If Statment in Custom node template

I have a content type called specials

In that content type I have a field called discount code which has a machine name of field_discount_code

I have a custom node template called node--specials.tpl.php that I am using to fomate the display of this content type

If the discount code if filled in by the user I want drupal to show some text if it is left empty I want it show some other generic text

here is the code I am trying but not having any luck with

<?php if (!empty($content['field_discount_code'])): ?>

<p>Call <strong>1-800-661-2555</strong> to contact our Guest Service specialists to reserve this package or book online by using discount code "<strong><?php print render($content['field_discount_code']);?></strong>".</p>

<?php else: ?>
    
<p>Call <strong>1-800-661-2555</strong> to contact our Guest Service specialists to reserve this package.</p>
    
 <?php endif; ?>  

If I leave the discount code empty drupal is still showing the first text chunk but with nothing in the render($content['field_discount_code']); area.

so like this

Call 1-800-661-2555 to contact our Guest Service specialists to reserve this package or book online by using discount code "".

I have also tried

 <?php if ($content['field_discount_code'] == "NONE"): ?>

text to display here

<?php else: ?>
    
text to display here

 <?php endif; ?> 

but no joy I am relatively new to drupal dev so perhaps I am doing this the wrong way any insight would be greatly appreciated!