Free Overnight Stays, Discount Meals At Duke Hotel

For about 15 years, Joel Fleishman has savored the fine dining at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club, from afternoon tea to local produce and meat.

"They have among the best steaks around," said Fleishman, professor of law and public policy sciences at the Duke School of Law. "The food is imaginative, the service is great and the dining room is quiet. It's one of my favorite places to dine."

This month, all Duke faculty and staff have the chance to enjoy the same kind of experience at discounted rates, thanks to a special deal for a new annual membership in the Washington Duke Inn's Executive Club. In addition to receiving up to 50 percent off dining costs, members get two complimentary guest room nights, one complimentary Saturday Brunch voucher for up to two people, invitations to special events and more.

New membership costs $349, but Duke staff and faculty pay $262 through March 31. The deal is offered by PERQS, Duke's employee discount program.

"You'll be hard-pressed to find the kind of discount we offer for the type of environment we have here," said Danielle Kaspar, Washington Duke's director of community relations and Executive Club. "It's a great deal for those that want to get out for a special meal or an easy romantic getaway."

Kaspar said the beauty of Executive Club is the freebies and discounts received through the program pay for membership. For example, a final price for a dinner for two at the AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room is cut in half with a 50 percent discount. In addition, two complimentary nights offered at the Washington Duke as part of the membership have a value of more than $400.

Fleishman values those benefits. This winter, he used his membership to host a dinner in a private room. When a guest from Rocky Mount was preparing to leave around 10 p.m., he used one of his complimentary overnight stays to let her spend the night at the Washington Duke instead of making the drive of nearly 90 miles home.

"It's a wonderful convenience to have," Fleishman said. "The package of benefits is really very attractive."

Duke faculty and staff can find a complete list of benefits on the Washington Duke's website. To sign up with the special PERQS rate, employees could call the Executive Club office at (919) 313-9604 and identify as a Duke employee.