Originally Posted by
Johnlathropa
h) If your host is helpful, sends treats to your room, secures a last-minute reservation, slightly over-comps you on a stay - be sure to write him a thank you note. A handwritten note mailed from home means more than an email -the former are so rare ! The next time you come, by all means bring a gift that is original (after all, hosts have access to all the high liviing they could want), perhaps reflective of your home town or country and of ONLY REASONABLE VALUE so that there is NO QUESTION of its being a "bribe" to get more comps. Appropriate gifts I have given include a package of Canadian smoked salmon in a cedar box - available at our airports -or a tin or two of maple syrup, ditto - or a new book about a host's hobby.
Great post,
Johnlathropa!
I have a question specifically about the above for anyone with host experience. I recently developed a host contact who went well above-and-beyond for me, not even realizing it, on a personal matter. I'd like to show my appreciation. Not sure about the "home town" gift idea (doubt he wants an Obama t-shirt
). And without knowing his personal taste, I'm finding it tough to think of an appropriate gift to buy. I definitely want to get him something upscale and personal-ish (i.e - not a gift card); perhaps in the couple-hundred $ range (that wouldn't be seen as "excessive" would it)? Any thoughts or suggestions?
TIA!