Buzz
Although the $20 trick is often regarded as an urban myth, many travelers swear by it, claiming it really works. If you've given it a try, we'd love to hear about your experience.
Here’s the concept: you hand a $20 bill to a hotel agent, they accept it discreetly, and in return, you get an amazing room upgrade. We've covered this tip before. A former hotel staff member shared how it’s done:
Pro tip:
Make your intentions clear from the start. Here's my approach: I walk up to the desk, offer a subtle smile, hand over my credit card, slide the $20 onto the counter, and say, “This is for you. Whatever you can do for me, I’d greatly appreciate it.” If I'm after something specific, I’ll add that too: “This is for you. If possible, I’d love a room upgrade, late checkout, or maybe a bottle of wine.”
For some, this move may feel a bit daring, but if you’ve ever done it, we want to hear about it. Whether it worked or not, share your story with us. How did you approach the agent? What was their response? And it doesn't have to be limited to hotels—you might have tried it at a restaurant or any other setting where an employee has the power to make things happen.
So, have you ever given the $20 upgrade trick a shot? If so, feel free to share your experience, along with any tips you might have for those eager to try it themselves.
Image by Aaron Jacobs.
