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A la carte the way it’s supposed to be: Hotel chain offers free food to guests

November 11, 2009

druryTurns out there is such a thing as a free lunch. Or in this case, dinner.

Drury Hotels, the family-owned hotel chain that includes mid-priced properties such as Drury Inn & Suites, Drury Plaza Hotels, and Pear Tree Inn by Drury, are offering free hot food at a time when competitors are busy cutting back amenities.

Seriously.


The product is called “5:30 Kickbacksm” and will feature “a variety of evening food and drink items” in all its hotels by early next year.

“With budgets tightening for both families and businesses during these tough economic times, we wanted to create something that would make traveling easier and less expensive for our guests,” says Chuck Drury, the company’s chief executive.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

Chicken fingers, baked potatoes, buffalo-style chicken wings, charbroiled meatballs, fresh carrots and celery, egg rolls, garden salad, hot dogs and more will be a part of Drury’s rotating menu, served every evening from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

At the 5:30 Kickbacksm Drury will also continue to serve a variety of free cold beverages, including beer, wine, mixed drinks and soft drinks.

So yes, it’s bar food, but if you’re on a business trip and have just checked into a hotel, there are no two words you’ll like better than “FREE FOOD” (unless you’re on a per diem.)

Great idea.

(Photo: Tach_RedGold&Green/Flickr Creative Commons)

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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10 comments

  • David Z

    Hope it works out for those guys. And probably offer good while supplies last. :)

  • MikeS

    Actually, if you’re on a per diem this is great as you keep all the money and spend none of it. If you are on an expense account, it is no big deal as you get to eat either way and someone else pays.

  • jen

    Drury has been doing something similar for a while. The first time we stayed 2 years ago they advertised free happy hour with 3 drinks per person and snacks. Well, the “snacks” were hot dogs, nachos, chili, chips and dip. We didn’t even need to have dinner. Then in the morning they have free hot breakfast with make-your-own waffles, eggs, sausage & buscuits, cereal, bagels, etc. It is a great deal and the service is usually very good. Glad to hear they’re expanding their free evening snacks. We’ll defininitely stay with them again.

  • Charline

    Homewood Suites does the exact same thing: a full breakfast and dinner included in the price. And being on a (tiny) per diem when I travel for business, I really appreciate it! For this reason, my collegues and I always try to stay at one of these when traveling for business. Which proves that this kind of business shouldn’t be looked at as a money losing venture, but as a way to give great customer service and promote repeat business..it worked for me and my coworkers!

  • RegularJoe

    I will go anywhere, do anything, for FREE FOOD! Free bar food? Even better!

  • Jesse

    Actually it’s the opposite when you’re on a business trip.
    If you’re on a business trip and not on a per diem, then free food isn’t a big deal as you’re most likely going to be reimbursed for anything you eat anyway (so it’s already free for you). If you’re on a per diem then you’ll LOVE free food because you get to keep more of the daily food allowance instead of spending it on food.

  • GSA

    I think Residence Inn’s do this as well, mid week only. The last time I stayed was in Rutherford NJ and there was a calendar by the door with nightly meals printed on it.

  • David Z

    Which proves that this kind of business shouldn’t be looked at as a money losing venture, but as a way to give great customer service and promote repeat business.

    If anything, that depends if the vendor can really afford that. It so happens Drury and whoever else can.

  • DN

    I’ve been to a Drury Inn in Kansas City and the free food isn’t bad (plus free breakfast and internet as well).

    Occasionally, Embassy Suites, Hamptons, and other hotels (selected properties only) have a Manager’s Special where they give free nachos and snacks, but it’s extremely rare.

    I’d probably stay more at Drury Inns, but I’m a Diamond VIP and I spent a lot of time in Hiltons accordingly.

  • http://www.uberoom.com Bryan Ulatowski

    Hotels should have been partnering like this a long time ago. Its 2009 – time to wake-up and realize hotels are the best at providing a comfortable and clean place to sleep and partner for everything else. Customer service numbers and profits typically increase, while managers have more time to focus on their core business.

    I posted a more detailed analysis on outsourcing and customer service on the blog at uberoom.com. CS numbers have been improving for the past few months now even as hotel staff numbers have decreased.

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