Rainy Days and Mondays....

Actually…neither, get me down! WOW what a weekend! We knew that we were booked solid this Saturday night for a party/group….Cubensis is playing at OC Tavern tonight and they booked up the whole INN other than room number ONE:)-. It is a very rainy day…This morning was a perfect ending to yesterday…and a beginning to today…It makes sense..really!Last night, pretty heavy rains….I checked a fella into room number two, very nice man, had been staying at the shelter…his bike was stolen…such a pity…just so happens, I had an abandoned Shimano mountain bike in my back patio area, so I gave it to him! He booked his room, paid cash, had a credit card for the deposit and truly heard my statement that there was NO smoking in the rooms…so much so that he popped the screen out of the room to come out the window, for a smoke…as he was LOCKED in his room!!!! The deadbolt seized up somehow and he couldn’t get out! This led to me having to go IN through the window…then out…I got his stuff, including his new bike, and sent it through the window…then I got myself out…and man oh man…the bruises on the back of my legs and fanny…I look like I’ve been flogged, Molly…! SOOO, we then move him to room 10 with sincerest apologies, I open the door to the room with the key and moments later, he is knocking on my front door (not the office, my door, he was an observant fellow and figured out our room…) He shouted at me that I had not given him a room key and presented me with the key chain with ring and all, sans key….we still haven’t found it and its really a mystery! I gave him another key, he was very nice….I felt bad this morning with all of the rain, as he wanted to stay another night…but we were sold out (YAY- on the sold out part!) Another guest started chatting with him while he was waiting for his cab…ultimately, the guest in 5 ended up taking Harvey to the bike shop for new tubes…it was all very sweet and gratifying (minus the rolling in and out of the room through the windows…) but Harvey was so thankful for the bike…and later the ride….Happy Holidays!So, this morning…it is RAY….KNEE….ING! room 11 has sprung a leak…perfect timing since the guests JUST checked out…and my owner had JUST driven up! Crisis averted….putting new comforter in 13….housekeeper comes running through the parking lot…Donna, Donna…. (yes, it’s a long A…Dana…but people really do things to my poor, easy, four letter name…anywho…)

The white duvet cover on the bed is fully stained at the bottom corner, another leak…but it must have happened in last weeks rain…mind you, its 12:30 at this time and guests will start checking in at 1….E, the housekeeper, rapidly removes the cover, wash, dry, reapply…and she is out the door with all beds and rooms set by 1:15…still cant make that math work!Did I mention yet that I spent SEVEN hours on the phone with AT&T yesterday to get our internet up????I felt so accomplished when we hung up because we had reconnected me…the CSR even commended me on my learning abilities and suggested that perhaps, if I got tired of the hotel biz….I might want to become a tech for AT&T….seriously@!!! 7 hours of intense phone training…good to know that is an option ;). Imagine my chagrin this morning when the internet was down AGAIN!!!! I went through a lot of the things that we tried yesterday…no luck….oh… do remember…this is the night that I have FIFTEEN reservations and I cannot process credit cards without an internet connection….Ummmm, hmmm…..Okay, so in addition to a few thermostats that seem to have their own agenda…and the gazebo ceiling that wants to cave in from saturation….and me lending a house lamp to a guest, and offering to lend my GPS to another guest…things are mostly smooth this eve….this is THE party spot…the OC Tavern show starts at 9:30…I spied a few dogs in the parking lot and had to invite them to go home….as well as party guests who are not INN guests who are parking in our tiny lot…we had a last minute cancellation…which was unfortunate because I turned away four people today…but I figured, I needed the guest to be part of this group so they didn’t mind that they weren’t going to be sleeping….fortunately, while delivering, my personal, trash can to the party room (oh my, they are NOT smoking cigarettes…but they are Grateful Dead fans…so it did seem they were smoking something else….!!) I was able to re- rent the room, great for the canceller as I let him know that if I was able to re-book, I wouldn’t charge him….YAY…wow, I am so nice!We are on the guest list, invited to the parties and have all access passes…which is funny, because there isn’t much access…hunny cooked us some amazing steaks which led to him taking a nap, after buying a red bull….to get him ready for tonight….Um, I have tried to wake him 3 times…..maybe we won’t make an appearance….OUCH… I just adjusted myself on the seat…oh man, I have B.R.U.I.S.E.S from that darned window sill scoot….oh man….oh man! Hunny is up now, still waiting on one guest with two rooms….oof….Microwave is not working in the gazebo…GFI + Rain….um, well… had to move a micro from one room to another for a guest…did I mention that I caught a few doggies at the party…OMG

Plenty more went on...but I had to step away from the non internet computer! This was Friday and Saturday...tomorrow I will let you know about the check out adventures! Stay dry!!!

