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When staying in a hotel, whether it’s a 1-star or a palace, milesopedia community members often arrange for gifts to enhance their stay. Discover many examples!
For several years, hotels have been scrutinized by Internet travelers. Indeed, we have entered an era of reviews and comments, available on many platforms.
Thus, when possible, hotels compete with each other to satisfy their customers… and hope, eventually, for a positive review in return.
A few days ago, we created a small contest within the milesopedia community:“share with us the most beautiful gift you received during a stay in a hotel“!
And it is clear that many readers regularly receive nice welcome gifts! This is another facet of“travel hacking“!
There can be many reasons to receive a welcome gift at a hotel:
The most obvious reason: you are a loyal and regular customer of the establishment. The reception desk recognizes you and often calls you by name upon your arrival. In these cases, it is not uncommon to be offered a welcome gift or an upgrade.
You have reached a high level of status in the loyalty program to which the establishment belongs: you are then in a position to receive various attentions from the establishment:
As a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite member, I can’t count the number of times I’ve received great welcome gifts.
The last one to date… this one, received during our stay at The St. James. Regis Bahia Beach Resort hotel in Puerto Rico,:
But even in the days when I had Marriott Bonvoy Elite Gold status – a status that can be earned directly with the Platinum Card® from American Express – it was common for “my loyalty” to be recognized.
For example, here is an upgrade to a suite overlooking Central Park during our stay at the JW Marriott Essex House New York.
Traveling is often an opportunity to celebrate something:
Inform the hotel of this special moment for you at the time of booking or 24-48 hours before your arrival!
It is not said that you will necessarily receive something… but“nothing ventured, nothing gained“!
Take for example this couple, Angelique and Matthew, who got a beach villa upgrade, 60 minutes at the spa and lots of champagne on their honeymoon in the Maldives. While the initial reservation – in points – did not grant this kind of accommodation:
Sometimes things don’t work out:
Claim and let the reception know your dissatisfaction! Here again, “nothing ventured, nothing gained”.
Here is the example of Matthew, for whom his iron did not work – and even “blew the fuses” of the whole floor.
What a surprise to find a cake… in the shape of an iron in his room at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul!
Let’s get to the “crunchy” part: the examples experienced by the members of the milesopedia…. community and there are many of them!
Jérémie won the first place of our little contest.
Richard won second place in our contest.
Vivi Ann won third prize. Not for the value or originality of the gift received, but for the surprise of his spouse!
I’m quoting myself 😀
Like what… it is not necessary to be a “blogger” to get something from a hotel (something we never say during our stays…)! As we always say: “nothing ventured, nothing gained”.
But having status in a loyalty program can certainly make a difference!
To that end, the Marriott BonvoyTM American ExpressMD Card grants you “15 status nights” per year, which automatically gives you Elite Silver status… and only 10 nights away from Elite Gold status!
But if you want to earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status right away, you’ll need to get the Platinum Card® from American Express, which is one of the many unique benefits for travelers!
Savings this way:
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