Pages

Search My Frugal Miser

Monday, June 28

High End Mystery Shopping: Mystery Shopping a Luxury Hotel

Ever wanted to live in the lap of luxury and not have to pay for it? Who hasn't!?! Mystery shopping has enabled me to shop - but not purchase - $4,000 watches and $5,000 surround sound systems. I've eaten $200 dinners and gourmet chocolates. But none of those experiences tops the mystery shop I completed last week.

Mystery Shopping the Luxury Hotel

Last week I checked into a high end hotel. When I checked out the next day, my bill + tips was $700. I don't have to pay for any of it. In fact, in addition to all charges being reversed, I am being paid a fee for completing the shop.

If you've ever considered shopping at the high-end level, there are definitely some things to take into account:
  • Companies don't refund $700 in charges because they are nice. They are exchanging the value of these charges for detailed information.
  • The level of detail required for this type of shop is unlike any other shop you could do. Gathering names are required, for example. My instructions were to keep repeating a scenario until I had a name, no excuses.
  • It wasn't all fun and games. Much of my time at the hotel really was spent working. When I was not posing a scenario on an employee, I was usually working on my report.
  • Don't get me wrong, I had a great time. But it's all about perspective. By great time, I mean I got a full night's sleep, enjoyed some wonderful food, and even spent a little time at the pool.
Here's a synopsis of what the job required:
  • I had to evaluate valet parking, the doorman, the bellhop, housekeeping, turn down service, the driver of the town car, the front desk, the operator, and several restaurant employees. Many of these evaluations had to be performed more than once: check-in AND check-out, the doorman each time I entered or exited, etc.
  • I had to evaluate dinner, room service, the coffee bar and lunch. These were all in different venues at the hotel.
  • Much of the report was yes/no questions, but each section did require commentary. Fortunately, the commentary was generally only required for negative responses. If the scenario was all positive, one or two sentences summarizing it were adequate.
Mystery shopping hotels, and particularly high-end properties, is not for everyone. If you think you'll have hours to lounge around the pool, sip martinis and get a pedicure, you'll be disappointed. But it can be a relaxing getaway as long as you stay on top of your paperwork. It's much easier to fill in the report after each scenario is performed than to try to do a marathon report at the end - probably impossible to remember enough details to do the latter. Having said that, I have no regrets at all. In fact, I am already signed up to shop another nice hotel in July.

49 comments:

  1. Very interesting. So it's like trading a that cut in costs for something that I would have likely done mentally anyway... Seems like a wonderful deal.

    layana resort & spa

    ReplyDelete
  2. What company does the high-end hotel shops? I've never seen them. If you don't mind, please send me your contact info for these to annschermer @ hotmail .com.

    Thank you and keep writing, I enjoy reading your blog. -ann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since no hotel name was mentioned, it's okay to let you know that Coyle Hospitality does hotels that are on the Conde Nast Gold List. But they require considerable narrative for EVERY section, so he may be talking about a different company. In my experience, 90% of your trip is taken up with the shop. You are generally shopping so your companion can enjoy herself.

      Delete
    2. I've heard that Coyle offers them but I don't have experience with Coyle. The high end are done by Buckalew Hospitality and B Business Solutions. Mid range by A Closer Look. Low end were done by Freeman Group but I suspect they are going out of business.

      Delete
  3. It takes a lot to get with Coyle. I've never gotten a shop offer from Buckalew and B Business Solutions only does hotel restaurants where I'm at. (No clue who does the high end shops here, but it's not anybody I'm currently signed with.)

    ReplyDelete
  4. They are muscle cars or exemplary cars. Chevrolet is on the best in these muscle auto makers. Their models begins from 1960. rent a ferrari in italy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Luxury car rentals can be used for many things, of which one of the most important is to attract the woman you have always dreamt about. https://limo6.com/sg/airport-limo/

    ReplyDelete
  6. They are an approach to make some genuine activity and excite and convey our fantasies to genuine reality.Cash for cars Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  7. The kind of insurance you get is up to you, just make sure that you have some before you go out on the road.rv ratings

    ReplyDelete
  8. Booking the ideal vehicle well early guarantees that the vehicle will be accessible at the time you require it at your entryway.
    used hybrid cars

    ReplyDelete
  9. Another factor to remember, in the event that you are purchasing the condominium hotel as a venture, is that when you are exchanging an apartment suite hotel unit, you're selling the genuine unit as well as the luxury way of life that accompanies a pleasantry filled, high-administration property.Hotels near Zona Rosa kansas city

    ReplyDelete
  10. In this manner,luxury cars for sale uk the meaning of a luxury vehicle to a few... might be common to some others.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job! limo hire perth

    ReplyDelete
  12. Add to that the most recent clear covers which can be utilized consistently to evacuate dust, inauspicious and free contaminants keep your car looking its closest to perfect. IValeting

    ReplyDelete
  13. According to legend just six years after Alexander Selkirk was rescued a vast hoard of gold and jewels was buried on the Island.  Columbia SC

    ReplyDelete
  14. In any case, there are individuals who can't participate in these races as a result of specific reasons.daytona 500 watch online

    ReplyDelete
  15. The blog and data is excellent and informative as well best luxury hotel in italy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Conference tournament brackets, schedules, locations, March Madness 2020 This year's Final Four will be in Atlanta on April 4 with the national champion to be determined on April 6.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Además, el equipo que gane se quedará con la punta de la Liga Santander. En estos momentos el líder es El Clasico 2020 Online Barcelona con 55 puntos, mientras que el Real Madrid está a tan solo dos puntos de recuperar la punta que la perdió la fecha pasada.

