Save big on food bills with GHA Local Offers

GHA Discovery used to have a benefit called Local Experiences, where elite members earns a reward every time they stay at a new brand, that can be redeemed as a dinner, spa experience and more.

Local Experiences was replaced by Local Offers in the new program. On the one hand it is much more accessible, as all members can book without restriction. On the other hand they are far less generous – you get a discount or deal package instead of freebies. That said, some hotels do offer complimentary access to their gym, pool, meeting room or even club lounge.

I’m currently visiting Dubai and decided to try out the Local Offers for the first time. There are so many deals available and I have my eyes on this package from Paramount Hotel Midtown in the end:

At 129 AED after tax, the package includes five signature cocktails and a canape set, which sounds like a bargain!

After booking a Local Offer you still need to wait for the hotel’s confirmation. As I only gave a two-hour notice I wasn’t sure they would respond in time. They did indeed, asking me whether I wanted to visit the bar on the 14th floor or the lounge on the 64th floor, and I chose the latter.

I was very warmly welcomed by the staff upon arrival, and shown the lounge:

It is indoor with a view over the marina. You can also choose to sit outside, which is a much better experience and I think you’d agree:

View of the Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa is incredible.

You can only order one cocktail at one time, but “five” is only a very soft limit, as I was told by the bartender. It’s basically all-you-can-drink cocktails for £28, what a steal!

The canape set is calamari rings, chicken pie and beef pie, and they are tasty. Unfortunately they couldn’t take GHA D$ as payment, confirming what GHA says on their website (hotel bill only).

Although it’s a little-known perk, you can actually get great value out of GHA Local Offers, so you may want to research a little bit for your travel destination, or even the neighbourhood you live in. I just spotted something in London as well – a three-course lunch with champagne at the Mandrake for only £22.75!