Conflict with Vet's Day

[Morticia]

We had planned a getaway for the week of Vet's Day so it's been blocked for a couple of months. Vacation has been put on hold for the time being but I've left the dates blocked until I figure out some family stuff. We're not getting a lot of calls but the gist of many of them leads me to believe we may be 'on vacation' next year, too. Or, only offer one room. The last call wanted a free room for a friend on Saturday night. I said I didn't think that was V-Day and the caller said that's when her friend could come. So I said there are rooms open on Sat and to check the rates on the website. Oh, no, only if it's free.
Others have been very nice saying they love staying with us and could we call them if anyone cancels. Spread the love to the paid days, please! (I don't say I'm on vacation as guests sometimes hold that against us.) And other callers were sent here by other inns where the guests have stayed free year after year. It's our turn to host them.
I think I'm jaded. Gomez doesn't even like to ask at Lowe's for the vet discount. He's disabled and he still says he doesn't want a hand out. I say they (Lowe's) offered, so it's ok to take them up on it.

 

[gillumhouse]

Just say you are booked. No other explanation required. And if that ever comes up again about a different night - you can say you were told by the person who started it, that ONLY Nov 10 or 11 (innkeeper choice) are to be free. ANY other date is business as usual.
One of my couples from last year called this year. I suggested they might want to explore another area of West Virginia and gave her the Association page.
PS: Please tell Gomez I said thank you for serving in the military. It takes special people to be willing to serve.

 

[Lee2014]

The last call wanted a free room for a friend on Saturday night. I said I didn't think that was V-Day and the caller said that's when her friend could come. So I said there are rooms open on Sat and to check the rates on the website. Oh, no, only if it's free.
Gomez doesn't even like to ask at Lowe's for the vet discount. He's disabled and he still says he doesn't want a hand out. I say they (Lowe's) offered, so it's ok to take them up on it.

Be proud of Gomez! It beats being embarrassed as someone tries to milk it for all they can get! You both deserve a vacation even if it means staying home without a guest. Keep those dates blocked!

 

[EmptyNest]

what nerve! dont worry about. block the dates and if you answer the phone,just say we are booked. no big deal, no need to go into any details...thanks for checking:

 

[An Old Tavernkeeper]

Agree with Duff and Gillum:
hero+real gentleman=Gomez

 

[ChrisandShelley]

Second to Gillumhouse's thank you to Gomez for his service in the military.
My dad is a veteran and he gets the discount to Lowe's all the time. In my opinion, it is not a hand out at all, it is a way of showing appreciation. It is good to receive as much as it is to give.
I travel through airports a lot. When I see service men getting a coffee or a meal, I will offer to pay for them if I am close by or eating at the same place. I see it as they are doing me a favor by allowing me to express my appreciation. On the rare occasion that I am refused, I walk away with a sad feeling.
So take those discounts as what they are meant to be--expressions of appreciation.

 

[gillumhouse]

Second to Gillumhouse's thank you to Gomez for his service in the military.
My dad is a veteran and he gets the discount to Lowe's all the time. In my opinion, it is not a hand out at all, it is a way of showing appreciation. It is good to receive as much as it is to give.
I travel through airports a lot. When I see service men getting a coffee or a meal, I will offer to pay for them if I am close by or eating at the same place. I see it as they are doing me a favor by allowing me to express my appreciation. On the rare occasion that I am refused, I walk away with a sad feeling.
So take those discounts as what they are meant to be--expressions of appreciation..

It is good to receive as much as it is to give.
It is harder to receive than it is to give and I agree, tell Gomez to take the discount. He EARNED it.

 

[MtnKeeper]

My husband served in the Marines for 8 years and he has a disability from his service. He takes the discount at Lowes & Home Depot because they are big corporations making tons of money. He will not, however, ask for or take a discount from a small business. And he would never stay at a B&B for the free night since he can afford to pay for one.
I think the jaded part is because people are taking advantage of it in my opinion. I don't think someone should expect to go back each and every year to a B&B and get a free evening when they know that there are a limited number of rooms -- let someone else get the free night the next year. And we too had several people cancel the day before or the night of with excuses like babysitters cancelled, the weather is bad we're not driving all the way there, etc. Because it was free they felt it was fine to just cancel but others lost out. We now are closed Sun-Thurs all November to recoup after foliage and get some repairs done. We came up with our own way of honoring Veterans (along with 10% off all year long for active duty) and it works for us and them -- they really like it because they can come on weekends over a month long period and get a big discount. So it's not free, but they like it better and a few come every year and appreciate what we do. So do your own thing if you want to.