One, Two, Three...Um, NO!

Holy moly Catwoman....Batman too...This is so interesting...I am amazed a few times a week...again, if they don't ask, they don't know AND well, back in the day...the answer was yes...I have a chore ahead to let the general population know that we are a hip and funky and respectable operation;).

I will say, I am really grateful for our heater...its been chilly! I spend quite a bit of time in the office during the day, it gets good light, has a heater and actually gets some fresh air too!

Okay...so, within two days, I had three people ask for the rate for "two, three and eight hours..." Um, well most people complain that they get a hotel room for less than 24 hours and it seems like a bit of a rip off, with check in at 3 or 4 and check out at 11 or 12...but, no, these folks just need a few hours...My answer each time is the same, "Well our daily rates are great and you can get a single bed for $64 on weekdays and $69 on weekends, and well, you can leave whenever you would like...OMG, I don't need to know what might be going on...people who want to rent during the day are particularly annoyed by my response...I had a gal a few days ago who came by while I was out and hunny called to let me talk to her, it was just after noon and she wanted to pay $40 to have a room from 12-8, "Just to shower"....umm, well, you will be really pruney after an 8 hour shower AND, you will totally run up the water bill! those weren't my comments, but again, what I was thinking...what was funny was her fervor and determination in telling me that the good news was that she would be gone by 8pm on Friday night...um, and that helps me how? the room still needs to be cleaned before someone else can check in...she pushed and pushed and I responded, "Really? Do you want to know how my business works? If so, I can spend the time to explain it, but I will pre-empt with the fact that I cannot rent you a room for a few hours for $40....she got irritated and hung up on me.

What is most interesting is how everyone wants to spend $40 for x hours...is that the going rate at the hourly places? On a slow night, its tempting, just to get $ on the books...however, I am guessing the "by the hour folk" won't refer the folks we are looking for...wow...anywho, I declined the offer on all three...so I guess the lesson is: even if you're looking for the 'by the hour'- ask for the lowest rate for the night....

Other than that, we had a pretty good weekend. I connected with the MGR at OC Tavern and he is up for some cross marketing... that is awesome...AND...we had a few people from Goody's, band mates and their girlfriends and fans, staying over last night. I am encouraging people to review us on travel advisor and yelp..let's hope they do...and its good!

Ciao for now, it's my 'official' night off, steak, spinach, mac n cheese...and going to bed early...HEAVEN!

Food for thought...Everywhere...

Goodness, I feel like I am part of a subculture, on occasion, now. My empathy has to be outrun by my business sense and responsibility...I will admit, this post isn't funny...so be prepared.

Yesterday, the office was pulled apart, electrical issues being worked out which caused huge dust messes and internet to be down etc...a fella came in just after 4. He was polite and offered his ID and credit card, I would have thought he was homeless, he may be, but he had what he needed to rent a room. He was very kind. I attempted to run his card, but since our internet was down, it wouldn't go through...I called for authorization but our merchant number wasn't registering and they suggested I call the number on the credit card, directly, it was his debit card, the bank wouldn't give me any info, he was so patient. He spoke with the bank, he had used his debit card to withdraw more than $300 that day so they released funds, he got cash and paid for his room. I was emphatic about the no smoking in the rooms, he assured that he would smoke outside....

Oh my, well, I guess he thought I said, "smoke only IN the room and make sure you stay in bed..." There was a half pack of cigarettes in the bed and a full cup of cigarette butts on the side along with a devoured package of cookies, bag of chips, partially consumed sring cheese, chocolate milk, candy bars and an un opened can of chili...it was a lot to take in, he also left his big winter coat on the bed, looked like he slept just under the comforter with his jacket on top of him.

