groenroos

Some manager at Holiday Inn Express London ExCeL has had a bright idea to make the check-in process more engaging.

As I sign the document, the receptionist places a die on the desk and asks "would you like to roll the dice?"

"What for?", I, curious by nature, inquire. She points at a chart, which explains that Rewards Club members can earn extra rewards by rolling the die. Rolling a 6 gets you 500 extra points, rolling a 5 gets you 250pts, etc.

I thought what the hell, gave it a roll, and it came out as a 4. Which won me free parking. For a car I don't have.

"Would you like to roll again?" she said, clearly flatly bored of this scheme to "mandatory team building exercise" levels of disinterest. I rolled again, it came out as another 4. I rolled again, it came out as a 1. I check the chart, and next to 1, they've written "Unfortunately, you have not won a prize on this occasion "

"Or you can just choose which prize you want", she then said. "Yeah I'll take the 500 points, then."

This whole thing was so unnecessary and made the check-in experience cringey. Especially since the staff member was not interested in it in the slightest, and I could just taste the "my boss made it clear we have to do this" in the air.

Anyone else been subjected to something like this?

nancypants

Often1

I hate anything which delays the check-in process. I just want to get to my room. I am not sure where marketers got the idea that people want to spend more rather than less time at check-in and why anyone would think that while you are engaged in playing board games, the people behind you have to wait longer.

swag

I remember spinning a wheel once for similar bonuses, maybe at a Staybridge?

I'm happy with 500 or 1000 points for an extra 30 seconds of my time.

IAN-UK

Equally cringe-worthy is the little flag they plonk on reception in some Holiday Inns, together with a ring on a bell. to signal the arrival of a Spire.

Maybe Platinum/Golds get different colour flags, and possibly no ring on the bell


Please, Just check me in and give me a key.
And no, I don't want to carry a paper bagwith a bottle of water in it to my room

Cielito_

hclee01

I recalled that HI Atrium in Singapore used to have such programs as well, ranging from drawing a "scratch and win" card to reveal what you have won or picking a ball from a box, etc. I haven't stayed there for a while, and not too sure if they are still doing some marketing campaign.

Points Scrounger

I think I've had a Kimpton present a small bucket to pull a secret password prize? Marriott Courtyard sometimes features a roulette wheel.

The flag and bell sounds awful!

groenroos

Oh gosh, that's actively making me want to not reach Spire. ...not that I'm particularly beguiled by Spire in the first place.

uastarflyer

AMDB7

I remember 2 check-ins at IC Davos where I got a pick from a bowl of rolled up prize tickets/vouchers. I kinda gently rolled my eyes expecting very little the first time around - and received a voucher for a bottle of wine from any bar/dining outlet. Which I was very pleased with, surprised to receive, and enjoyed tremendously. I don't recall exactly what I received the second time, something similar or free drinks etc, but I do remember looking forward to picking from the bowl that time.

I'd roll a dice for the chance of free car parking (just paid £24 last night at the IC o2) or pick a ticket for a bottle of wine etc all day long. But probably be less bothered and excited for the chance of 100 points or a kitkat upgrade.

ag51

I've had this a few times at the HIX Excel, and don't mind at all - you're right that they will basically give you whichever offer you want but it's a bit of fun and takes a few seconds and I've always found the staff at that hotel to be very good. Just shows that we are all different, I suppose (and it makes me remember the hotel, which is probably the idea)

groenroos

I concede that I could have felt differently about it if the staff member in question had showed even the slightest bit of enthusiasm for the scheme. However, in my case, she generally seemed almost annoyed that I was there, and the forced die-rolling made the brusque experience even worse. I opened by saying I was checking in and spelling out my funny foreign name, and she asks me what my name is. After a second go-around and some typing, she just casually keyed in £230 into the card reader without another word. As I was in the middle of putting in my PIN, she places the die on the desk and asks if I want to roll it, without any further explanation. Never even mind being welcomed as a Rewards Club member, given a welcome amenity, or... well, being welcomed at all.

I do agree with you though, I found the other staff members perfectly friendly; and the check-out clerk seemed almost personally embarrassed to hear my comments about the check-in experience, and gave me some blank drinks vouchers for my troubles.

skitchen

I had a similar thing at the HIX in Glenrothes but far easier, Platinum and Spire (I believe) members could choose a piece of paper out of a bowl on reception and win whatever is on it. Think mine was a free drink and 500 points but it wasn't forced or even highlighted by staff, there was just a note next to to the Priority check in area pointing it out.

I stayed in HIX in Kingman, AZ a few months ago, sounds a bit similar to the "bell" situation, I was highlighted as member of the day on their whiteboard next to the reception and presented with a goodie bag. Goodie bag, fine but slightly embarrassing with your name highlighted for all to see and pointed at on reception.

Suppose it's the hotels way of showing appreciation etc though.

FFlash