Writing to the GM before a hotel stay?

[haydensydney]

I came across this comment on another thread:

Write a letter to the GM a few weeks out to introduce yourself, let his/her know when you will staying and that you look forward to the experience. This does no harm at all.

I've thought about doing this previously but never followed through as it could make one appear pretentious and grandiose.

Do you write to the hotel letting them know you're going to pop in? What do you write?
Has it paid off with upgrades or other benefits? Strike rate?

Or, do you agree with me in that penning a letter to a hotel is just ridiculous?

 

[elbarto]

I wouldn't bother unless it was a special occasion and you wanted to reinforce the importance of a flawless stay.

 

[toowongman]

Normally "your people" would take care of advanced contact
However I have emailed in advance with small requests, such as remove alcohol from minibar and have a six-way powerboard on the desk.

 

[JohnK]

I think it is ridiculous unless one had a specific request that could be life threatening and wanted the hotel to know in advance.

 

[ashleyn]

DYKWIA behavior at its best

 

[bismarck]

I have a 3 week stay coming up and want to do it, mostly to improve chances of upgrade, but couldn't possibly think how to write such a letter without sounding like a w*nker.

 

[amaroo]

I have a 3 week stay coming up and want to do it, mostly to improve chances of upgrade, but couldn't possibly think how to write such a letter without sounding like a w*nker.

My advice - don't write it Unless you've booked the Presidents Suite!

 

[bismarck]

My advice - don't write it Unless you've booked the Presidents Suite!

Exactly where I've landed. Besides, I'm currently staying there, and the base rooms are pretty darn nice so I'm not too concerned with not getting an upgrade

 

[Hvr]

I cannot see any reason to write to the GM. The concierge, yes if there is a special occasion or the reservation office if you have a very long stay and you need something special.

Always start as low as possible and give them a chance to provide the service required. If they refuse for no good reason then escalate. If you start at the top then really, you've got nowhere else to go.

 

[dzinh]

Writing a letter to the GM to "introduce" yourself has desperate for upgrade plastered all over it.

 

[boomy]

Never thought about writing a letter to the GM, it sounds ridiculous to me.

What can be so important that the front desk can't handle? I had a few special requests in the past, like preparing a room for birthday surprise or asking an upgrade for my parents. I always called the front desk a few days before arrival and they organised everything.

 

[puppysparkes]

In context, the original thread was about platinum benefits, in Accor hotels where there is much disparity in benefits between Oz, Asia and LOTFAP. FWIW I received 4/5 upgrades with Accor while in Vietnam. Occasionally I presented my card sometimes not. It didn't matter, either way we still received recognition and stellar service. More often than not Accor staff ask for your card anyway and staff are rated on this through the post stay survey. Depending on status, you might even find the hotel will contact you prior to your arrival to establish any requests.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I've spent five years in hotels. Communication becomes an art form. If you are a one niter, I wouldnt bother.

 

[samh004]

I've spent five years in hotels. Communication becomes an art form. If you are a one niter, I wouldnt bother.

I can see how it would make more sense if you're a frequent visitor.

 

[Hvr]

I can see how it would make more sense if you're a frequent visitor.

If you're a regular visitor then the lines of communication should already be open so you don't need to write.

 

[samh004]

If you're a regular visitor then the lines of communication should already be open so you don't need to write.

Something along he lines of, really enjoyed my stay last time, looking forward to staying again. Is (insert venue name here) still serving (insert dish here). Etc.

 

[vertisol]

"Can you please remove the light beer, soft drink and white wine from the mini bar and replace with regular beer?"

 

[adrianb]

To me this seems so much DYKWIA it's not funny and I'm not sure what you'd expect they'd do? They're the GM and are running a large and complex business with hundreds or more likely thousands of guests a week.

Absolutely if you had a special request or special occasion I'd say getting in touch with the front desk or some sort of customer liaison before your arrival is appropriate but I thinking going to the top of the food chain is over-reaching and pretentious.

If you're a super-regular guest and have a relationship with the GM already then perhaps in that case it could be appropriate.

 

[Lucky_man]

I think in some Hotels it is a simple matter of courtesy to write the the GM before you arrive and during your stay. How many times have I come to my room in a hotel and seen an envelope on the desk - and I think - oh cough - a telegram/message - who's died etc only to find it is a special warm message from the manager inviting me to coughtails or just back to the hotel. Let's see him or her deal with getting as many pointless letters as he or she sends.

 

[Melburnian1]

I would prefer that hotel managers spent part of their time ensuring that maintenance was up to scratch and if required advocating to the owners as to why and how particular hotel sections could be renovated if that is required by the effluxion of time.

I'd also prefer if they spent some time ensuring that staff were properly trained, such as waiters and waitresses approaching the diner from the correct side to pour a drink or place a dish on the table.