He was a good sport and left his room key, I couldn't bring myself to charge his card for the smoking deposit (sucker..) oof, maybe its my holiday spirit...

I just felt bad for him...

lighter and brighter next time...I promise!

Melancholy tonight because my mister went out to a show that I couldn't go with because I was working...and I didn't have ANY walk-ins and we only have two rooms booked..oh well, at least I wrote a little sad stuff for y'all.

Still thankful for absolutely everything!

Gobble Gobble...in a turkey way...

So...YES! the last guests in THREE were thrilled! They were fantastic, had a fantastic time and HOPEFULLY, we will see a YELP review pretty soon!

Past few nights have brought a few 18 year olds....one sweet girl who was very distressed because the previous hotel manager had assaulted and insulted her for being under 21!!! and she also said the place smelled so bad, she wanted to cry....She was very nice and a great guest, her husband is at C. Pendleton , I said, if her husband was old enough to serve our country, they were old enough to rent a room.

Three young'uns stopped in last night...one of their 18th bday...no cc...sorry, this can't be going anywhere good...Happy Birthday....go elsewhere....

I kept the office open an extra hour tonight since I was up, with mommie, and its Turkey eve....no new takers....3 guests tonigt...oif.....

Swingers, one of my fave movies, I LOVE VINCE VAUGHN, is on right now, mom came up to make stuffing, turkey and all the delights...

I am so incredibly thankful....for it all...just so THANKFUL!!!!!

we will probably invite the guest from 2 to dinner.....oof, seems in poor taste not to...but....mmmmph

Next week: Press Releases and Networking....Woohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Sleepinh, sleeping sleeping...

Fifth time's the charm...Hoping!

SOOO, a few really slow nights...today we picked up a bit, we have six out of sixteen booked, I am offering discounts allover the place just to have cars in the parking lot! Asking the questions..."Um, military? Vet? AAA, AARP, Scorpio? (It's scorpio birthday month...hehhehe)

We have a very cool surfer guy from Northern Cal, took the train down, with his bike and his longboard- he is happy about the outdoor shower and new bike rack, cool dude, probably in his late 60's!

I checked a few boys- SD locals- into room 3...fingers crossed that it goes well! They are here to see Stickfigure at OC Tavern. They promise they will be good..; high hopes! If they come to the office complaining that the room smells like smoke...I am upgrading them to a 2 bedroom...Shag or Zen...

We got the remote viewer back up, for surveillance, yay, interestingly enough, every guest who walked in tonight...I responded because I heard the bell! A nice older man tried to check in a few minutes ago, yet he didn't have an ID or a credit card...I have broken the rule a few times and its left the teeth marks you know where, interestingly enough, he had two medical insurance cards AND a Costco card...I didn't want to turn away the business....but....

Had to make a phone call tonight to remind someone...he was supposed to pay his rent yesterday...Hopefully he wasn't busy painting the tree while missing my call...oif!

A little feng shui goes a long way...I hope!

After our last guests in room 3...Pot Smokin' Seniors, I will call them (not high school seniors...AARP seniors!) This room already has quite a history and we have been open less than a month! I did a little clearing and some feng shui cures for this little room yesterday, we need this mischieft to stop ;).

The past few days have been insanely and uncommonly (I hope) slow. I have three reservations Wednesday (and mommie)- so that will be good- but it's Friday night and I have only one guest....and he has been here for work, since the day we opened...its a clear and chilly night and I would have expected at least 5 guests by this time...What's goin' on??

I have been able to humor my shopping need in the past week by purchasing a few things we need around here and I have found a distribution company that is litterally 70% less than the one we have been using...Inn Gal doesn't like to pay top dollar...yet she wants top quality...and I can find it....let me tell YOU!

I haven't been writing much since folks haven't been stopping in to entertain me....really hoping we pick up here in the next few days and maybe weary road travelers will find us over Thanksgiving weekend...one can hope!

The phones are working great, wishing I had the same luck getting the surveillance viewing back on my laptop..grrr...

We have VACANCIES...stop on by!

So many tales, stories...explanations...

