Paris red room upgrade question

So I plan on staying at Paris with the wife in December. Thru my total rewards I can get a standard room for $40 a night. Since December is a very slow time, does everyone recommend that I wait when i check in and try the $20 trick and go for the red room with a view of the fountains.
Thanks

I'd wait until check in. Politely ask if they have a room higher floor with a view of the fountains. Depending on who helps you, you might receive a complimentary upgrade. If not, you can always try the $20 trick. I've found that some of the peeps at the front desk are very go by the book and others will try to accommodate special requests.

I agree with Lisa. I have had some really nice upgrades just by asking.

I stayed there a couple weeks ago and checked in about 1 p.m. I asked if it was possible to get a red room and the clerk said no problem. didn't use the $20 trick only because I forgot to have it in hand. try just asking at check in, worked for me.