Repeat Guests Earn Gifts

<B> Repeat Guests Earn Gifts</B>

By Carolyn Green

Montreal's 159-room Quality Hotel Dorval Aeroport, an eight-minute drive from Dorval International Airport, has launched a frequent guest gift program to boost repeat corporate business.

Dubbed the VIP program, guests who book a room at the $66.50 corporate rate earn gifts based on number of stays.

"What we want is to gain the loyalty of our business travelers," said hotel manager Regis Nadeau. "It's recognition of the guests that will bring in more business--recognition that you give them excellent service and also that you recognize or know them when they come."

For first-time business guests, the property provides a personalized engraved plate laden with hand-made chocolates. Between the second and ninth stays, repeat travelers receive various gifts such as a bottle of wine or a homemade treat from the restaurant, accompanied by a "welcome back" message. On the 10th visit, guests collect a watch. Thereafter, they earn larger amenities such as a massage, a silk robe, a corkscrew and wine bucket.

Nadau's plan is to raise corporate occupancy from the current 35 percent to 50-55 percent within six months. U.S. business accounts for about 25 percent of the hotel's corporate share.

The Quality Hotel also has completed a $2.8 million renovation project that included the refurbishment of the property's 42 guest rooms, dining room and bar.

Each guest room comes with a large working desk, office supplies, dataports, and kitchenette with microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, refrigerator, eating utensils and minibar.

The hotel also offers free shuttle transportation to Dorval and business appointments within a three-mile radius.