
The subject of this post shall remain unnamed...as will the destination in which it resides. It really doesn't matter where it happened...and there's no need to embarrass the Destination Marketing Organization. It's not their fault. However...there is a hospitality lesson here.
On a recent visit to said community, I attempted to redeem a coupon for $25 off a meal at a hotel restaurant. Slight problem: the hotel had recently traded hands and the new owners weren't real interested in redeeming coupons they hadn't distributed. So, the (very pleasant) waitress at my table was told by management to refuse my coupon.
I was told that there was a sign next to the door announcing the new owners' decision to reject coupons from the old management company. Of course, it was so poorly designed as to attract no notice...and, as anyone who reads this blog knows, I'm always looking for stupid signs on my travels (and can't wait to share another one tomorrow on Funny Friday).
So, there I was. Trying to get a $7 breakfast for free with a $25 coupon that clearly said that this restaurant would redeem this coupon through November 2010. And the hotel GM said, "no."
Really? Really? Because it's not like you're the best hotel in town. And, for this childish $7 game, you're gonna risk my future business for....ummm, ever?
Unless there are, like, thousands of these coupons in circulation...this is not a smart move. Not smart at all.
Because the consumer doesn't care who owns the hotel. They only know that you said "no."
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