 

[Silverspoon]

I get it. My DH served for 8 years during the Nam years but would never ask for any kind of consideration. I had to pull him to the VA office to even look into getting a disability from his service-related hearing loss. Discounts? He would never take one.

 

[gillumhouse]

My husband served in the Marines for 8 years and he has a disability from his service. He takes the discount at Lowes & Home Depot because they are big corporations making tons of money. He will not, however, ask for or take a discount from a small business. And he would never stay at a B&B for the free night since he can afford to pay for one.
I think the jaded part is because people are taking advantage of it in my opinion. I don't think someone should expect to go back each and every year to a B&B and get a free evening when they know that there are a limited number of rooms -- let someone else get the free night the next year. And we too had several people cancel the day before or the night of with excuses like babysitters cancelled, the weather is bad we're not driving all the way there, etc. Because it was free they felt it was fine to just cancel but others lost out. We now are closed Sun-Thurs all November to recoup after foliage and get some repairs done. We came up with our own way of honoring Veterans (along with 10% off all year long for active duty) and it works for us and them -- they really like it because they can come on weekends over a month long period and get a big discount. So it's not free, but they like it better and a few come every year and appreciate what we do. So do your own thing if you want to..

It was set up this way for 2 reasons. Yes, #1 was publicity for B & Bs as an industry since we are always fighting with hotel/motel to be recognized as a lodging option. #2 - was you need a warm & fuzzy to get the publicity and attention AND have the numbers participating. Making #2 the Veterans was a no-brainer because they and their spouses/partners actually DID something worthy of the recognition and thanks. This was something more tangible than just words. It had to be everyone doing the same thing on the same day to succeed. And it did succeed. Because of it, B & Bs get Press every year reminding the Vets it is available (without that publicity it is a useless effort if the Vets do not know it exists) and the Vets get a nice night of thank you while our industry gets recognized..
I am not saying everyone must do the same thing, we each have our own business to run, but without the many doing the same on the same day, it is just a marketing thing for each inn - so what as far as the Media is concerned.
I do a 15% all nights except Nov 9-11 as thise 3 nights are free because it is MY marketing ploy. I want them to see WV and go home and talk about it. With luck (none so far for me) it will result in paid reservations (many inns told me they DID get paid reservations because they participated).

 

[Morticia]

I get it. My DH served for 8 years during the Nam years but would never ask for any kind of consideration. I had to pull him to the VA office to even look into getting a disability from his service-related hearing loss. Discounts? He would never take one..

I get it. My DH served for 8 years during the Nam years but would never ask for any kind of consideration. I had to pull him to the VA office to even look into getting a disability from his service-related hearing loss. Discounts? He would never take one.

Best advice Gomez got on leaving the Navy was to sign up with the VA. His PA saved his life 8 years ago and we paid absolutely zero for his heart surgery. For years afterwards, I thanked everyone who stayed with us for paying their taxes.
For a lot of guests it was an eye opener to understand their taxes really did some good for a regular person.

 

[Morticia]

My husband served in the Marines for 8 years and he has a disability from his service. He takes the discount at Lowes & Home Depot because they are big corporations making tons of money. He will not, however, ask for or take a discount from a small business. And he would never stay at a B&B for the free night since he can afford to pay for one.
I think the jaded part is because people are taking advantage of it in my opinion. I don't think someone should expect to go back each and every year to a B&B and get a free evening when they know that there are a limited number of rooms -- let someone else get the free night the next year. And we too had several people cancel the day before or the night of with excuses like babysitters cancelled, the weather is bad we're not driving all the way there, etc. Because it was free they felt it was fine to just cancel but others lost out. We now are closed Sun-Thurs all November to recoup after foliage and get some repairs done. We came up with our own way of honoring Veterans (along with 10% off all year long for active duty) and it works for us and them -- they really like it because they can come on weekends over a month long period and get a big discount. So it's not free, but they like it better and a few come every year and appreciate what we do. So do your own thing if you want to..

