Running a Special...how to treat existing reservations?

[newsmyrnaseahorse]

Hello, everyone! We are hitting a slower season here and I wanted to run a "Stay 3 Weeknights, Get the 4th Night Free" special, Sunday through Thursday. How do we treat existing reservations already staying over that time period? THANKS for any advice.

 

[Momma Smurf]

Your website policies should always say rates and promotions SUBJECT to CHANGE. You can also add to the Special, valid for New Reservations ONLY.

 

[newsmyrnaseahorse]

You're website policies should always say rates and promotions SUBJECT to CHANGE. You can also add to the Special, valid for New Reservations ONLY.

Oh, it does. I just don't want to upset anyone or discourage them from booking in advance. How do you handle that? THANKS!

 

[GoodScout]

If we run a special, and an already-booked guest brings it up, we give them the special rate. No sense alienating loyal, early-booking customers.

 

[Generic]

I go one further. We try to not run into the problem, but if it's my loyal customers... I update their reservation with the deal and send them a new confirmation. I need them to stay loyal, I'm not going to alienate them for a few dollars when they are worth thousands.

I also tend to put in something that makes the package different. For example, I have an easy cancellation policy... so the special rate may have a decidedly different cancellation policy, or a no cancellation policy, so the deal is different.