As we saw in artist Sarah Baker's video "In the Spirit of Glorious Excess, 9/13/08", you don't have to be a celebrity to be treated like one. In fact, I've found that it's pretty easy to get hotel staff to treat you like you're "someone" even if they have absolutely no idea who you are. Here are a couple ways you can get the people at the hotel to give you more love than usual:
1) Have your manager make your reservation. You or a friend can pretend to be the manager, and call the hotel to book your room. Pick an occupation, and run with it. Example: "My client, a high profile actor/comedian/musician, has asked me to book a room at your hotel." Don't tell them you're performing in town, though--they'll ask for tickets.
2) Stay under a fake name. When you make the reservation, let the people at the front desk know that you "can't possibly give them your real name, for reasons or personal safety and privacy." Make up a fake name for yourself, and be that person during your entire stay. Be as ridiculous as you like. It could be a lot of fun to have room service address you as "Mr. Robert DeNiro" for a week. Or "Mr. Snuffelupagus."
3.) Dress the part. Go incognito. Come in with a hood up, sunglasses on. Especially if it's night time. The more you try to hide your face, the more they will assume you do it because you have to.
4.) Be consistent. A big-time celeb would probably have their "people" make all their reservations, right? Again, have your "manager" character call for any spa, golf, or restaurant reservations. And when getting a reservation at a restaurant, especially one with a view, make sure to ask for "a nice, quiet table where your client won't be bothered." That will definitely get them to give you one of the best seats in the house.
Although I definitely don't recommend you do this all the time, it's definitely fun to try out once and a while, just to keep life interesting. Definitely don't do it to be mean or to trick people in a bad way, but if they're excited because you're a celebrity, and you're excited because you're getting the star treatment, everybody wins! Let me know if anyone asks for your autograph.
mike