Independent hotels offer buy now stay later scheme to stay afloat
Hotels around the world struggling to stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic are finding new ways to try and keep cash flowing during an unprecedented decline in occupancy.
Travellers are being offered hotel bonds and credits that can be redeemed in the future for up to US$100 more than what they paid.
The Buy Now, Stay Later initiative lets travellers purchase $US100 “bonds” for independent hotels and redeem them for $US150 after 60 days. To purchase bonds, travellers must contact each hotel directly.
The website has eight luxury independent hotels currently participating, with more hotel partners “coming soon”.
Travel app Porter & Sail has also launched a “Hotel Credits” program for 17 properties worldwide which allows travellers to buy hotel credits. Credits can be purchased at two levels - US$120, later redeemable for US$150; and US$200, later redeemable for US$300.
Porter & Sail is not taking any fees.
Sheridan Randall, 14th April 2020
