Wow, looks like its been 20+ days since my last post, 21 days to make or break a habit..uh-oh! Never fear, I'm back.
This has been a tumultuous month, to say the least. December was painfully slow which led to financial and labor cuts here, which led to stress and anxiety! Then, rain, rain and more rain- which I decided to use to my advantage, people check in and they don't want to check out- so give them an amazing rate and well, they stay a few extra days! (and hey, there are a few rooms that I can now promote as "having a water feature...")
So...with the flexibility to do whatever it takes, I took an extreme approach to pricing. After all, good guests paying less, better than no guests at all, right? And it keeps the housekeeper busy enough that I don't have to worry about her runnning out to get another job:). That said, I, unfortunately, had to cut Newbie down to just being on call, what is most unfortunate about that is that I don't get a day off right now, but it will all work out in the end...right? I mean, YES, it will!
I have been working on creating relationships with a few nearby businesses and that is starting to pan out too. The inspiration for this post was a walk in last night. It was Saturday night around 9, we hadn't had any walk ins for the day, which is pretty painful on a weekend night, fortunately we have 4 rooms booked with people in town for the week. Anyhow, I greet the man at the desk, he inquires about room rates, I tell him I am giving the place away through February so tonight, $55+tax. He says ok, then pauses and asks if I can go any lower, I pause and say $50+tax...(these really are AMAZING rates! This is actually the friends and family price, but hey, we are all family in the grandest scheme of things....right?!) So we chat a bit and he tells me he is having a beer over at the nearby sports bar with his girlfriend. I ask if thats how he heard about us and he says yes, he was chatting with the bartender who suggested he come down and check us out. (this made me happy!) So, he says that he just really wants to have a relaxing night with his girl and they don't want to worry about drinking and driving (big thumbs up here!)- he says they have a babysitter for the first time since he can't remember when and he just left the bar under the ruse of getting gas in the car and popped in to see what we had to offer. This was all very cute, I told him I thought it was fantastic and his girl was going to be thrilled, you gotta cultivate that spark to keep the love alive, afterall. So, then I tell him I am going to upgrade him to one of our swanky and fun designer rooms, I show him the picture, get him all checked in (put the fear of God...or Suze Ormond in him if he has any inclination of smoking in the room- this smoking thing will be a whole 'nother post!) any who, he thanks me sincerely, and I tell him to have a really wonderful time, late check out is in place, and I encourage him to check out the room before he heads back to the tavern. We chat for a minute or so more, he refers to his girlfriend and says she should be his wife by now because they have been together for 9 years, I, jokingly, tell him he oughta make an honest woman out of her and OF COURSE mention that I just got engaged:) (Hey, come on now, this is the majority of my social interaction at this point in the motel game, I gotta tell anyone who will listen..hehehe) Then he stops, chuckles, gets serious, and says, "Ya Know, I just love her so much and its so good I don't want to risk messing it up, I was married before (and apparently traumatized) and I just wouldn't want us to end up like that..." I tell him that sounds perfectly logical, for the time being. And tell him to make the most of having a babysitter for the night;) I keep an eye on him on the surveillance to catch his reaction to his room, he stood in the doorway for a good minute and a half...I was hoping this was a good thing....
I saunter back to the living room to listen to hunny snore while I try to find something to watch (TV Guide channel has disappeared so its torturous) back to ghost hunters or something of the sort...interesting and spooky all at the same time!- I digress...
I glance over at the surveillance and see him walking toward the office, I dart back in (I don't really WANT people to have to ring that little bell, so I try to get in there before they get a chance.) I greet him and ask if he likes the room, this is where it gets sweet. He takes my card and asks if this is me, I confirm. He says that the room is so awesome, and he is so touched that I truly care about them having a night out and says that he is actually fighting back a tear because he is so emotionally touched and grateful. So, then I have to refrain from getting watery eyed and tell him that its my pleasure to be able to do something nice for someone nice. He says that I have no idea how hard things have been lately and this whole evening is giving him hope, the BT at the bar also hooked him up with free cover charge for the evening. He then gives me two movie tickets and reminds me that my fiancee and I might need a date night. We say goodnight and he heads back to enjoy the night with his gal at the tavern.
