We checked in at about 10pm on a Friday night. There were two front desk employees working, I was hoping to get the older filipino lady( I have a lot of Filipino friends and I thought I could use that as an advantage) I ended up with the younger Hispanic lady. I told her my name, she asked for my ID, and credit card, I handed it to her while holding a $20 bill in my hand. I asked if there were any COMPLIMENTARY upgrades, she smiled, and said she would see what they had available. She ended up upgrading us to a room that was three levels higher than what we reserved. It wasn’t facing the strip but, it had a special elevator that went from the lobby, to the 30th floor and above, which ended up being super convenient not having to wait with the people on the lower floors. I felt like a high roller. We had a GREAT 1st anniversary thanks to the sandwich trick!

Couldn’t target the young guy I wanted to talk to, got a 40-something woman from the Philippines.
I gave her my friend’s ID cause the room was in his name, then I gave her my sandwich w/ my ID & CC, saying I wanted to put the resort fee on my card.
When I handed the sandwich, I asked if there were any complimentary room upgrades available, and she said no first without looking at the computer. she said that all the spa suites were booked because of the Lady Gaga and Rush concerts that weekend. She checked on the computer, too. I even leaned over the counter and nudged my CC so that the $20 was more visible. She just ran all the info and then handed back the cards & $20 without ever acknowledging the money. Totally ignored it. FAIL

Checked in about 4pm on Saturday, there was a very short line, maybe 2 people in front of us. I didn’t target a clerk, just figured it was worth trying with anyone. Handed the sandwich to a female clerk in her early 40’s. She moved the license and the bill fell out in front of her. She said in a surprised voice “oh, is that for me?” I said yes and asked for an upgrade, she checked the computer and offered a spa suite if we were ok with a smoking room. Well worth the $20 and made up for the crummy weather this weekend since we could more or less hit the pool in our room.

This front desk clerk literally popped up from behind the counter. it was weird. Anyways, he was about 5′ 10 ish, i’d say about 35, dark hair going gray, glasses. Very nice gentleman. Anyways, we didnt have a choice on which clerk to approach as there was a line. right when i saw him, i knew i could get an upgrade out of him. I handed over the sandwich and asked if there were any complimentary upgrades. Once he noticed the cash, he smiled, handed it back and said “Welcome to Las Vegas”. He advised he would be able to accept the tip if he as able to get us the upgrade… he typed for a while in the computer, and got us a room on the 15th floor with a strip view, close to everything but in the quiet part of the hotel,( all at no additional cost). I then discretely handed him back the $20 and thanked him for his efforts and the upgrade.

We targeted a younger woman at around 4pm and gave her the sandwich. At first she was confused. I explained I was interested in comped upgrades and we ended up with a booklet good for some free drinks, free morning paper and a upgrade to the next level room with a strip view.

Got in after midnight. Only 3 people ahead of us and the line went quick. Gave the clerk my credit card and drivers license, but had the money in my hand. My wife asked if there were any available upgrades. I added, free upgrades. He checked and said he had one, but it was a smoking room. We took it and luckily it didn’t smell bad at all. He even threw in a bunch of free drink coupons. At the end of the transaction, I thanked him with the $40. Was my first time asking and it worked beautifully!

Arrived around 4pm on a Friday. Place looked packed. Made the 20 visible to her and she told me she couldn’t that if I wanted to upgrade I had to pay the normal rate. Booked a broadway deluxe room, all I wanted was a strip view but couldn’t get it. Will try again next time!

Flight arrived late – after 11 PM – though this would be good for an upgrade – stood in line for over an hour only two clerks working the check-in line – approached available clerk – presented the sandwich with a $50 for upgrade – asked if any were available – told nothing was available – saw the 50 – looked at me upset – said she could place me in a smoking room – passed – room we received had a great view of the backside of the same hotel – service from front desk on was poor – did not even gamble here – will stay at TI next trip

Checked in late 11 pm – waited in line 90 minutes – only one clerk having a bad night – asked for complimentary upgrade none available – used the 50 trick – just looked at me and said no upgrades available – will not be staying at NYNY again – won’t even gamble here – had better luck at TI last trip

Handed the sandwich over. Clerk immediately pushed the twenty back and said thanks. Asked for any available upgrades, he said they were available, but I would have to pay. He made me feel like I farted in church. I’m not doing this again here.