Destination Hotels’ Instant Status: Sign Right Up!

Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill, NC
Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill, NC

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!

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?

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A Little Bit of Scandinavia at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Stressless Chairs at Raleigh-Durham Airport
Stressless Chairs at Raleigh-Durham Airport

Forget the Sky Club.

At Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) you can relax in a lounge area filled with leather Stressless chairs and Scandinavian rugs.

The lounge is furnished by a local contemporary  furniture store — the Ambiente Collection.

You’ll find it just beyond the security area in Terminal 2, to the left of the down escalators.

There is seating for eight or so, and the chairs are more comfortable than anything else you will find at the airport.

If you have some time to kill, you might want to wander down to Gate D-8, where you will find 2nd Edition Book Sellers.

RDU 2nd Edition Book Shop
2nd Edition Book Shop at RDU

The shop claims to be the only used bookstore in a U.S. airport.

You’ll find a well-curated collection of almost-new popular titles, as well as many interesting, offbeat selections.

The book store also features rare and collectible editions.