A friend and I recently rented two rooms for six nights at the Stratosphere through PRICELINE. When it was time to check in, my friend and I approached the desk one at a time so we could check in separately. I wanted to try the $20 tip trick and didn't want to complicate matters by involving more than one room. Instead of presenting the clerk with a sandwich, I flashed and fiddled with a folded $20 bill while asking the clerk if it would be possible to get a complimentary upgrade. The clerk offered me a suite on the 22nd floor and even told me he waived the $7.50 per day resort fee. I thanked the clerk profusely and asked if it would be okay if I gave him a tip. He responded "yes" then took the $20 placed it in an envelope, wrote a number on the envelope, and put it in a drawer. It was the best $20 I ever spent. Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to mention that the Stratosphere is great. Super good value, really nice staff and nice, clean rooms. I'm serious. Great location too. The double-decker trolley stops in front of the hotel every 20 minutes and will take you to any hotel on the strip. There's also a bus (#108) that will pick you up at the airport just outside the baggage claim area and drop you off right in front of the Stratosphere.