I gotta tell you, this interaction, it really made my week. I've actually had a few really fulfilling moments in this business in the past few weeks. I got a call from the guy who was our first guest, he was here through mid-December, he left a message a few days after New Years just saying thank you again and that he wanted to wish us a happy new year. That same day, I get a call from a guy who is new to the area and has stayed here a few times, he is just calling to thank us for our hospitality and to say how much he loves the place and he will be back soon. Then, remember the guy who got locked in his room? the homeless fella who I gave the bicycle to... well he hadn't been in since NYE, he had crossed my mind a few times during the month, and I hoped he was doing okay, he just had his 71st birthday in December...well he showed up on the 18th, (stayed for a week) with his bike, actually 2 bikes now, not sure about that...anyhow, he was much different...he stopped drinking on the first of the year! He looked great, is one heck of a funny guy, and checked in because we were soon to get rain (he likes to be sure there is more room at the shelter for those who need it when it rains!) He had a great stay, learned how to make cup o noodle soup in the microwave, Newbie taught him this! And he just kicked back and watched the History Channel all week. He stopped by the office a few times just to tell me how he really appreciated how nice we are and how he has been telling all of his friends about us...yes, this is true because a few of them have stopped in...oof...anyhow, in my own little way, I seem to be bringing a little sunshine to the people who walk in the door. That rocks. I mean, that's what it's all about right? If your random act of kindness inspires another to do the same, even better.
Enjoy the day my friends...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
For "Crazy" Press "One"....
Actually, it was the other way around, answer with friendly greeting, response from raving lunatic, jealous wife...WOW...that's all I can say... I will get back to this!
So, I haven't blogged in a bit as it was pretty slow and uneventful for the last few weeks of December, we still have to be here in case someone drops in, so we had a wonderful and quiet Christmas here at home, and scheduled a desert Christmas with hunny's family and had my family up the next day. It was really fantastic...and right in between the two...a proposal...Yep...life is getting better and better, we are engaged!!!! I am so happy, excited and grateful that the path of destiny could not be thwarted:)...Nuff about me...I should do an alternate blog to chronicle us:).
So-I may have said it in a previous post...but Reality TV has NOTHING on Reality when running a motel...nothin'!
New Years Eve I kept the office open till Midnight with hopes of stragglers, we actually had seven rooms booked which was great considering at 2pm, there was only one person here! Some great friends have become our most frequent guests (room rates are so fantastic that even locals want to spend the night in town!) We planned accordingly and grilled up steaks and a broccoli au gratin, they introduced us to the yummiest little appetizer (which many guests enjoyed too!) grilled summer sausage, grilled ahaheim peppers and a slice of (Christmas Tree shaped) cheddar...YUM! We had some beers and a Red Bull and hoped we could make it till midnight (I had to...but they could have retired early- troopers- we all made it!) In the midst, our other guests came and went to OC Tavern and Molly Blooms and had a great time, we shared snacks with them. A passerby asked if he could join us for a beer, he sat in, had a beer with him. Turns out he had stopped by a few weeks earlier for prices and our rates were higher than he was hoping, he had been in a less than savory place down the street and was planning on moving to Oceanside the next day (works on contract at San Onofre Nuclear Plant). This is the slow season so I offered to match the price of the Oside place. He came back New Years Day and checked in for the week.
We made it to midnight, toasted, and went to bed! The night was chilly enough outside that I was most comfy in my big coat, haven't been able to wear it since Aspen last December! A mellow evening with good food and good friends and pretty decent occupancy. A nice close to a rocky year.
GOOD EVENING....SUNSHINE....