    ReplyDelete
  18. The 2020 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament is a planned single-elimination tournament of March Madness 2020 68 teams to determine the men's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college basketball national champion for the 2019–20 season.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Conference tournament brackets, schedules, locations, March Madness 2020 This year's Final Four will be in Atlanta on April 4 with the national champion to be determined on April 6.The 68-team single-elimination tournament holds 67 games over 21 days, a jam-packed end to the season that aptly earned the nickname March Madness Live Free. No. 12 NCAA Tournament seed as the champion of the Midwestern Collegiate Conference. That was more than three decades ago, and not much is the same. The MCC renamed itself the Horizon League, but Xavier hasn't been a member for two decades. Larkin now analyzes XU games on the school's radio network. And those games are contested primarily in the Big East Conference and televised nationally either on Fox Sports or CBS Sports Network. The Musketeers have made 25 NCAA appearances since, but only on the rarest of occasions have they entered as a double-digit seed.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Italy is a "Lover's Paradise". Whether you are honeymooning or looking to find and woo the women of your dreams, Italy is the perfect place to be in. family vacation packages italy

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. The 2020 Miami Open schedule is set for March 23rd to April 5th.

    Miami Open 2020 Live Stream
    Miami Open Tennis 2020 Live

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have to search sites with relevant information on given topic and provide them to teacher our opinion and the article. Best oakville realtor

    ReplyDelete
  25. nfl mock draft 2020 live stream the 2020 NFL Draft. The 2020 NFL scouting combine will begin on February 24th in Indianapolis, and the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft will begin on April 23rd in Las Vegas.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Along these lines, it is constantly prudent to check the cost of the vehicle you wish to purchase with the goal that you escape from additional items charges. In any case, you may even arrange these additional charges since these administrations would just give extra continues to the seller.
    paintless dent repair warranty

    ReplyDelete
  27. give it their all. If you don’t want to deal with traffic and crowds but still want to stay up to date
    Boston Marathon Streaming

    ReplyDelete
  28. An fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however generally people are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers 32 inch wide mattress

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. europa-road.eu

    ReplyDelete
  30. While you are driving mood killer the radio or C.D player to concentrate on the driving experience and to have the option to hear any surprising clamor particularly from the motor. AUTOANKAUF DARMSTADT

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you for such a well written article. It’s full of insightful information and entertaining descriptions. Your point of view is the best among many. buy likes instagram uk

    ReplyDelete
  32. Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. Personalized Stuff

    ReplyDelete
  33. This post is really valuable that designed for the new visitors. Pleasing work, keep on writing.
    look these up

    ReplyDelete
  34. US Open organizers also provide live streaming services to visitors in the United States. If you live in the US, you’re in luck. The first thing you need to do is watch Us Open golf 2020 online free through your browser.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! luxury chauffeur london

    ReplyDelete
  36. You need some information before you start on your shopping gorge. The essential thing you need to do is to list all the things you will buy. An overview of the things you make it easier to shop.best amazon uk deals

    ReplyDelete
  37. We limited our rundown to the best, and afterward the most elite to present to you this rundown of cafés you need to visit before you bite the dust. best coffee beans

    ReplyDelete
  38. There are positive signs that online shopping and e-commerce is gaining popularity in India. More and more people are buying online in India. In fact, Indians have every chance to become biggest online spenders in the near future. Online shopping is well suited for Indians. If you are an Indian and is still skeptical about shopping online, this article explains benefits of buying online in India. reusable items

    ReplyDelete
  39. Many shopping trucks empower you to give clients live stock accessibility before the client puts their item in the shopping truck. Leslie Jean Designs

    ReplyDelete
  40. While it is true that the salesperson encouraging you to add a mattress protector to your purchase is indeed an "upsell," these protectors are essential gear for your mattress. semi truck mattress

    ReplyDelete

  41. Shop structures protection takes care of the expenses of modifying the shop and the expenses of supplanting the shop front, which is perpetually made of glass. интернет магазин

    ReplyDelete
  42. Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. ข่าวฟุตบอลวันนี้

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is because liposomal vitamin c is more bioavailable than other supplementation methods. As vitamin C is water-soluble, it has very poor bioavailability, as a lot of it oxidises before it reaches the cells.

    ReplyDelete
  44. It is developed with carbon and suspension is made of titanium and magnesium. Partake in the quick ride.have a peek at this site

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your blog has piqued a lot of real interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting. I appreciate your efforts very much. 레플리카

    ReplyDelete
  46. The majority of these rental administrations offer customary tenant projects which can procure you free recruits and redesigns.EGE transfers redirected here
    EGE transfers redirected here

    ReplyDelete
  47. Numerous rich families appreciate water sports and other summer jungle gym exercises that make it the ideal ocean side for a vacation trip in Europe. http://pdcinfo.com/

    ReplyDelete