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

By: Bryan Ulatowski

Bryan Ulatowski — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:30:34 +0000

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.

By: DN

DN — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:18:22 +0000

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.

By: David Z

David Z — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:46:29 +0000

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.

By: GSA

GSA — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:17:46 +0000

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.

By: Jesse

Jesse — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:17:11 +0000

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.

By: RegularJoe

RegularJoe — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:44:23 +0000

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

By: Charline

Charline — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:07:26 +0000

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!

By: jen

jen — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:25:51 +0000

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.

By: MikeS

MikeS — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:19:00 +0000

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.

By: David Z

David Z — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:02:16 +0000

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