Hotel Perks and How to Get Them
My web team is at a conference in New Jersey and I’m in Arizona reviewing some property for a client. It’s a great time to talk hotels, and let’s look at hotel “perks” and “amenities.” These are industry terms for the gifts that upscale properties give their guests. Titled “Which Guests Get the Perks,” author Andrea Petersen discusses the new trends in hotel perks, how hotels hand out perks, and who receives these perks. It’s on page D1 of the WSJ Personal Journal from April 30, 2015.
New trends? Petersen states that amenities are definitely changing. “In general, the treats are getting smaller, more frequent and more personalized. At the same time, they are getting more elaborate for children and pets.” Guests are seeing things like small bottles of beer in the room and favorite appetizers by the pool. Special days like birthdays and anniversaries merit special gifts of their own. Andersen states that very upscale resorts are even offering new shoes and designer handbags! And understanding that children and pets play a strong part in where a family stays, hotels are doling out bath towels twisted into animal shapes, milk and cookies before bed, and personalized dog dishes for Fido.
How do you get the best perks? Andersen writes that frequent guests get noticed. This includes returning to the same property or can come from use of loyalty cards. The length of the stay matters; vacationers there for a week or more are treated better than someone only staying for an overnight or weekend. Using a high-end travel agent can open doors. And since hotels don’t employ psychics, you need to tell them if you’re coming for a birthday or anniversary!
The last trick? Use Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to share a photo of the perk and tag the hotel. Not only will they see that you are happy, but it may lead to additional thank-you perks from the grateful hotel!