I just got a (another) marketing email from Wyndham Rewards.

Brooklynne and I stayed in a Wyndham this summer, and I signed up for the rewards program because they offer their Rewards members free WiFi, which was ~$10/day for non-members. After enrolling as a member, however, I booked through Orbitz, because there was a $30/day difference in the price.

When we arrived, I found that the WiFi was not included in my rate so I gave the desk clerk my rewards number and asked her to add it to our account. She said that she would do it "just this once" and explained with a slightly annoyed tone that the free WiFi perk was intended for loyalty customers who booked directly with Wyndham.

I almost asked her why loyal customers who booked directly through Wyndham were charged so much more than disloyal customers like me? I also wanted to ask her if her attitude was a reward for loyal customers too, and if she was giving that to me "just this once" also.

Clearly, I'm still irritated by this exchange. I should let it go, but I'm not planning to book with Wyndham any time soon. If I end up staying at one, I'll pay the $10/day for the WiFi and put the other $20 I save through Orbitz into my future Marriott vacation savings account.

*** After posting this, I realized I may have heightened sensitivity to this issue due to my days working for CI Industries. I should really do a whole post on "The Many Jobs of Miles Travis." ***