Batting .000 with walk-ins

[Morticia]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

One of these times, I'm going to just ask them how much they wanted to spend, if they wanted free parking, breakfast, etc. And when they tell me, just tell them honestly how far out of town they will need to stay to get it for that budget. I might be as much as an hour out of town...
.

One of these times, I'm going to just ask them how much they wanted to spend, if they wanted free parking, breakfast, etc. And when they tell me, just tell them honestly how far out of town they will need to stay to get it for that budget. I might be as much as an hour out of town...

I did ask yesterday. "Oh, about $125." So I gave her the name of the place that charges that and said she'll find that price also at the Super and the Econo. Given people know those brands and save her calling all the H brands.
Out of town, but their reviews are mostly from people looking at the price vs convenience.

 

[Generic]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

One of these times, I'm going to just ask them how much they wanted to spend, if they wanted free parking, breakfast, etc. And when they tell me, just tell them honestly how far out of town they will need to stay to get it for that budget. I might be as much as an hour out of town...
.

One of these times, I'm going to just ask them how much they wanted to spend, if they wanted free parking, breakfast, etc. And when they tell me, just tell them honestly how far out of town they will need to stay to get it for that budget. I might be as much as an hour out of town...

I did ask yesterday. "Oh, about $125." So I gave her the name of the place that charges that and said she'll find that price also at the Super and the Econo. Given people know those brands and save her calling all the H brands.
Out of town, but their reviews are mostly from people looking at the price vs convenience.
.

Had a guest recently who stayed here and friend stayed at the S brand place and commented about how much more expensive it was and didn't include breakfast. I said, you should see the breakfast they give you on the cheap end of things.
I've had them ask me if I would stay there and I answer honestly... which isn't the answer they want. Most of the cheap places in town... you wouldn't catch me dead in.

 

[Copperhead]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

One of these times, I'm going to just ask them how much they wanted to spend, if they wanted free parking, breakfast, etc. And when they tell me, just tell them honestly how far out of town they will need to stay to get it for that budget. I might be as much as an hour out of town...
.

One of these times, I'm going to just ask them how much they wanted to spend, if they wanted free parking, breakfast, etc. And when they tell me, just tell them honestly how far out of town they will need to stay to get it for that budget. I might be as much as an hour out of town...

I did ask yesterday. "Oh, about $125." So I gave her the name of the place that charges that and said she'll find that price also at the Super and the Econo. Given people know those brands and save her calling all the H brands.
Out of town, but their reviews are mostly from people looking at the price vs convenience.
.

Had a guest recently who stayed here and friend stayed at the S brand place and commented about how much more expensive it was and didn't include breakfast. I said, you should see the breakfast they give you on the cheap end of things.
I've had them ask me if I would stay there and I answer honestly... which isn't the answer they want. Most of the cheap places in town... you wouldn't catch me dead in.
.

I've had them ask me if I would stay there and I answer honestly... which isn't the answer they want. Most of the cheap places in town... you wouldn't catch me dead in.

Honesty is the best policy. I have learned over the years that just getting a place to stay but not being able to sleep is just not worth traveling! If I can't afford a decent place with a good bed I should stay home.

 

[Generic]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

One of these times, I'm going to just ask them how much they wanted to spend, if they wanted free parking, breakfast, etc. And when they tell me, just tell them honestly how far out of town they will need to stay to get it for that budget. I might be as much as an hour out of town...
.

One of these times, I'm going to just ask them how much they wanted to spend, if they wanted free parking, breakfast, etc. And when they tell me, just tell them honestly how far out of town they will need to stay to get it for that budget. I might be as much as an hour out of town...

I did ask yesterday. "Oh, about $125." So I gave her the name of the place that charges that and said she'll find that price also at the Super and the Econo. Given people know those brands and save her calling all the H brands.
Out of town, but their reviews are mostly from people looking at the price vs convenience.
.

Had a guest recently who stayed here and friend stayed at the S brand place and commented about how much more expensive it was and didn't include breakfast. I said, you should see the breakfast they give you on the cheap end of things.
I've had them ask me if I would stay there and I answer honestly... which isn't the answer they want. Most of the cheap places in town... you wouldn't catch me dead in.
.