Wow, in all my years as a hotel guest and mystery shopper...I would have NEVER guessed the stories one might hear. No wonder reservationists and conceirge's didn't flinch when I said my husband was detained in NZ and wouldn't be able to make it to our 5th anniversary surprise weekend in Aspen, and they thought nothing of my husband not making it back from Hong Kong while I was in LA...My backstories were so weak...comparitively...goodness, guy with dogs just stopped in to find out if we took pets (kind of him to ask, rather than check the critters into room 3...THE ROOM with the issues and history and apparently KARMA!).

So, No, pets, sorry, leads into a tale of how mister guest has oddles of money and is looking in the area to buy...and then...wait for it...HOW he has come into this money...he has met this "completely and totally crazy, whacked, nuts, crazy woman...she's pretty...and on top of that...frickin' looped...and before she went in, she named him as power of attorney...and she gets out in April, so he needs to "go shoppin""....Oh my...then...he asked if I was married, telling me that I am very cool and have beautiful eyes...fortunately, my hunny was snoring so loud in the living room...so it backed my story...(I wear my ring on my wedding finger, but I had just finished making dinner so I wasn't wearing it...)Oh and dinner, very good! Cream of chicken noodle soup,,,yyyumm!

Then another guest, not the previously mentioned, $20 increment payers (who tried to pull the same song and dance this weekend- they got a flat no, I think they may stay elsewhere next weekend...that's not a bad thing...)So, other guest, weekly...paid $100, calls every day with the car tales, the promised job, the wire transfer that hasn't come through...difference here, good guy, I believe him (hope that doesn't leave a bite mark on my fanny)...calls to keep me informed...brought by another $50 tonight...$100 tomorrow or I need to invite him to leave....oof....

After weeks of waiting to have the phones taken care of/ waiting for the phone guy to show up...I found the name of our previous guy and fortunately, he really didn't have much interest in leaving his office so he walked me through things for free...oh it was crazy though, I was like a nutty professor, checking phone jacks...labeling....running to next jack with phone in hand....and 70 attempts at the outgoing message (don't mind the little squeak at the end of a few sentences...kinda Michael Jackson-ish...eeh-hew-h00...)

This past weekend was quite slow...dinner with friends on Friday night in the courtyard led to a partial power outtage...once the microwave was turned on, in the gazebo....many of you know exactly how I feel about microwaves....confirmation....perhaps?!

Saturday was my first full day off (though I had to work from 7:30p-12a) since we have opened, a day at the NHRA finals in Pomona was a nice change of pace:). Newbie did a really excellent job...and my fantastic cleaning gal was thrilled to have someone who spoke Spanish, to chat with!

A little shopping tomorrow, spending all the petty cash to make sure we have some duvets, coffee pots and a few other very important items....

Hunny tries to stay up with me, that means he doesn't go to bed...but he is often asleep by 8pm, in the chair...like tonight, the comforting thing there...I get to change the channel...hehhehehehe.

Come see us soon!

Please, Can I Entertain You With Some Wine....

Oh boy, guests are generous! We have a trio of guys in room 11 who make GOOD use of the gas grill and cooktop, they, generously, offered us tacos tonight, we graciously declined as we had ribeyes on standby, waiting to hop on the grill.

This will be a short post...earlier I thought I might write about Yoko Ono staying in one of the rooms, but on further interaction, the nice Asian gal, is indeed NOT Y.O...though the gold, glittery Mary Janes...well, they made me wonder....anywho....

The "Bell just rang" in the office and I scurried off to address the guest's needs....we will call her Yoko just for the sake of having a name ;)...she had locked herself out. I grabbed the Master Key and met her in the lobby, as we walked across the faux grass, she asked, "Can I entertain you with some wine?" ...Um,,,well, thank you, but no, I am actually drinking a beer...." As we approached her room, I noted that the room key was IN THE LOCK....I giggled and told her it happens to the best of us..."She, coyly, laughed and asked, "Please, can I entertain you with some wine?" She proceeded to say, "You have such good energy and are such a positive person, please, can I entertain you with some wine?" I graciously declined, again and, thanked her and departed. Now, by reading this, you may be thinking I am a jerk and that this gal didn't speak good English...NOT the case, fully American....We just are NOT that type of place...NO, thank you, you cannot entertain me with your wine...or anything else...oh my...

We also found out today that we no longer get MTV2, bummer for hunny, but good for me because we see more Food Network and Less Rob & Big...hhehehehe, though I DO love those little bulldogs that Rob has, Meaty and Beefy! Out for now:)

Time Flies...Time Change....Flies Change...what?

