Luxury hotels had taken a beating during the recession as wealthy patrons cut back on their travel budgets. In post-recessive times, therefore, luxury hotels are thinking of creative options of drawing in the customers. Some, like the Toronto-based Fairmont Hotels and Resorts have introduced special menus for customers with dietary restrictions. Many others are taking the freebie route. Among the latter is luxury hotel network, Leading Hotels of the World, which is offering free Internet and continental breakfast for two at its properties to members of its Leaders Club. With properties like Milan’s Villa D’Este and the Ritz Paris in its network, Leading Hotels offers access to some of the best luxury hotels of the world.
Leaders Club members have two options – they can choose to pay either $100 a year or $1,200 a year. Leading Hotels has a network of up to 430 properties around the world. The benefit given to Leaders Club members paying $1200 is that after five paid stays at Leading Hotels’ properties in a calendar year they can earn a free night’s stay at any of its properties. Those going in for the $100 subscription offer get to avail of free Internet and breakfast for two for a day, facilities that could swell a bill by that amount.
The loyalty plan works for hotels because it succeeds in attracting customers without offering heavy discounts. The free night plan began in December 2009. In 2010, customers had availed of up to 2500 free night offers. $100 members also get VIP status on an upgrade, invites to special events and special rates among other things. $1200 members enjoy all the benefits available to the cheaper package, plus global concierge assistance.
Via: USA Today