I've had them ask me if I would stay there and I answer honestly... which isn't the answer they want. Most of the cheap places in town... you wouldn't catch me dead in.

Honesty is the best policy. I have learned over the years that just getting a place to stay but not being able to sleep is just not worth traveling! If I can't afford a decent place with a good bed I should stay home.
.

They seem to want to learn that lesson the hard way.
Our friends told us to stay somewhere because they loved it. It was a star below what we normally stay in. We learnt our lesson and had to teach them to go up that star point as well.
Oh, the places I stayed as a college student... never again as a grown man... never again!

 

[Aussie Innkeeper]

Some of the cheapest places here get rented by the hour. Well, when you're offering $40/night, what are you going to get? Low overhead for working girls.
The types seeking cheap rates seem to stay out by the highway. Thank goodness!

 

[Lee2014]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!

Didn't think of that! My uncle had his "specials" that he let last minute bookings stay for next to nothing, so I think it was one of "his friends" as we call them. One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!

 

[Lee2014]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

The funniest one called looking...

Yes, funny! Easy to imagine her thinking, his, and where they spent that night.
.

The funniest one called looking...

Yes, funny! Easy to imagine her thinking, his, and where they spent that night.

Yup! The chain one between the community college and Wally World with the city septic system across the street! That you can smell as you past. Not my style.....

 

[Morticia]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!

Didn't think of that! My uncle had his "specials" that he let last minute bookings stay for next to nothing, so I think it was one of "his friends" as we call them. One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!
.

One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!

We had a couple walk out of the dining room when they realized they had to share a table. "We've never had to share a table before! We've always been the only people here!" (They actually left and went to have breakfast at a diner. Huh?)
They've never been back. OK with us as we filled that room with another couple who come on that weekend and love meeting up with the same crowd every year. "You're here again!" and off they go to chat. (Some guests ask after specific other guests from previous years. It's a joy.)

 

[Lee2014]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!

Didn't think of that! My uncle had his "specials" that he let last minute bookings stay for next to nothing, so I think it was one of "his friends" as we call them. One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!
.

One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!

We had a couple walk out of the dining room when they realized they had to share a table. "We've never had to share a table before! We've always been the only people here!" (They actually left and went to have breakfast at a diner. Huh?)
They've never been back. OK with us as we filled that room with another couple who come on that weekend and love meeting up with the same crowd every year. "You're here again!" and off they go to chat. (Some guests ask after specific other guests from previous years. It's a joy.)
.

One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!

We had a couple walk out of the dining room when they realized they had to share a table. "We've never had to share a table before! We've always been the only people here!" (They actually left and went to have breakfast at a diner. Huh?)
They've never been back. OK with us as we filled that room with another couple who come on that weekend and love meeting up with the same crowd every year. "You're here again!" and off they go to chat. (Some guests ask after specific other guests from previous years. It's a joy.)

We love the guests that come year after year for the same event!

 

[Arks]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!

Didn't think of that! My uncle had his "specials" that he let last minute bookings stay for next to nothing, so I think it was one of "his friends" as we call them. One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby.

Didn't think of that!

If she only called to satisfy him, why really call an inn. Why not just dial a few random numbers and fake a conversation. No, I think it was a real call but she didn't like the rate and wanted to keep looking, while knowing that her husband would spend the money just to be done with it. Pity HE didn't do the calling!

 

[JimBoone]

Hopefully our little place is clean and attractive and a decent value for our area, but I accept that we don't fit everyone's desires so I'm happy to point them in the direction of a property that may better fit their need, be it less expensive or a fancy place offering something I can't provide, if a prospective guest stays and returns to the area it helps us all in the long run, I often offer a map or the use of the telephone, sometimes it works in my favor.
I remember one lady several years ago who felt our rate was high and she would get more for less at a certain national chain, I offered her the telephone to call, turns out their rate was considerably higher and we had a nice guest that stayed for a couple of nights.
We're in a destination area, unfortunately some travelers have seen discount prices along the interstates and expect to see those prices here, if I'm the first place they stop and ask, well they may have to ask a few places before knowing what to expect in the area and which price is the real value.