Yes, I know, the time change was actually last weekend, but it still hasn't sunk in, to the kitties either! AND, its been DAYS since I reported here....so much good material, I hope I haven't forgotten it all!

Still looking for a gym AND a pedicure ;0). New gal trained tonight, will work out just fine- wow, when was the last time any of us got a job where we were encouraged to play on the computer, watch TV and talk on our cell phone...and we got paid for it....downside, when we are at occupancy...she has to run across to the gas station to use the restroom.....probably wouldn't be so bad...'cept, Newbie is pregnant, 3 months. She's cute and sharp and I gave her the rundown on the locals and how to escape as needed when the conversations are too endless;).

Oh my, I am so intrigued by the fact that we have guests who apparently check in every weekend...and live....just blocks away...hmmmm, motel life, it IS interesting!

Oh and we are really close to Camp Pendleton so the Marine's come by for their night out- this past Saturday there was a really loud and really late Quincinera (sp...forgive me, its in Espanol so it doesn't count as a typo)...so apparently the Mariachi's drowned out the loud boys having a party in room three...yes, the room that was recently the scene of the DOG...oh and incidentally...that guy has NOT returned for the collateral (Nail Gun)...but our owner is looking at it all googley eyed like he is happier to have the nail gun than the cash;). So...boys in 3....loud, guest in 2 complained in the morning...and oooh doggie....after they checked out, housekeeper went in and ran to our door, with the smoke detector in her hand (which she retrieved from the trash can....ummm, did they NOT realize that CIGARS don't set off SD's! OOF, the room smells TERRIBLE....and...Yes, just like the fact that the pet policy is listed on the registration sheet/folio, we have it listed that there is a $200 fine for smoking in rooms....Soooo, you probably guessed this....the card on file, DECLINED....here's where it gets juicy,,, Newbie knows the rules of the road and suggested I call Pendleton and let them know that this kid is being delinquent and owes $200...then she also mentioned that he probably gets paid this Friday and his check will be direct deposited...alrighty...Friday morning,,,,run that charge again! THEN call his C.O.....don't mess with the motel, boys....

We were at full occupancy on Friday night and 90% on Saturday, some interesting current guests....one couple who likes to pay in $20 increments, starting at check out time and going till 1pm....its just odd....and another guy, shows up at 3 on Fridays...trashy- trashed....and spends the weekend drinking lots and lots of coors light, he's harmless, thinks he is so funny....just needs a break from the P's....and I am sure they are greatful since he has to be pushing 40....oh goodness....

And...I need to request to another guest that....Um, he STOP painting the tree out back....yes, "Sir, please stop painting the tree...BROWN....what...is this like tanning for a tree? I think the tree is okay....leave it alone, por favor!

Loving the fact that we are getting some repeat guests who are really here to surf, they are doing the coast and coming back to us because Trestles rocks and they dig our hip rooms!

Hmmm, I am watching Chelsea Lately and maybe she has the name of my new band...or blog...or at least the eternal question: "Why do bad things always have to happen in vans..." (Vans as Victims....?) Any of my relocation and real estate clients who are reading this may remember my theories about vans....and how they depreciate neighborhoods...I'm just sayin'!

See, its been too long, there was too much...and I don't recall all that went on over the weekend...boy....

Saturday will be a real day off,,,, and hopefully Newbie will be just fine, I have her working a LONG day...

I need to start sending guests to YELP and the like to review us...we need to move those other reviews DOWN the list...new management...let's focus on that ;).

I sort of got my first review today from my boss, he asked, "How are you liking this? Is it what you thought it would be, do you like it?" then he stopped himself and said that he wasn't asking right...so my response was, "Ummm, are you happy with this (me), do you like the way its (I'm) working, is it (am I) all you hoped it (I)would be?"...and his response was, "We are THRILLED, we are really happy...." So, there we have it, good night and good news:).

Duty Calls

Today I remembered what some of the drawbacks might be to living at work...Doggie in room three caused me to change all plans, not make it to Dr.s appt, costco, potential new gym, nope, notta one. So, today, I paid too much for kitty litter at Ralph's (vs. costco), didn't get my prescription....and struggled visibly opening the kitty litter,,,,due to lack of working out...oh boy!

