A Nice Compliment Under Awkward Circumstances

[GoodScout]

Had a guest spend two nights with us along with her mother and her granddaughter. Very nice lady, a little HM (high-maintenance) but not oppressively so. As she was getting ready to check out, I asked what was next on their agenda. They said they planned to go to visit the ski resort's waterpark and then had changed plans to spend one more night, at an inn on the other side of the mountain (only 10 miles from us).
At first I wanted to ask why she hadn't asked to just spend an extra night with us, but clearly she'd already booked the room and made her mind up, so I just let it pass. I knew why she'd booked the inn - it's daily rate is about $60 less a night than us.
The next day, she came back because her grandaughter had left something behind. She said the inn had been awful, citing dirty rooms, no space for the 3 of them, and extremely uncomfortable beds (she said she hadn't slept a wink). To top it off, she confided even her 10-year-old grandaughter had asked "why didn't we just stay where we were?" We fought the urge to ask that very same question, but instead let her know we'd be looking forward to her next visit to the area - and to us.
I'd love to make a blog post out of this, but it would seem way too self-serving. How do we convince prospective guests that you get what you pay for, and it's worth an extra $60-$100 a night to get a good night sleep and better experience?

 

[Arks]

I'd love to make a blog post out of this, but it would seem way too self-serving. How do we convince prospective guests that you get what you pay for, and it's worth an extra $60-$100 a night to get a good night sleep and better experience?

Some people just have to learn lessons the hard way. The lesson here is that you can be high maintenance, or you can be cheap, but it's hard to be both at the same time.

 

[Jcam]

We used to have this with our next door neighbour £34 for a twin room for 2 people and they wondered why it was a dump! "oh we thought we were super lucky and getting a bargain" - YUP that's why its the last room in town!

 

[JimBoone]

I'd love to make a blog post out of this, but it would seem way too self-serving. How do we convince prospective guests that you get what you pay for, and it's worth an extra $60-$100 a night to get a good night sleep and better experience?

Of course I don't know your area and it is difficult to name places without getting into problems, but in our area we have all sorts of lodging places, I would think I could write post along the lines of "something for everyone" that would not be too self serving, but would illustrate the different type choices in the area and the reason for making that choice.

 

[Morticia]

We have a long time guest whose son called to stay one night with his son. We loved the kid, he loved our dog, love fest all around.
He made another reservation and then cancelled it around 6 pm, day of arrival.
He made a third reservation that I was hesitant to take. But, I did. They arrived. Kid ran in, hugged me, and said, 'I told Dad we weren't staying at that dumpy motel like he made us do last time!'
At least dad looked embarrassed.

 

[EmptyNest]

We have a long time guest whose son called to stay one night with his son. We loved the kid, he loved our dog, love fest all around.
He made another reservation and then cancelled it around 6 pm, day of arrival.
He made a third reservation that I was hesitant to take. But, I did. They arrived. Kid ran in, hugged me, and said, 'I told Dad we weren't staying at that dumpy motel like he made us do last time!'
At least dad looked embarrassed..

Oh that is priceless

 

[Anon Inn]

I'd love to make a blog post out of this, but it would seem way too self-serving. How do we convince prospective guests that you get what you pay for, and it's worth an extra $60-$100 a night to get a good night sleep and better experience?

Some people just have to learn lessons the hard way. The lesson here is that you can be high maintenance, or you can be cheap, but it's hard to be both at the same time..

"you can be high maintenance, or you can be cheap, but it's hard to be both at the same time".

LOL - They do keep trying though!

 

[Breakfast Diva]

We have a long time guest whose son called to stay one night with his son. We loved the kid, he loved our dog, love fest all around.
He made another reservation and then cancelled it around 6 pm, day of arrival.
He made a third reservation that I was hesitant to take. But, I did. They arrived. Kid ran in, hugged me, and said, 'I told Dad we weren't staying at that dumpy motel like he made us do last time!'
At least dad looked embarrassed..

Love it!

 

[Lee2014]

We have a long time guest whose son called to stay one night with his son. We loved the kid, he loved our dog, love fest all around.
He made another reservation and then cancelled it around 6 pm, day of arrival.
He made a third reservation that I was hesitant to take. But, I did. They arrived. Kid ran in, hugged me, and said, 'I told Dad we weren't staying at that dumpy motel like he made us do last time!'
At least dad looked embarrassed..

We have a long time guest whose son called to stay one night with his son. We loved the kid, he loved our dog, love fest all around.
He made another reservation and then cancelled it around 6 pm, day of arrival.
He made a third reservation that I was hesitant to take. But, I did. They arrived. Kid ran in, hugged me, and said, 'I told Dad we weren't staying at that dumpy motel like he made us do last time!'
At least dad looked embarrassed.

Loved it! Children know more than we think.