'British Only' in North Cyprus!

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 08:54

Todays 'Cyprus Today' is carrying a full page advert for the Mercure Hotel with special offers. At the top it says "British Only".



So does that mean Dutch, Germans etc are not welcome or does it mean the Brits are the only ones daft enough to part with their money?



Chris

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 09:24

This seems to be quite common in Turkey. I recently booked a hotel in Turkey on hotels4u.com



A lot of the prices / hotels list: "Price only a available to British Passport holders". I'm guessing it may be some government scheme/funding in Turkey... Maybe because Mercure is Turkish owned/operated, it may be using the same scheme?

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 09:31

You have to wonder at the gullibility of anyone who falls for such a promotion.... The sub-text should probably read... 'you will get special inattention - because we know you are so reticent to complain'.



'They've ripped us off and those people over there are not Brits!'



'Oh dear please don't make a fuss, I hate a scene'

onestop


Joined: 31/10/2009
Posts: 214

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 09:45

Whats the deal Chris - is it the brunch?

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 14:27

Heard a story from a 100% source that certain Brits get conned into the cheap up front prices to stay at these 5* hotels. Then when they get there they cannot afford a beer or a sandwich cos they are so expensive.



Keeps the bed occupancy up I suppose.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 15:25

And after 5 posts and 450 views not ONE Brit used the word discrimination.

P.S. Not ONE news paper in western Europe would accept an add like this.

P.P.S Sorry to have to say this: shame on the British people who think this is normal and acceptable.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 15:35

interesting though they want paying in euros. DC i think its blatant discrimination.

jimmykibris


Joined: 20/07/2010
Posts: 151

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 15:42

blatant discrimination.





now that is some thing new



shame on thetel and shame on cyprus today for accepting the ad.

fosterscan


Joined: 27/02/2010
Posts: 541

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 15:53

May be as its a british read paper thats why they advertised.maybe the german paper says german only and the dutch etc etc

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 16:03

Perhaps they are having a 'British' theme day or something.

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:11

Chris,



Does it give any offer details like prices etc? If so, it would interest me.



Much appreciated.



John

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:18

The ad says: British people only.

50Euro Per Person,

Full board Plus Accommodation (Open Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Unlimited drinks during the meals. 0-12 Age Free.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:22

Looks excellent value to me.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:32

It also says in the same ad:

Sunday Brunch. 25 Euro Per Person.

Outdoor pool, indoor pool and the Pier Fitness, Sauna and Turkish Hamam. 25% Discount on Massages.

11:00-15:00 Open Buffet Brunch.

11:00-17:00 Pool Bar, Beach Bar and Lobby Bar Unlimited Local drinks available.

16:00-17:00 Poolside Tea Time.

Mini Club and Game Park for Children.

Varieties of animation shows 0-12 Age Free

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:37

The Sunday Brunch was £30 in 2009. I thought it was good value then - what the the huge lunch and free drinks.



At €25 Euros now it's even better value.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:43

Bill its crazy prices, but I cant understand this "British People only" ??

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:45

Thank You all.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:47

Tootie. I can't fathom it out either. One things for sure though I'll definitely be going for the 'brunch' at these prices - British or not!

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 17:54

You cant stay at home cheaper.

I'll see you all in the morning at breakfast then.

bridie


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 308

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 18:01

Will they be asking to see your passport I wonder, especially if your skin is not the colour they think it should be.

This is a disgrace, and should never have got into the newspaper.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 18:12

Brodie. No passport required - you just have to sing the National Anthem. ))

vincent1


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 212

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 18:19

Great offer and Hans free!

CarrieRBag



Joined: 23/12/2008
Posts: 1374

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 18:34

LMOA at Vincent...

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 18:38

Message 6



Dutch Crusader of course it is blatant discrimination not only against the rest of Europe but the people of North and South Cyprus who's country we are a guest in.



My god South Africa (white) would have been proud of this 30 years ago.



Chris

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 18:43

Joking aside, this could have repercussions for the Mercure.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 18:48

I agree and wonder what its all about? Maybe a Non Brit could send them an email, just to see what there response would be?? Hans....

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 19:04

Tootie,



maybe the Brits should send them e-mails and point out the errors of their ways!



Chris

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 19:07

The reason for the wording is not so much discrimination is they know it is only Brits that will fall for this sort of scam. The Dutch and Germans would not allow themselves to be ripped off in such a way. Plus most TC probably would not wish to waste their money on expensive food and accommodation.



So discrimination, maybe but who are the fools!!

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 19:11

Chris,

I'll do it in the morning after breakfast and Sunday Brunch

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 19:19

message 28



I wouldn't say the offer is a scam as 50 Euros for full board plus accomodation (open buffet , Lunch, Dinner and unlimited local drinks during the meals) sounds to me a good deal. Plus 0-12 years go free. So a family of 4 2 adults and 2 kids 100 euros that's a good price in anyone's book.



I still say it is blatant discrimination whether it was meant or not perhaps on this occasion their wording could have been better.



