10th Anniversary - The Orleans - How Do I Ask For an Upgrade?

My wife and I are heading out for a couple of days at the end of April for our 10th wedding anniversary and are staying at The Orleans. We got 2 free nights comped. I am wondering a couple of things...

1. How do I go about asking for an upgrade when I check in? I would love it if I could surprise the wife and get a nicer room for us.
2. How much do I tip? Is $20 enough? $50?
3. Does this actually work? Is there anyone out there that has actually given money when checking in and gotten an upgrade on their rooms?

Just curious as to everyone's thoughts and if this still actually works. Someone said I may have a better chance since it isn't a strip casino. I figure it is worth a shot....but don't want to be out $20-$50 before I even start to gamble if they take my money and don't upgrade me!

I've stayed at Orleans many times, but only in their regular rooms. I believe their next "higher" room is a suite, so that's what you'd be asking for. If you're their during the week, you might just a have a chance. One time my sister and I both had rooms reserved. When we checked in I said we'd be willing to take a 2-bedroom suite instead. They actually looked, but unfortunately it was duing the rodeo and all the suites were taken. I would just tell them it's your anniversary and ask for a complimentary upgrade to a suite. The worst they can do is say no. Good Luck!

- Linda in TX

The Orleans is one of the hardest hotels to utilize the $20 trick. I think they have strict policies against it.

My experience with upgrading at the Orleans is just to ask at the front desk. They will allow you to upgrade your room for an additional nightly price. That price will vary based upon availability and the other variables hotels use for pricing. The price they quoted me for one of their suites was about $20 less/night than the internet booking price (both times I tried). I passed both times.

Keep in mind this is coming from someone that is not on their player's club radar screen. If you have a relationship with the host and a good playing record then you would want to talk with him/her.

Say the following to the prettiest check in clerk you can find:

Hello darlin'. We're here to check in. My wife, here (nod towards your wife), and I are a celebratin' our 10 year anniversary of wedded bliss. Why, it seems like only yesterday we were celebrating our honeymoon. (Look lovingly at your wife. It would help if your wife blushes a little.) Is there some way you could upgrade to us to somethin' fancy? We sure would appreciate it.

The following 3 things have happened to me:

1. Let me look. Oh, yes, I found you a nice room. Here are your keys.

I find it kind of tacky to ask about the room. So I just take the keys and enjoy the anticipation on the journey to the room. Most times it's something good. Sometimes it's not.

2. Let me look. Well, we have a nice suite available for only $xx extra a night...

Then you have to decide if it's worth it to you. Sometimes if you hem and haw enough they'll give it to you for free.

3. Let me look. Well, we have a nice suite available. (cough) I could probably let you have it as a complementary upgrade. (hmmm) Let me check that I can do that. (wink-wink)

You throw the clerk a $20, say thank-you, take the keys and go.

I have a better idea. Just get checked into any room but don't unpack. If you can stay up past 10 pm, call the front desk and tell them you are getting bitten by bedbugs. This actually happened to me when the Orleans first opened. They will immediately send a bellman up to your room and if you get lucky....set you up with a suite. It helps if the hotel is almost sold out since they will be forced to set you up in a suite. If you get on the elevator and the bellman punches the 20-21st floor, you know you got lucky!

I'm not trying to be a smart ass with this reply. Have you considered calling a host and explaining you have a comp offer but would like to upgrade it to a suite. If they don't upgrade you for free they may tell you what price will get you the desired upgrade. If a suite matters to you for this special date don't leave it to chance, take the bull by the horns and upgrade before arriving.

Not at Orleans, however, I was just with relatives celebrating their anniversary who checked into a room at Paris. Chatty Cathy proceeded to tell the Associate they were celebrating their anniversary and casually asked about an upgrade. Front desk associate said let me see where they have you. We have you in a nice room, 18th floor with a fountain view fairly close to the elevator. Okay. Front desk associate said she'd be right back and gave them a little gift, a piece of cake for 2.

Just ask nicely. Upgrades depend on availability and the number of players in the house.

Agree with all, and don't even think about $50! $20 is way plenty.

Thank you all for the responses! I talked to someone I work with as well and he suggested I call my casino host. Worst he can do is say 'no' and if he does then I can still ask at the desk when I check in. Hopefully something will work......

Love this message board and the quick responses we get. LVA is great to read too!

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