Tomorrow holds all that AND a pedicure...at least that's the plan...Newbie starts Monday and will be fully trained in time to work on Saturday so we can go to the drag races....


It's all good....

Here doggie doggie doggie....

Um, well, actually, NOT here Doggie. We are currently a NO PET property, I have one room with wood floors that we may designate. Its such an issue with allergies, fleas, etc. Last night was our busiest night yet! Lots of walk ins, actually kept the office open till close to 11 to accommodate those inn walkers (get it;)? Just before 10, checked in a nice fellow from Santee, I mentioned that my gramma lived in Santee, we chatted briefly, I made sure to point out that our rooms are non smoking, had him sign the cc slip and wished him pleasant dreams.

Smash cut- 3:30 am, pounding on the office door, for about 10 minutes....really...do you do this at Macy's, Target...any other business? Lights off, no one home (that you know of) so why are you pounding on the door? Keep in mind, this wasn't a current guest, was someone hoping to get a room...clearly we need one of those "we'll be back at x o'clock" signs!

10:15, maid scurries over to my door, "Pero, pero, barking, room 'tree'..." = barking dog in room three...yes, and it sounds like a big one, rather than a harmless yapping purse puppie.... called the owner, wrong number on file...nice...of course the INN owner was on site today and eager to remove Fido, suggested Animal Control (got some interesting information when I called there....) finally got the nerve (with the help and suggestion of the owners daughter) to go in the room and check Fido's tag, turned out, her name was Josie and she was a very sweet and very gorgeous Weimereiner....who had scratched all of the paint off the interior of our newly painted doors...Called the owner, and told him we had discovered the dog, he wasn't surprised, as he wasn't trying to hide her, he didn't realize that we were a no pet property and was very apologetic. His evening cost him a $150 pet fee, $100 in damage and $65 for the night, which he had already paid for- but couldn't stay...oh, my....had only $120 in cash, had to leave me some gi-normous tool for collateral....wow....!

Did I mention Adult movie guy a few days ago? I think I did...I won't repeat...
Relieved to hear that our new paint colors will be quite nice, chocolate brown overhang, tan/mocha exterior with the turquoise doors and turquoise entry steps....CUTE!

11 rooms are ready to rent, 7 rented now, will possibly book a few more tonight! Its also official that Tim and I are cooking a turkey on Thanksgiving- we are sequestered to home....sooooo, the good news, mommie will be joining us :)- yay!

We have a Grateful Dead, cover band, trying to book up the whole INN on December 12th, so if you were hoping to stay that night...call ahead to reserve your room...hhehehehe.

Imagine, we have a Commercial grade gas barbeque, CharBroil brand...and it is the ONLY model that cannot be hooked up to natural gas, must have propane...is that nutty!? We had great burgers tonight....and probably a tri-tip this weekend...so we hope that propane tank is full!

Knock Three Times...

Oh no, please don't! Perhaps this blog will also serve us with bits of hotel/motel/inn etiquette...Imagine our surprise when someone pounded ON OUR BEDROOM window at 4:00AM on Sunday morning...I was ACTUALLY asleep, soundly, shocked the you know what out of me. I peeked through the blinds and didn't see anyone. I scrambled around for something to put on (thinking that maybe a guest had locked themselves out). I saw a car with brakelights on, from the surveillance camera, couldn't tell if it was a guest. Turned on the office lights for a minute, then the phone rang (remember...this is the morning AFTER Halloween...we've all seen those darned scary movies...) I answer the phone, to a request, "Hi, will you please open up so we can get a room?" I replied, "Sorry, the office doesn't open till 9AM." Caller then says, "Oh, Okay, can you tell me of anyplace that is open now or that has a room?" My professional response was, "I don't know of any, sorry." My inner voice response was "Are you Kidding me? It's 4AM...we are an INN not INN-FORMATION!" I went back to bed and wondered what prompted this person to pound on our window- did they know that was the bedroom of the manager? Did they think that was part of the (dark and obviously closed) office? Or were they just randomly pounding on windows? Good thing that big rig kept us from getting more guests that night because the street was blocked off... We had just talked that day about planting some shrubbery or something that would make it more difficult to get to the window. Tim suggested Cactus, which of course, I am not a big fan of...but they certainly serve their purpose :).