So, here's where nutter butter comes in. I pick up the office phone around 6:30 or 7pm on NY Day. I give my cheerful greeting when answering...and get the response "Who is this?" I repeat the biz name and get a gruff, WHO is this? I state my name and hear it back in my perky inflection...then I am asked my age, I pause and ask the woman her age, she mocks me and repeats the question, I tell her that is irrelevant and ask how I can help (keep in mind for the first minute + of this conversation, I wasn't certain this was a real caller, thoguht it was a friend playing a joke..) then, the woman flips out and says I spent NYE with her husband and I'm a tramp and she doesn't know what type of business I am running but she is sending the police. I invite her to send the police and tell her, "I am running a nice, cute, clean, respectable little Inn." This infuriates her, she tells me her husband is staying here and she knows I lured him in with beer and she is angry because he told her I was old and clearly I am not...I replied, that I personally didnt think I was OLD and it would be offensive, but maybe he did think I was old...she was even angrier...as you can imagine. She then called me, well if you think tramp with a W or S...those were tossed around. I was still speaking in my phone voice, and asked how I could be of assistance. She went on about my luring her husband in and I informed her that my fiancee (how exciting:), and two guests/ friends were sitting at an outdoor table and that was it. She hung up, called back, ranted, mocked my name and speaking tone, screamed that I could have him, that he was a loser and good luck etc., she then asked that I deliver the message that she would be shutting his phone off and his credit cards. I asked her to repeat that as I hadn't fully understood her (she was in high pitched, howler monkey tone) she screamed back "EXCUSE ME?" she repeated herself and I asked if she would like to be transferred as this wasn't a message that I would be delivering. I visualize that her head must have spun around at this moment...(Keep in mind...I am beyond shocked and feeling caught off guard and assaulted...yet at work so I am holding my tongue as I get called every explative in the book)....I tell her happy new year and hang up. She (in good stalker fashion) calls right back, I think this was actually the 5th call, she opens by asking if I have a record and says she is having me checked out, I let her know, that no, I do not have a record (don't we all listen to Ipods and CD's this day in age...? hehehe...Police record), she goes into what a loser and big drinker her husband is and how she hates him (shouldn't she be thrilled that he is out of town working? and I am thinking, well,,,,you sound like a bit of a shrieking drinker yourself....of course I did NOT say this, being professional and all...)Anyhow, I tell her that I am not interested, nor is anything about her husband, or her, any of my business, he is a paying guest like all others and as long as he follows the rules, and pays his fees, he is a guest....She starts in again on how she is calling the police, and was having our establishment checked out, I invited her, once again to do so and request that she stop harrassing me and calling. I tell her good night and hang up...Interestingly enough...she abided by my request...After calling me every tawdry name in the book...oof.
WOW...I was shaken up for about an hour...that was all just not fun....and to think...we have been having issues with the phones and calls have not been coming in....YET, I get this one...my oh my....
Happy Healthy New Year to you all!
Light evening tonight, but waiting for our fave (punk) rock star to check in;)
Please don't hold any typos against me, not proof reading this and typed quickly because I got the adrenaline rush from the crazy lady story!
So, I haven't blogged in a bit as it was pretty slow and uneventful for the last few weeks of December, we still have to be here in case someone drops in, so we had a wonderful and quiet Christmas here at home, and scheduled a desert Christmas with hunny's family and had my family up the next day. It was really fantastic...and right in between the two...a proposal...Yep...life is getting better and better, we are engaged!!!! I am so happy, excited and grateful that the path of destiny could not be thwarted:)...Nuff about me...I should do an alternate blog to chronicle us:).
So-I may have said it in a previous post...but Reality TV has NOTHING on Reality when running a motel...nothin'!
