Review of meritus negara hotel singapore

3 years ago

Deceitful organization

Deceitful organization

Meritus Hotel (including Mandarin Orchard and Marina Mandarin.) used to deliver a quality membership programme (Life & Style) which I am a pioneer member of. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case this year. I find it challenging to give a positive review in view of the deceptive nature of the hotel management.

As usual, nearing when the membership expires, I received a call from the sales executive asking me to renew the package. I said no as I have not been using the benefits much in the past year.

The sales executive told me to try again as there is "increased" value this year. What was left out were the changed terms and conditions which made it unusually difficult to consume the benefits (vouchers and member discounts). Which means very bad value for what was promised. Such false marketing leaves a really nasty aftertaste.

I had a rude shock I had when I tried to use the vouchers in the hotel's Triple Three restaurant. Unlike past years, the fine print this year made the vouchers almost irrelevant. For example:

1. Not being able to use more than $100 voucher per restaurant. (When at Triple Three, a dinner for one alone costs more than that. In the past, vouchers could be combined)

2. Not being able to use the vouchers together with the member card discount. (In the past, we were allowed to)

3. Vouchers are non-transferable to non-members. (In the past, we were allowed to let friends/family use it if we are unable to)

4. Not allowed to redeem car parking coupons unless we spend S$100 nett AFTER voucher and member card discount. (In the past, we were given car parking coupons with a lower consumption amount, inclusive of what was paid for with a voucher)

And IMPORTANTLY:

5. The current terms make the final cost in many restaurants no different from the 50% discount you'll get by using certain credit cards. Why should we pay $500 for the membership then?

The L&S package is unnecessary for guests to reap most of the benefits already present. Or it's structured so precisely to make sure that if you do use any of the vouchers or member discounts, you'll have to spend a lot more.

I feel sick to the stomach. Stupid almost. Because I've been loyal. But what we are "rewarded" with is deceit. Very disappointed.