Will slipping a hotel agent $20 get you an upgrade? (Spoiler alert: probably)

There are plenty of ways to score a hotel upgrade, but one of the least talked about is also one of the oldest tricks in the book: slipping the hotel agent a $20.

Everyone knows about it, but how many people actually do it? And does it actually work? Lifehacker presented this question to its readers and asked whether they've ever employed the tactic, encouraging them to share their tips.

Here's one former hotel employee's approach to being a smooth operator, as told to Lifehacker:

Tip up front: Let the agent know you are serious immediately. Here’s how I do it: I walk up, smile without showing teeth, give the agent my CC, drop a 20 on the desk, and say, “This is for you. Whatever you can do for me, I’d appreciate it.” Boom. If I am after something specific, I will include that as well: “This is for you. Whatever you can do for me, I’d appreciate a room upgrade, late checkout, wine, whatever.”

The comments section was also revealing, as commenters —which included hospitality staff and general hustlers — laid out their own stories, leaving some smart takeaway points for the hotel-frequenting travelers looking for special treatment.

Ask first: Even before breaking out a bill, just ask nicely. The post's author mentioned she'd been given upgrades simply by inquiring politely — and having a little bit of status in the hotel's rewards club program. The point: It can't hurt to ask.

And right from the get-go you can set yourself up for success and book directly with the hotel, which will up your chances of preferential treatment. One commenter said mentioning a birthday and then anniversary for two separate stays also landed him upgrades.

Money talks: Tips are welcome and expected in the world of hotels, and they can make people spring into action (so long as they're distributed respectfully, and not, say, thrown haughtily). As one hotel clerk commented:

I’ll always try to do as much as possible for people that realize (and care) that, even when the hotel is completely full, you’re still making slave wages. Even if it’s a selfish caring looking to get a little extra, it’s still a big deal to the staff. And furthermore, know that every hotel I’ve ever worked for (several) typically has A LOT of wiggle room to treat favoured customers.

So right from the worker's mouth: This is a tried and true tactic. Another worker confirmed that employees honor and do their best with tips, and in the case that they can't do anything often just apply the money as a credit to the total cost of the hotel stay. (How thoughtful and honest.)

The only thing in Vegas that's a sure bet: Multiple people talked about their success using the trick in Las Vegas, where slipping $20s is something of its own hospitality dialect.

No one said it didn't work: One person (appropriately with the username TooCool Jarret) said he "always" employs the trick. For him it's had a 90% success rate, including one upgrade to a penthouse suite. Sweet.

But it might not always be worth it: In the wise words of one commenter, "Just know your market."

As the commenter laid it out, $20 to pad the stay probably won't be worth it for one night at a suburban hotel (even in a major metro area). There — at the property where this person works — any perk like free breakfast or free internet is worth less than $20.

So, it's your call to make. But as one person put it, there's nothing quite like the rush. Can't put a price on that, amirite?