I recently checked into a family run hotel in Innsbruck Austria. My wife, three children and I had been driving all day from Rotterdam Holland and we were all tired and hungry. I think the woman at reception could sense that we just wanted to get checked in quickly, get cleaned up and walk into the centre of town for something to eat. She was both helpful and friendly.

“Can you please fill in the registration form?” she said handing me a pen with the hotel’s logo on it. I did this and as I was doing so she passed a couple boxes of colouring pencils over the counter to my two youngest kids along with two personalised notepads with pictures for them to colour in.

The pen was a Lecce Allegra Fantasia pen with mix-n-match colours that complimented the hotel’s colours nicely. I showed it to my wife but she hushed me up quickly. I could see the embarrassment in her face so I didn’t force the delight at having been handed a pen I knew so well. Apparently it is okay to know the brands of bags, boots and sports shoes but one should not know the brand of promotional plastic pens. That is a bit nerdy.

I handed the pen back to her but she just smiled and told me I could keep it. Having been in the promotional merchandise industry for over 20 years I was happy to receive the plastic pen. It looks fantastic personalised with their logo and details and it helped give a good first impression of the hotel.

When we went to dinner my two younger entertained themselves with their new colouring sets while my wife and I enjoyed a few adult beverages. These low cost promotional gifts were making our first evening in Innsbruck a nice experience and we were thankful for that.

Back in the room there were several nice touches that both promoted the small hotel’s brand and made the stay that much nicer. There were personalised water bottles that were chilled and free! There were two more pens and notepads which we kept. Even the towels and glasses had the hotel’s logo on them. The place was had a casual elegance and a welcome end to a long day.

Have you ever stayed at a hotel where they made your stay nicer with promotional merchandise? There is no substitute for excellent service and staff but the little extra touches help.

Those pens I received almost two months ago are still in my possession and they still write very well. I use them around the house almost every day. If I am ever in Innsbruck again I know where I will be staying. Let me know if you would like the name of the hotel.