Oct. 29
Hotel Memorial Union introduces rewards program
by Anne Krapfl
The Hotel Memorial Union has launched a "rewards" program for ISU departments and recognized campus organizations: Earn a complimentary room night for every 10 room nights purchased. The program will capture room purchases retroactively to July 1, and keep counting through June 30, 2010. Complimentary room nights must be redeemed on or before Dec. 31, 2010.
"Nearly all hotels have this kind of program," explained hotel manager Laura Helmus. "We hope to develop some loyalty and repeat use with departments on campus, as well as any recognized campus organization."
The logistics
To qualify, a room must be billed to an ISU account. Usage will be tracked by department or organization, and multiple account numbers may be linked to the same group. For example, the chemical engineering department may use several accounts to count toward its room tally. Each department should designate a single liaison to the Hotel Memorial Union for communications about the rewards program.
Blocks of rooms purchased don't qualify for this program, and room nights can't be traded or sold among departments.
Redeeming a complimentary night
Reservations for complimentary rooms must be made in advance with Helmus. There are several blackout dates, during high occupancy times or because the hotel is closed, when complimentary rooms can't be redeemed. These include home football game weekends, two to three nights at the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Veishea weekend and spring commencement weekend.
More information
The rules of the campus rewards program will be posted soon on the hotel's web site. In the meantime, call Helmus, 4-5025, for details or to request a PDF file on the program.
