To request my complimentary stay after all these years

[ElsieandMavis]

I had a really disappointing stay at a hotel about 10 years ago. When I complained to the manager, she was really apologetic and offered me a complimentary 3 night stay as a gesture of goodwill and to give them the opportunity to show me the usual quality of their product.

For various reasons, I never went back to her to arrange the complimentary stay.

AIBU to contact her now after 10 years to redeem my freebie? If so, how should I word the email request? I’ve checked that the same manager is still in charge at the hotel.

Why not try?

I don’t like to waste money

well, don’t ask don’t get 😂

You could say something about having caring commitments and now you’re finally able to redeem the complimentary stay.

‘fraid not. It’s a genuine dilemma.

Something like…

“wow, doesn’t time fly?! I know it’s been a while, but can I book this in please?”

I’d keep it simple

Och, it's worth a try. What's the worst that could happen? It's a no and some people in a hotel talk about the cheeky former guest asking for a free three day stay after ten years. Or maybe it's worse if it's a yes and you turn up with all the staff knowing... 😆But whatever way, you won't know unless you ask.

"Hi, I had a terrible stay a decade ago and was gifted a complimentary three night stay in recompense. Unfortunately I was kidnapped and kept prisoner for the last 9 years, so I've not been able to take your organisation up in the offer, but I'd like to now whilst I enjoy my new found freedom.. I realise my request is unusual, but I hope you can accept it due to the unusual circumstances."

Seriously OP, there is no way to stop it being a CF request, because it is a CF request.

So just lie?

Thanks, that made me laugh

It’s in writing. It has no end date. Just claim it. I can’t believe all these people having the vapors over you possibly being a CF or the one poor commenter who has a £70 voucher that’s six years old with a date that she hasn’t used (just go for it, @0tterish !). If they wanted them to have a date, they’d put it on there. In fact, I’ve seen places like that have somewhat light hearted stories about people who returned 20 years later to somewhere with a voucher, but since it was undated, of course they honored it.

"Hi -managers name-,

You might remember me, but it's been quite a while so probably not! A few years ago I had spoken with you about a disappointing stay at -insert hotels name-. You kindly gave us a complimentary 3 night stay to make up for this (please see email attached) but due to some life events we were never able to use it. I checked the email recently and saw that there was no end date for this offer, so I was hoping to finally redeem our stay this -enter month-. Please let me know if that's possible, and how I can get booked in.

Many Thanks,

ElsieandMavis

Or maybe tell the truth

'Hi, it has taken me toll now to get over the trauma of my previous stay, so I'm willing to give it another go'... 😉

I would be embarrased to ask especially after 10 years.

Hiya, remember me? Can I have my free stay now, please?

If you do it you have own being a CF.

Please do this, as I really want to know what they say.

It is worth about £1300 for the three night stay.

Well this is me as well. Having been reading the recent Las Vegas thread and the Luxor Hotel I am wondering if I can cash in the 2-night voucher we were given as our stay (for longer than that) was so shit. We went in 1998 I think. PS I sadly binned the voucher a few years ago when I came across it in the photo album, but perhaps they'll have records!! Ours was also undated - I think they do that knowing no-one will ever take them up on their "kind" offer!

Thanks, that sounds very reasonable to me. No CFery involved at all 😊

Is that the worth now or then?

Now

Can't see anyone doing that in peak season. But please do try and report back in what you wrote and what they said, I'm so here for it.

A few issues that might pop up if you go ahead and chance your arm: the manager who offered it has very likely moved on. Has ownership changed hands over the past decade? What's the difference in cost between now and ten years ago for a three night stay?

OP for all you know she’s never slept well at night since. The fact you never came back may have tortured her.

Release this woman from the hell of her own making.