When is a special offer truly special?

I’ve noticed Malmaison do this a few times now that I thought it’s time I mentioned it. The hotel chain is running a promotion where if you’re 30 years old, you get 30% off… 43 years old and you get 43% off, and so on.   If you’re the grand old age of 100, the room is reputedly free.   Great PR, but what I really don’t like about the offer is that it’s based on heftier-than-normal room rates of £145 for a standard room  (or £215 for London) where normally the online rate would be £99, or £125 for London.   In short, if you’re still in your 20s, there is no saving on the online rates whatsoever, and the savings to be had are minimal for those in their 30s.   If you’re still interested, though, the offer is valid for stays between 23rd and 26th May 2008.