 

[Joey Camb]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!

Didn't think of that! My uncle had his "specials" that he let last minute bookings stay for next to nothing, so I think it was one of "his friends" as we call them. One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!
.

PO's were a bit like that - so when we first came here regulars we all like "oh gosh your busy" im like "yes we should be!"

 

[Copperhead]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!

Didn't think of that! My uncle had his "specials" that he let last minute bookings stay for next to nothing, so I think it was one of "his friends" as we call them. One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby.

Didn't think of that!

If she only called to satisfy him, why really call an inn. Why not just dial a few random numbers and fake a conversation. No, I think it was a real call but she didn't like the rate and wanted to keep looking, while knowing that her husband would spend the money just to be done with it. Pity HE didn't do the calling!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby.

Didn't think of that!

If she only called to satisfy him, why really call an inn. Why not just dial a few random numbers and fake a conversation. No, I think it was a real call but she didn't like the rate and wanted to keep looking, while knowing that her husband would spend the money just to be done with it. Pity HE didn't do the calling!

Or a twist on that. He wanted to stay there. She wanted some place twice as expensive.

 

[Arks]

We get call-ins instead of walk ins. The funniest one called looking for a room for that night. I answered her question that yes, we had a room with a queen and this is the price.... when she interrupted me and said, "Ok. Well, we were just calling to see if you had an opening before coming down and then told me goodbye. As she was hanging up I heard her tell her husband that we were full......I guess she didn't like the price I quoted her!.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby. She probably said "See I told you everything would be full!". Heaven only knows how many other places she called and pulled the same routine. LOL!

Didn't think of that! My uncle had his "specials" that he let last minute bookings stay for next to nothing, so I think it was one of "his friends" as we call them. One lady called this week and get flustered that we were filled on all the weekends she wanted. "Uh, this never happened before! I always could get a room any time I wanted in the past!" I took it as a compliant that our remodeling and new management is working!!!!!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby.

Didn't think of that!

If she only called to satisfy him, why really call an inn. Why not just dial a few random numbers and fake a conversation. No, I think it was a real call but she didn't like the rate and wanted to keep looking, while knowing that her husband would spend the money just to be done with it. Pity HE didn't do the calling!
.

Or she really did not want to leave home and only called around to satisfy Hubby.

Didn't think of that!

If she only called to satisfy him, why really call an inn. Why not just dial a few random numbers and fake a conversation. No, I think it was a real call but she didn't like the rate and wanted to keep looking, while knowing that her husband would spend the money just to be done with it. Pity HE didn't do the calling!

Or a twist on that. He wanted to stay there. She wanted some place twice as expensive.
.

Or a twist on that. He wanted to stay there. She wanted some place twice as expensive.

Yep, definitely could be that, too!

 

[Tom]

No walk-ins - well maybe a few - but mainly day-of calls. I have learned to cut the talk time short by going to the bottom line. "Yes, we have rooms, from $165 to $195, including breakfast, of course." ... ... "Okay, thanks for calling." (click) Although sometimes it is just (click).

 

[Anon Inn]

Phone ins last night didn't even ask price. Didn't bat an eye when I ran their card. Left at 9a so plenty of time for the room flip. Phone/walk-ins don't happen much here.

 

[Anon Inn]

Some of the cheapest places here get rented by the hour. Well, when you're offering $40/night, what are you going to get? Low overhead for working girls.
The types seeking cheap rates seem to stay out by the highway. Thank goodness!.

 

[Morticia]

Then again, just had one that didn't bat an eye at the full rate. Didn't even hesitate.

 

[Samster]

Sorry this happened to you. :-(
I didn't take actual walk-ins, but had the last minute callers who were absolutely shocked by my rates and "only wanted a clean bed for the night", forget all the amenities (was I supposed to take them out of the rooms?). I'd give them the phone numbers of the under $100/night budget hotels not too far from here.
That's when I started blocking any empty rooms after 6PM on days when I didn't want to deal with those callers, because they were ALWAYS those type of callers. .