New Years Eve I kept the office open till Midnight with hopes of stragglers, we actually had seven rooms booked which was great considering at 2pm, there was only one person here! Some great friends have become our most frequent guests (room rates are so fantastic that even locals want to spend the night in town!) We planned accordingly and grilled up steaks and a broccoli au gratin, they introduced us to the yummiest little appetizer (which many guests enjoyed too!) grilled summer sausage, grilled ahaheim peppers and a slice of (Christmas Tree shaped) cheddar...YUM! We had some beers and a Red Bull and hoped we could make it till midnight (I had to...but they could have retired early- troopers- we all made it!) In the midst, our other guests came and went to OC Tavern and Molly Blooms and had a great time, we shared snacks with them. A passerby asked if he could join us for a beer, he sat in, had a beer with him. Turns out he had stopped by a few weeks earlier for prices and our rates were higher than he was hoping, he had been in a less than savory place down the street and was planning on moving to Oceanside the next day (works on contract at San Onofre Nuclear Plant). This is the slow season so I offered to match the price of the Oside place. He came back New Years Day and checked in for the week.
We made it to midnight, toasted, and went to bed! The night was chilly enough outside that I was most comfy in my big coat, haven't been able to wear it since Aspen last December! A mellow evening with good food and good friends and pretty decent occupancy. A nice close to a rocky year.
GOOD EVENING....SUNSHINE....
So, here's where nutter butter comes in. I pick up the office phone around 6:30 or 7pm on NY Day. I give my cheerful greeting when answering...and get the response "Who is this?" I repeat the biz name and get a gruff, WHO is this? I state my name and hear it back in my perky inflection...then I am asked my age, I pause and ask the woman her age, she mocks me and repeats the question, I tell her that is irrelevant and ask how I can help (keep in mind for the first minute + of this conversation, I wasn't certain this was a real caller, thoguht it was a friend playing a joke..) then, the woman flips out and says I spent NYE with her husband and I'm a tramp and she doesn't know what type of business I am running but she is sending the police. I invite her to send the police and tell her, "I am running a nice, cute, clean, respectable little Inn." This infuriates her, she tells me her husband is staying here and she knows I lured him in with beer and she is angry because he told her I was old and clearly I am not...I replied, that I personally didnt think I was OLD and it would be offensive, but maybe he did think I was old...she was even angrier...as you can imagine. She then called me, well if you think tramp with a W or S...those were tossed around. I was still speaking in my phone voice, and asked how I could be of assistance. She went on about my luring her husband in and I informed her that my fiancee (how exciting:), and two guests/ friends were sitting at an outdoor table and that was it. She hung up, called back, ranted, mocked my name and speaking tone, screamed that I could have him, that he was a loser and good luck etc., she then asked that I deliver the message that she would be shutting his phone off and his credit cards. I asked her to repeat that as I hadn't fully understood her (she was in high pitched, howler monkey tone) she screamed back "EXCUSE ME?" she repeated herself and I asked if she would like to be transferred as this wasn't a message that I would be delivering. I visualize that her head must have spun around at this moment...(Keep in mind...I am beyond shocked and feeling caught off guard and assaulted...yet at work so I am holding my tongue as I get called every explative in the book)....I tell her happy new year and hang up. She (in good stalker fashion) calls right back, I think this was actually the 5th call, she opens by asking if I have a record and says she is having me checked out, I let her know, that no, I do not have a record (don't we all listen to Ipods and CD's this day in age...? hehehe...Police record), she goes into what a loser and big drinker her husband is and how she hates him (shouldn't she be thrilled that he is out of town working? and I am thinking, well,,,,you sound like a bit of a shrieking drinker yourself....of course I did NOT say this, being professional and all...)Anyhow, I tell her that I am not interested, nor is anything about her husband, or her, any of my business, he is a paying guest like all others and as long as he follows the rules, and pays his fees, he is a guest....She starts in again on how she is calling the police, and was having our establishment checked out, I invited her, once again to do so and request that she stop harrassing me and calling. I tell her good night and hang up...Interestingly enough...she abided by my request...After calling me every tawdry name in the book...oof.
WOW...I was shaken up for about an hour...that was all just not fun....and to think...we have been having issues with the phones and calls have not been coming in....YET, I get this one...my oh my....
Happy Healthy New Year to you all!
Light evening tonight, but waiting for our fave (punk) rock star to check in;)
Please don't hold any typos against me, not proof reading this and typed quickly because I got the adrenaline rush from the crazy lady story!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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...
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...
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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!
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!
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