Vegas Casinos - Can you dicker on room rates?

Boner_18 · 04-17-09, 09:17 AM

I have been getting snail mail and email from Wynn properties (I stayed there once a while back). The promo (obviously a public promo search the web or something) is $129 a night and a free $75 slot/video poker credit. I plugged in some nights just to see what the promo is really about and it seems pretty solid. Of course weekends are more (159 I think) and there are some blackouts. Considering that a roundtrip to vegas is ~300 from here and a night at Mohegan Sun is 450-550 this is not bad.

As for dickering, I have found (even in good times) that the best way to do it is in person and after you are locked in (guess thats not dickering). For example, book your three nights for $129 and when you check in give the check in guy a $50 handshake asking if there is anything to do to get you the next class up in room. If they are not booked, they will always bite, if not you might lose your 50.

PuckOff · 04-17-09, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by Boner_18

I have been getting snail mail and email from Wynn properties (I stayed there once a while back). The promo (obviously a public promo search the web or something) is $129 a night and a free $75 slot/video poker credit. I plugged in some nights just to see what the promo is really about and it seems pretty solid. Of course weekends are more (159 I think) and there are some blackouts. Considering that a roundtrip to vegas is ~300 from here and a night at Mohegan Sun is 450-550 this is not bad.

As for dickering, I have found (even in good times) that the best way to do it is in person and after you are locked in (guess thats not dickering). For example, book your three nights for $129 and when you check in give the check in guy a $50 handshake asking if there is anything to do to get you the next class up in room. If they are not booked, they will always bite, if not you might lose your 50.

I actually always wondered about this boner. That is slipping a few dollars to the check in person. I wondered if they are really allowed to do this. I mean they are on camera and taking money so this seems like a huge gamble (possible job termination/reprimand) for the check in person. I know I have read about it so it assume it must be done discreetly.

Boner_18 · 04-17-09, 09:45 AM

Done it before twice. At the Bellagio to get a fountain view room (more expensive I believe) and at the Wynn to get a panoramic view room (I know this is a class up). When I first did it at the Bellagio I was very non-discreet, didn't even do a handshake just plopped the fifty on the counter and kept my hand on it and asked "Is there any way I could perhaps get a fountain view room if there is one available?" Guy promptly took the $50 and said "Oh, I think we can do that."

I'd be willing to bet there is an official policy on this, like they are allowed to bump up 25% of their unbooked inventory or something. And when I think about it, it does play into the whole Vegas attitude of making you feel like a high roller... I came back home and told everyone of how awesome it was that I greased the wheels and got something... I could be wrong.

PuckOff · 04-17-09, 10:02 AM

Thanks Boner....you're a good kid.

Willie Bee · 04-17-09, 10:21 AM

You can dicker at the desk
then again after rest
you can dicker on the table
and then once more if you're able
on the floor or in the hall
and here's the best place of them all
hanging from a ceiling fan
you can dicker if you're a man.

RogueJuror · 04-17-09, 10:24 AM

tio willie you've been hitting the tequila bottle this morning

Willie Bee · 04-17-09, 10:24 AM

Yo deseo, RJ, yo deseo.

RogueJuror · 04-17-09, 10:32 AM

tio willie me tienes que llamar uno de estos dias, quiero oir tu español

donjuan · 04-17-09, 10:43 AM

Mi nivel de hablar español ha bajado mucho en el año pasado.

RogueJuror · 04-17-09, 11:02 AM

vacano donny, no sabia que lo hablabas, tenes que irlo a practicar aya donde esta durito

Willie Bee · 04-17-09, 11:09 AM

Originally posted by RogueJuror

tio willie me tienes que llamar uno de estos dias, quiero oir tu español

I sound a lot like a country hick trying to speak it, RJ. My español is a combination of TexMex from my abuelito and bits and pieces from my Cuban cuñado.

BadNina · 04-17-09, 11:23 AM

but the important thing is you taught me to cuss fluently.

RealSlimShady · 04-17-09, 12:44 PM

Tip $20-50 at the front desk when you are checking in and you usually can get a nice upgrade. Works unless the hotel is fully booked.

PuckOff · 04-17-09, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by RealSlimShady

Tip $20-50 at the front desk when you are checking in and you usually can get a nice upgrade. Works unless the hotel is fully booked.

Thank you Slimmer!!!

RealSlimShady · 04-17-09, 02:26 PM

Make sure you give the tip before the person assigns you the room. Do it at the same time you hand them your credit card for charges and incidentals. Ask if there are any complimentary upgrades and slip the $ to them along with your ID and CC.

InTheHole · 05-10-09, 12:34 AM

good thread. thanx for the info

unknown Gambler · 05-10-09, 12:50 AM

Originally posted by PuckOff

Since times are tough in Vegas I am wondering if some strip Casinos will discount their rates if you call them and ask for a discount. I tried TI and they wouldn't go for it which I found a little strange since all I hear is that the casinos in Vegas are hurting. I checked across the street at The Wynn and Palozzo and am shocked that they are not offering discounts.

Has anyone heard of certain Casinos dropping their rates to get you in the door and spend some cash on their property? Will nightclubs also waive or discount their insane cover charges to get you in the door to spend money on their overpriced drinks?

many casinos will give you a serious break in price if you tell them you want a poker rate.

Foxwoods, the taj ,the borgatta for sure in vegas the Orleans and many others.

always ask for the poker rate.

Todd2122 · 05-10-09, 01:22 AM

This is a great thread. If you want to save money in Vegas, it definitely takes effort, but can be worth it. Always ask, ask, ask. At the sportsbook, always ask for drink tickets after making a bet. Even if you don't want to drink, you can use them later or give them to a buddy. When gambling, use a casino card. No matter how much you gamble, always ask what comps you can get from the pit boss. Plus, always use any free gambling coupons your hotel gives you. It will easily make up for the normal vigorish.

Justin7 · 05-10-09, 09:57 AM

It's pretty easy to get free rooms, especially in this economy. If you play Blackjack - averaging $50/hand for a few hours, you can get all sorts of things - you don't have to be a high roller.

20Four7 · 05-10-09, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by unknown Gambler

many casinos will give you a serious break in price if you tell them you want a poker rate.

Foxwoods, the taj ,the borgatta for sure in vegas the Orleans and many others.

always ask for the poker rate.

My buddy and I were thinking of going to AC for 10 days to play poker. After looking at the room rates in AC I was going to fly to vegas instead cuz I know I can stay at the excaliber for about $25 a night. I may phone the borgatta and ask about the poker rate now.

TheLock · 05-10-09, 02:06 PM

$20 trick at check in does wonders.

On your next trip play a lot of black jack/slots (get rated at BJ and get players card for slots).

The offers will start flying in via the mail in a few months.

LVHerbie · 05-10-09, 04:44 PM

http://www.thetwentydollartrick.com/