Upgrading your hotel room can cost hundreds of dollars in between tiers. However, one traveler tested out a way to sneakily score an upgrade for just $50. Viewers debated whether the tipping theory actually works.
Ireland-based TikToker Karen Jackson (@karenjackson_7) stands in the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas lobby with her travel companion. He holds their passport with a crisp $50 in hand.
On-screen text reads, “Testing out if the $50 tip will get you a room upgrade.”
While they don’t film their interaction with hotel workers, the couple presumably gives the front desk worker the $50 tip. Then, they head up to their room.
When they open the door, they realize the tipping theory worked. Jackson shows off the room, which was upgraded to a king bed with an epic view of Las Vegas. The video reached over 1.7 million views.
Should You Tip For A Hotel Room Upgrade?
According to travelers on Tripadvisor, the $50 tipping theory has been a Las Vegas practice for years. Many suggest sandwiching the bill between their ID and credit card to be discrete. If an upgrade is available, the happy front desk worker may bump guests up into a better tier as a thank you.
Others on the r/AmexPlatinum subreddit say you don’t have to be sneaky to score an upgrade. And you might not need to part with a $50 bill.
“Yes! I always tip $50 or $100 depending on how long I’m staying and I politely ask if there are any upgrades available and I’ve never not been upgraded,” one frequent traveler shares. “I used this in Ibiza as well and they sent chocolate covered strawberries up to the room twice, this is on top of the upgrade.”
“Did this at Planet Hollywood earlier this year. Handed my credit card over with $40 cash under it and asked politely. They upgraded me from a basic room to a suite with a view of the strip,” another comments.
However, some hotel workers say they “hate” the tipping practice.
“I used to work in hotels and I honestly hated when people did this, if I’m going to be tipped I want to be tipped for good service not for a bribe. Usually I would just keep them in the exact same room and pocket the money. It’s a gamble they are taking,” one front desk worker explains.
Do Other Travelers Agree With The Tipping Theory?
Viewers worry that their tip would be happy accepted by hotel workers without getting an upgrade in return.
“With my luck, I’d hand over the $50 and no upgrades would be available,” one says.
Others say they’ve tried the tipping theory with much worse luck.
“Tried this at the cosmo and the lady handed my money back and acted like I just committed a crime,” a viewer shares.
“Caesars laughed in my face with $50. They waived the ‘early check in fee of $38’ so i was still net negative. This was a Wednesday night too,” a second says.
“They soo strict now!. You can’t get any upgrades I’ve tried at least 5 times and down -$100. Better off just paying the extra $30 a night for an upgrade,” another suggests.
However, some viewers say they regularly use the trick to get mostly free upgrades
A commenter writes, “I did this a few times. Aria was the best location for the tip!”
“Planet Hollywood specifically is great about this. I did the same thing with a $20 and got that suite as well !! Great staff, great service great experience !!” another shares.
@karenjackson_7 Testing out if the $50 tip will work getting a room of upgraded- Vegas edition 🎰🍒🕺🏼 #vegas #planethollywoodlasvegas #roomupgrade #vegastips
BroBible reached out to Jackson via TikTok direct message and comment and to Planet Hollywood via media contact form for further comment. We will update the story when they reply.