I think that I shall never see....

HAH! Wait...I shall see...video surveillance now hooked up in the office and I also have remote viewing on the laptop..oh goodness...I no sooner typed those words...and I lost my viewing...grrr. Huge, potential relief being able to check to see if the ringing in my ears is just that...or someone ringing the bell for service!

Our website is up, its basic, talked to the boss today about getting access to adjust verbiage, pictures and add links :). http://www.innatcalafiabeach.com/ for starters, a few room pics and such. Stop by...

The big action around here is that a big rig hauling cars on a trailer...is stuck, trying to get out of the gas station, has been going on for over three hours now! No shock that I haven't had many walk ins tonight when there are six police cars out front on El Camino Real, flares and all! Midnight is closing time tonight...oof, even with a (delightful) two hour nap, that seems way too late...

Hoping to see some familiar faces soon around these parts, we broke it to Tim's mom tonight that we won't be there for Thanksgiving. Mommie and I talked about it last week- maybe she will come up here...we will be cooking up a turkey in our cool little vintage oven...my first turkey...oh boy!

No Trick or Treaters- which is a good thing...because we forgot to get candy...which is really a good thing now that we haven't had trick or treaters...hehehehe. Its chilly tonight, as is always the case on Halloween, I like it...was quite toasty today. We have 5 out of 17 booked tonight, getting there...the workers from San Onofre are hearing that we are back open and are slowly trickling in. We booked two rooms to guys who were just up the street, they happened to run into the owner and told him why they moved from the other property....wait for it....mmhm, Yes, I know you are thinking that its my sparkling customer service, chipper demeanor and the newly renovated rooms...and great rates...ummm, well, the reason he said, "The person at the desk is WHITE." hmmm, Okay, well I do need a tan....yet...think of all of the advertisting opportunities...hehehehe....remember, I'm just writing about the goings on...that's all.

Two interviews on Monday- think good thoughts for me- I am ready for a day off- though we both fear that I will just want to sleep the entire time! Finding a place for the rest of my clothes tomorrow (so help me...) and going to get this little place more livable, even if the furniture set up is temporary- Feng Shui girl is about to crawl out of her skin! And um, the maid may need to stop in, we want to make sure she has enough hours to keep her here :)- she really is fantastic!

Uniquely Qualified....

So, the fun begins (again) with hiring. I need someone to fill in on my one day off (and a day in November when drag races are in order and a night in December when I am bartending...only Dr. B gets the Bartender-a-go-go doors and shakers to open- he booked me in February and its our 4th year- I really must keep my commitment!) So, I post a basic post and let people know the expectations, what I need etc., I always scratch my head and make faces (that I immediately remind myself "your face could freeze that way" so I unscrunch;)...It's always so interesting...how people respond to help wanted ads....don't get me wrong...I don't begrudge...I had some serious time of resume sending and applying for many jobs that I was overqualified for and a few that I was underqualified for...however, I customized my cover letter to actually relate to the position posted and I never...NEVER...just sent my phone number and said "CALL ME"....I must admit, I just delete those responses. I purposely request certain information to be included in the reply email, I do this when I have a rental too- are you paying attention? Can you follow directions? Many times...the answer is NO. And we all know how I feel about misspellings....OMG....spell check OR at least use the proper word...if you are not available for the hours posted, please don't reply and OH, do not send seven...7...SEVEN emails FOR someone else, in response to a post, don't do this for yourself either...and OMG, do not request a read receipt, I GOT IT...I GOT EM ALL! hehehe. And...when someone is requesting a part time reservation agent...your modeling website, probably not equivalent to a resume...

Okay, this (mostly) concludes my rant. This is valuable advice. Pass it on if you think it could be helpful:).

I am optimistic that Monday's interviews will bring me a smart and savvy individual who will work out just fine. (Speaking of working out...I Really Really need to find a gym here in SC....wish me luck on that!)

Eek...There's a Mouse in the House!

