Hotel Memberships and Newsletters; Their Value
Just recently one of the hotel chains based in South East Asia, Far East Hospitality, sent me an email with a discount voucher. It was a nice surprise. They valued me as a member, even though I haven’t been that loyal. My last stay with them was many years ago. It’s not because of their product, which is good, it’s just that I’ve stayed elsewhere during this time.
Just after that stay I signed up to their loyalty programme and newsletter which I receive regularly and keeps me informed of their products, services, promotions and new hotels.
This particular email was sent to all their members celebrating “Members’ Day”. A promotion they do every year during the month of May. A nice gesture for their members.
I recommend travellers to always sign up to a hotel’s newsletter and loyalty scheme if the hotel has one. Occasionally there are surprises like this that just happens to come at the perfect time. I actually do need accommodation in Singapore so this would work very well. In the past I’ve had to decline the voucher as I had already booked my accommodation with another hotel. This time I might give it a go. The discount is very much appreciated and any savings these days is always welcomed.
One last word. Always book direct with the hotel and ask if they have any promotions happening. If you are a corporate or a business traveller, or even someone who travels frequently and stays in the same location do ask for a discount or an upgrade. Hotels prefer direct bookings rather having to pay OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) a hefty commission. You can read more about this in an article I have written before: Online Travel Agencies Booking Hotels, Yes or No?.
Note: I didn’t take up the offer unfortunately. I could have saved but decided to go elsewhere. Will be for another time (hopefully).
