Bagging free rooms takes a bit more play on the machines than getting free food. Like food comps, room comps are built into many slot club reward systems or offered in mailings on a fairly regular basis. But more often, these free nights only materialize when you dig for them.
It's possible that the employees at the slot club booth might be helpful with some information, but usually, rooms must be taken care of either by a slot host or someone in the slot marketing office. Established customers with previous slot club play can call ahead and ask for "slot club reservations." Sometimes this is the regular reservation desk and the agent has access to the computer records of your play and is authorized to give you free nights according to a set schedule. More often, the slot club has its own department to handle member reservations (perhaps with a separate 800 number). In either case, this is a good place to ask about the requirements for free rooms. Somehow you will discover that you can get the most detailed information on room comps from these phone employees.
Of course, getting rooms absolutely free is the ultimate. But getting discounted rooms especially when the city is busy ain't bad either. This is where even the beginning comp seeker can strike gold. There are several different levels of discounted rooms. Almost all hotels will give you the discounted "casino rate" usually 40%-50% off the rack rate if you're a member of the slot club, some even if you have never played on their card. Some require just a small point minimum. This is another reason to join as many slot clubs as you can.
The only time you should ever have to pay the scandalously high rack rate for a room in a hotel-casino might be on your very first visit. And you can try to avoid it even then if you call and ask the slot club if you can join by phone or by mail in advance. Even if you find that you must book your reservation at a non-discounted rate, all is not lost. As soon as you check in, get a slot club card, put some play on it, then see a slot host. Find out the requirements for the casino rate and perhaps a free night or two. Hosts often have authority to change your room rate just before you check out. Go ahead and ask, it's money in your pocket or credit on your credit card.
Another slot club weapon a beginner or even an old pro can use is the one against a "sold-out" sign. You can often get a room at a hotel on a busy weekend when the regular reservations clerk tells you that the joint is completely booked. Almost all casinos hold back blocks of rooms for their slot club members. Either call the slot club direct or tell the reservations clerk that you belong to the slot club. You'll be pleasantly surprised when a room materializes where there was no room before.