re: Best Hotel you have ever stayed in?

Hilton, Suite in LA. Smoking room, did not smell like a smoking room. Complimentary Sweetarts in a jar every day.

Also, the last suite I stayed in at Caesars in Vegas - the new tower(s) overlooking the pool. It's a topless pool, but 16 stories up I couldn't much tell what I was seeing, but the room was nice.

I hear old Ceasars rooms are dated.

And yes, a 50 slid to your checkin clerk (between ID and CC) will get you an upgrade, often a significant one. Ask if upgrades available when presenting CC, ID, and 50 legal tender.