Now don't you worry, we don't have mice in the rooms...the rooms don't have (very expensive, prescription kitty food)! We caught a little bugger last week, shortly after I saw it run under the door and under the fridge (sweeper was put on the door that same day to deter future furry family members from enjoying the hospitality...) I promptly put part of the cat food in a large zip lock in the fridge and the other part in an airtight, heavy plastic storage tote...that should be fine, right?....Well...no. I opened the cupboard today and noticed a line of blue shreddings....THEN, I noticed that the mouse ate through some really serious plastic, a hole the size of a quarter....I was afraid he might be inside so I opened it outside, safe...next was vacuuming up the shredded plastic and cleaning up after Mickey....I located a hole in the cupboard that must make it very easy for him....trap in place...snap...within 10 minutes- terrible, sorry- just awful...then we found a few more in an outside trap, oof, 6 pack of mice....Hoping we got em all...and yes, we too are wondering: "Where are Lodie and Pipie this whole time?"....Did I mention that their toy/ fake mice make me jump and squeal each time I step on one!? Seriously!

We have three guests tonight, I gave the maid the day off tomorrow...uh-oh! Thankfully, we have 16 rooms so I can just make these unavailable and Elsa will have a nice, full day on Saturday!

Dryer, Dryer, Pants on Fire...

Wer'e getting closer! Most rooms have remotes for the TV's that work now, thanks to Tim. I made a little punch list for the owners as well as a pseudo wish list so we can get things crackin'!

Just got a call from a guest that the dryer is only doing the 'air fluff' thing...he was right, gave his money back and distracted him with a few funny stories and I'm back in the house:).

Insane winds this morning, which, initially, caused me to believe that one of our umbrellas blew away...until we noticed that the firepit AND wood...were also gone...this lit a fire under our fannies to get the surveillance system hooked up...say CHEESE! I'm ready for my close-up....no, not really...even with my new BRUNETTE hair!

We get a few walk ins each day and since I am fervently working to change the energy and clientele of The Inn, we also get a few walk outs. Sorry, no trades, work for beds or barter...prices are competitive, rooms are clean and renovated...the surfers (who were disappointed by the high winds today but hoping for a swell tomorrow) and the guys working at the Nuclear Power Plant or Camp Pendleton- they like it...and they are staying...we're on the right track!

Now to interview...I take one day off a week and need to put someone at the desk...hopefully this person will be more reliable than the first maid that I hired, still hoping she's not in a ditch somewhere, worked two days then evaporated...goodness!

Explaining the Title...

So, for many who know me well, the title makes sense. My ultimate goal/ dream has been to own a cool little boutique hotel...this is the first step toward making that happen, and might I add, I have Elyse to thank for the introduction that has led me to this point.

The owners of the property are very cool and I believe I will have autonomy and be able to run the hotel as I see fit. I am excited about the marketing possibilities too.

I have said for many years that I didn't think I would spend my whole life in San Diego, and now, here I am in San Clemente. What an adorable little town this is, nice people, nice beaches and now- here we are!

So, open your heart and mind to Universal timing and pay attention. This has been a long and tough year for me, then in July, things started turning around as my highschool love came back in to my life, and we had time to reconnect since we weren't tied to full time jobs (though it seemed like a very scary and depressing thing at that time...) in hindsight, it was a bit of luxury. Now he has moved from the high desert to San Diego and NOW to San Clemente and here we are, mom and pop InnKeepers...hehhehe. Loving the ride...

Ringing in my ears

So here we are, we have been moved in since October 8th and are officially open for business as of last Saturday. I am trying to get used to the system. Our apartment connects to the front office and we have a dutch door in the kitchen so if a guest comes up to the desk, they "ring the bell for service"...now,I hear the little 'ding' in everything...watching the food network...I will NEVER get a nap! Even commercials, there is a little 'ding' at the end of the Papa John's commercial, it just played...this will be quite an experience!

Our first guests liked the "Retro Room" so much- they stayed a second night. Second guest to check in gave me a box of cookies...so far, we're having a blast! I think a little space clearing is in order once construction is complete and we are ready to occupy all the rooms...I'll explain this later!

Phones are hooked up today, really for the first time, just got a call from a band that will be playing at The OC Tavern in December, looking to book a block of rooms...cool! Great marketing opportunity with OC Tav.

We are trying to change the vibe and clientelle of this little mid-century motel, and I think I am just the girl to complete the mission!