I’m just back from two business trips to North Carolina.
Last week, my meeting was held in the Carolina Inn, a fabulous historic hotel on the campus of the University of North Carolina.
I’ve stayed there several times before, sometimes with a very good Priceline rate.
Destination Delivers
When I checked in, the desk clerk offered me a brochure for the Destination Hotels and Resorts loyalty program, Destination Delivers. “It’s a pretty good deal,” she said. “You can get room upgrades.”
When I got to my room, I went online to check out the benefits. Anyone can sign up, and you are automatically granted “VIP Status.” The benefits of VIP Status are somewhat elusive, but they seem to include:
- 10% off the Best Available Rate
Use promo code D2BAR1 to receive 10% off the Best Available Rate. Offer is based on availability.
- 20% off the Best Available Rate
Get 20% off the Best Available Rate during your birthday month. Mention promo code D2BDAY. Must show valid ID to receive discount.
- Room Upgrade Late Checkout
A room upgrade could be a very useful benefit, especially at a historic hotel like the Carolina Inn, where the standard rooms are quite small. This benefit is only offered when available.
- Late Checkout
Again, when available.
Destination Hotels and Resorts
I’ve stayed at two of the Destination Hotels and Resorts, both on Priceline stays, and they were both fantastic!
- The Carolina Inn (my review)
- Tarrytown House Estate (my review)
There are more than 40 other hotels and resorts in the Destination portfolio, including many at ski resorts, and city hotels in Washington, DC and Chicago. All the properties are in the United States.
What’s the Catch?
When I checked the room rates at the Carolina Inn for a couple of dates, the hotel website was offering far better rates than you could get with the 10 percent discount. That may not always be the case, but it does suggest that you should double check the rates with and without the promo code.
Crossroads Restaurant Loyalty Program
The Carolina Crossroads Restaurant at the Carolina Inn specializes in locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant was running its own loyalty program, the Carolina Crossroads Culinary Rewards Program.
You got 25 points for signing up, and one point for each dollar spent in the restaurant. After you accrue 300 points, you can get a $20 gift card for the restaurant.
This post contains affiliate links. Thanks if you choose to use them!