but keep the money anyway lol
well I'd drop it into the conversation, vegas has a heap of weddings every day, so its not that unusual, I'd say something like "we're so excited, first time here and getting married, say, any chance you can bump us up to the fortuna suite?" while you're saying that last part, put your credit card on the counter with the $50 poking out, MAKING SURE SHE SEES THE MONEY!, everyone's there for some celebration or another. $20 isn't going to cut it, try $50, but take the money back if they can't hook it up!Trustmeimadoctor said:
too late to change unfortunately its been booked for about 14 months now will just take a punt on a $100 trick
the in-laws stand a better chance as its their ruby anniversary
Pretty much every vegas hotel has cancellation up to 24 hours before with no penalty. I'd try booking the new room rate, and then just cancel the old one if it works outthe in-laws stand a better chance as its their ruby anniversary
HotJambalaya said:
A better view is NOT an upgrade! If they don't give you a decent upgrade TAKE YOUR MONEY BACK!
HotJambalaya said:
they think they've got an upgrade when the check in agent says they've given them a better view (which some hotels do charge extra for)
If the $20 trick gets you a view that you'd otherwise be charged a premium for, how is that not an upgrade?More to it than just floor space IMHO.
Martin_M said:
We put in 4 special requests with BA - no smoking room, high floor, strip view and late check-out. I hadn't really considered whether these would be regarded as 'upgrades' or not.
Thing is whilst BA may not consider them genuine upgrades, if it gets you more than you were expecting that can't be a bad thing.Definitely getting a room with a view that you may otherwise only get through pure luck can, depending on your priorities, be worth the extra.
To my mind, the "upgrade" principle is much like an upfront tip.
Crossflow Kid said:
If the $20 trick gets you a view that you'd otherwise be charged a premium for, how is that not an upgrade?
More to it than just floor space IMHO.
Depends I guess, they try selling a better view room online, but if no one selects them, then they're just given out as the room category that you've have had anyway. I think some hotels fill the no view rooms first trying to upsell decent view rooms. Lots of people believe that checking in late will get you a better room, with a higher chance of a tip securing an upgrade. More to it than just floor space IMHO.
Martin_M said:
We put in 4 special requests with BA - no smoking room, high floor, strip view and late check-out. I hadn't really considered whether these would be regarded as 'upgrades' or not.
Rooms are allocated on arrival, so won't make any difference. Late check out you'll have to call on the day of check out also.I really wouldn't stress too much about rooms, in vegas they're there for passing out comatose, if you're spending enough time in it to make a huge difference, you're doing vegas wrong.
Another thing, if you have a car Palazzo is one of the few hotels were I don't valet park. They take ages to get the car, and the self park is closer to the main elevators.
HotJambalaya said:
Martin_M said:
We put in 4 special requests with BA - no smoking room, high floor, strip view and late check-out. I hadn't really considered whether these would be regarded as 'upgrades' or not.
Rooms are allocated on arrival, so won't make any difference.A guest expresses certain preferences and you're suggesting the hotel and/or tour operator just ignores it all and gives them whatever's next? I thought the US was meant to be the home of customer service...
If a room is specified as having a Strip view, I can't quite see how the hotel can then offer much else without incurring some kind of negative feedback.
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