The deal gets posted, the groupon is purchased thru groupon with credit card. groupon gets half. The sales person we worked with was super nice and helpful. We were given other lodging deals as examples - I even called 3 of the 4 to get their take on it. One said they probably wouldn't do it again, the other two said it was a great advertising tool for them and would do it again.
Each groupon deal is customized...Our deal requires reservations, limited to two person to a room, does not include taxes, has a one yr expiration date and was for just one night stay. Hoping to turning the one night stay into a two night stay when the reservations are made to help offset the discounted night. We also had made it into a package deal, too, thinking that would help offset the price and give us a chance to practice our add-on services. We're not going to make any money on the deal, but hoping that the exposure will get us reservations later. So far the reservations made, 2 of the 8 turned into a 2 night stay and the people we've talked to are delighted to be coming to stay with us. One is just completing chemo and is celebrating, others are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.
It's definitely not for everyone - I took a chance with it. We'll see how it plays out!