Westbury Manor...

I sent this letter to the Manor today. Figured I would post here for feedback. I absolutely don't want any just sad and bothered....

I haven't heard back from the Manor yet.

In October of 2009, we booked Westbury Manor as our wedding venue. At that time we were provided a $100 gift card to your restaurant in lieu of a formal tasting. We were never advised that any special conditions applied to this card.

My fiancé and I decided that we would use the gift card on Valentine’s Day. My fiancé made a reservation with Antonio. While making the reservation my fiancé inquired about any applicable special menu, etc. We are aware that the restaurant is not typically open on Sundays and therefore made sure to inquire about the specifics. We were assured that all was normal except menu pricing would be à la carte.

Upon receiving our bill ($87.99) we decided we would pay with the gift card but tip in cash. We placed the gift card in with the bill and returned it to another server. A few moments later Antonio arrived at our table to advise us that they could not accept the gift card. He inquired about how we came upon to have the gift card (if it was “complimentary” from them or from another party, etc).

He then told us that if they accepted all “complimentary” gifts on holidays there would be no seating for “paying customers”. I asked him how I could possibly have known about this; while on the menu it clearly states “no coupons,” I do not interpret that to mean gift cards. He offered absolutely no explanation, however, repeatedly thanked me for understanding. My fiancé and I embarrassed at this table-side spectacle and resented being made to feel as if we were trying to get over on the Manor.

The circumstances behind the purchase or acquisition of the gift card should not make a difference. We did not want to cause a scene so we paid the bill on another card and left upset.

To say that I was not satisfied or impressed by the treatment we received would be an understatement. In future, I believe it would be prudent to state somewhere prominent that gift cards are not accepted on holidays.

I hope the Manor takes steps to restore our confidence.