Chris

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 19:28

I have just telephoned he Mercure and spoke to someone on reception asking the question "is the offer only for British and not for Dutch, German, Swedish and the rest of Europe' I have to phone again in the morning and speak to public relations department between 9am and 6 pm. Which I will do!



Chris



p.s No senior management on duty!

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 19:29

I Agree Chris, Cant see a scam,

But I can only think they know how much it costs a family on holiday or people who have holiday homes here to go lets say Escape beach for the day!?



I agree it does read to be discriminating but Im sure its not meant to be?

jimmykibris


Joined: 20/07/2010
Posts: 151

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 19:39

tootie why are you sure ts not meant to be discriminating ??



message 30 totally agree it is a certain dutch persons birthday today i was oing to take him therefor this but having read the ad he would not be welcome.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 19:59

Because I dont see the logic in just British People?

I can only think the logic is aimed towards people on holiday, But they messed up on the wording.

Why is the price in Euro's if its aimed at just Brits? Brits come here with Stg or Lira.



Ps, Are you not discriminating by saying you was going to take Hans out for his birthday but he would not be welcome?

Troodo


Joined: 12/06/2008
Posts: 1002

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 20:15

Perhaps they are trying to say sorry.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 20:42

Can some one post the advert on her please !!

itsadogslife


Joined: 17/03/2009
Posts: 121

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 20:54

You are all wrong 50 for british 35 all others !!!!!!!!!

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 21:29

i'm sure it's just a poorly thought out ad. Probably aimed at the Brits because we seem to make up the majority of the expats and holiday makers.

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 21:35

having just read some of the trip advisor reviews i'm not even sure whether to try it at that price:



http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g190378-d649927-r66561126-Mercure_Cyprus_Casino_Resort-Kyrenia.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 21:35

If the prices are as shown here then it's not a rip off. It's extremely good value.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 21:46

Message 39



My cousin stayed there last year service, food, facilities were all first class.





Chris

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 21:49

It's probably aimed at the Brits because we don't mind putting our hand in our pocket.

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 22:51

could also be to discourage all the turks who will be over soon for ramadan. They can eat silly amounts of food and generally take the p***

Pogle


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 1536

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 23:18

LaptaMike, the deal is 1100-1700 bang in the middle of the fast, and what a rotten thing to say, why would Turks come here during the holy month anyway? FYI the average Turk would only come to this country if they had to for work or to gamble if they were rich. Back to the topic, The Mercure is part of the European Accor group of over 4000 hotels worldwide. They would not actively discriminate ( the CEO is French for God's sake!), its obviously a PR boob. The deal is on every year, it is nothing new and not aimed at ripping anyone off, you can have a 6 hour skinful plus food and great facilities for less than the normal price for lunch ( 70TL). Sundays are noisy and busy mainly with Turkish Cypriots, though I did see a family of 8 from the mainland hoarding borek in a Mercure laundry bag for the month ahead, no doubt ( Mike).

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
07/08/2010 23:45

mike the turks do not pay , the casino does. well it rules me and him out if they want passports, however having said that with the aircon at home and the restaurant, it would be better to stay there, at least i would get fed x

ajaney


Joined: 24/12/2008
Posts: 199

Message Posted:
08/08/2010 09:40

Sorry if this upsets anyone - what period does this offer cover?

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
08/08/2010 09:47

ajaney,



The advertisement doesn't have any dates on it!



Chris

p.s. Their phone number is 0392 650 25 00

derman



Joined: 09/08/2010
Posts: 52

Message Posted:
10/08/2010 09:34

Mercure Hotel has advertised today the "same campaign" to all Turkish newspapers. (Full page, same price and same facilities) At the top it says "Make a holiday in your own country" It seems that it wasn't only for British people.. This means the advert in Cyprus Today was announced to British people because its British read.

silcuty21


Joined: 24/05/2010
Posts: 208

Message Posted:
10/08/2010 16:41

i stayed at the mercure last year and the reason for british only is that last year many local cypriots

stayed and to put it bluntly they acted like they had never seen food before noisy would put towels

on all the beds blast their radios on mobile phones invite friends from the village and there was an outrage from uk tourist infact i was compensated like an other 50 people 1 week free the manager well i wont say what he said but did not want locals ever again



thats the story nothing to do with british only any european tourist any civilised tourist will do but they dont want cypriots turkish cypriots they dont mind "greek cypriots "



wow how things change but i was witness and dont blame the mercure at all



sylv

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 13:36

Just thought I'd mention briefly that the campaign was a little misleading ...



I was actually booking a stay over the internet through emailing and it turns out that the offer is €100- for a double room and €75- for a single room FB. So for couples it works out at €50- each but for us solo travellers it is €75- ...



So it looks like another long stay in the Malpas for me!

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 13:44

walkerscott...msg 50



"So it looks like another long stay in the Malpas for me!"



Life can be a real bitch sometimes can't it ?

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 18:42

walkerscott .



So what do you actually pay at the Malpas ? cheers .