Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
Yeah, but who travels to HK for one free hotel night? If the free night induces someone to book several additional rates at the going rate, the hotel still wins. [Yes, people on FT would indeed do a MR to HK for one night or do mattress runs, but even those mattress runs tend to be at closer and cheaper cities.
I flew to HK last month (March) for a birthday weekend. I stayed at the HK Intercontinental and redeemed my free night to go along with two additional nights that I booked. The free night was only good for what seemed like a 'base' level room. I was thrilled when I arrived and they'd upgraded my reservation to 3 nights in a harbor view suite, which included the free night.
This was my first experience redeeming the free night. Now, I don't think I'm the typical customer
but I'm definitely disappointed with the change.