It was set up this way for 2 reasons. Yes, #1 was publicity for B & Bs as an industry since we are always fighting with hotel/motel to be recognized as a lodging option. #2 - was you need a warm & fuzzy to get the publicity and attention AND have the numbers participating. Making #2 the Veterans was a no-brainer because they and their spouses/partners actually DID something worthy of the recognition and thanks. This was something more tangible than just words. It had to be everyone doing the same thing on the same day to succeed. And it did succeed. Because of it, B & Bs get Press every year reminding the Vets it is available (without that publicity it is a useless effort if the Vets do not know it exists) and the Vets get a nice night of thank you while our industry gets recognized..
I am not saying everyone must do the same thing, we each have our own business to run, but without the many doing the same on the same day, it is just a marketing thing for each inn - so what as far as the Media is concerned.
I do a 15% all nights except Nov 9-11 as thise 3 nights are free because it is MY marketing ploy. I want them to see WV and go home and talk about it. With luck (none so far for me) it will result in paid reservations (many inns told me they DID get paid reservations because they participated).
.

It's a great idea. The 'rules' get better each year.
You all know my gripe by now - the same people calling every year thinking this is their free getaway. If I got different guests calling that would be different.
None of our free guests, have ever come back on a paid night.
Here's the kind of guest we appreciate - took advantage of the free night last year, paid for a second night and just booked for next week - with a note saying they chose that week to leave the rooms open for other vets. (This is a long time repeat who won't take advantage of the free night every year. But who we would happily give the free night to because they come twice/year.)

 

[gillumhouse]

I get it. My DH served for 8 years during the Nam years but would never ask for any kind of consideration. I had to pull him to the VA office to even look into getting a disability from his service-related hearing loss. Discounts? He would never take one..

I get it. My DH served for 8 years during the Nam years but would never ask for any kind of consideration. I had to pull him to the VA office to even look into getting a disability from his service-related hearing loss. Discounts? He would never take one.

Best advice Gomez got on leaving the Navy was to sign up with the VA. His PA saved his life 8 years ago and we paid absolutely zero for his heart surgery. For years afterwards, I thanked everyone who stayed with us for paying their taxes.
For a lot of guests it was an eye opener to understand their taxes really did some good for a regular person.
.

It took a friend to get Himself to file for disability (I never suggested it - I just beat him over the head to get the parking placard). He had just had a heart attack and his cardio said, I am your worst enemy on this because the heart attack did not disable you. Himself referred him to his left leg and his right arm. The right leg now has a brace also and still bends in so much it almost touches his left knee. Even back then he was sent to an Ortho and next word we received was in the form of a check.
Glad Gomez was taken care of as he should be.

 

[gillumhouse]

My husband served in the Marines for 8 years and he has a disability from his service. He takes the discount at Lowes & Home Depot because they are big corporations making tons of money. He will not, however, ask for or take a discount from a small business. And he would never stay at a B&B for the free night since he can afford to pay for one.
I think the jaded part is because people are taking advantage of it in my opinion. I don't think someone should expect to go back each and every year to a B&B and get a free evening when they know that there are a limited number of rooms -- let someone else get the free night the next year. And we too had several people cancel the day before or the night of with excuses like babysitters cancelled, the weather is bad we're not driving all the way there, etc. Because it was free they felt it was fine to just cancel but others lost out. We now are closed Sun-Thurs all November to recoup after foliage and get some repairs done. We came up with our own way of honoring Veterans (along with 10% off all year long for active duty) and it works for us and them -- they really like it because they can come on weekends over a month long period and get a big discount. So it's not free, but they like it better and a few come every year and appreciate what we do. So do your own thing if you want to..

It was set up this way for 2 reasons. Yes, #1 was publicity for B & Bs as an industry since we are always fighting with hotel/motel to be recognized as a lodging option. #2 - was you need a warm & fuzzy to get the publicity and attention AND have the numbers participating. Making #2 the Veterans was a no-brainer because they and their spouses/partners actually DID something worthy of the recognition and thanks. This was something more tangible than just words. It had to be everyone doing the same thing on the same day to succeed. And it did succeed. Because of it, B & Bs get Press every year reminding the Vets it is available (without that publicity it is a useless effort if the Vets do not know it exists) and the Vets get a nice night of thank you while our industry gets recognized..
I am not saying everyone must do the same thing, we each have our own business to run, but without the many doing the same on the same day, it is just a marketing thing for each inn - so what as far as the Media is concerned.
I do a 15% all nights except Nov 9-11 as thise 3 nights are free because it is MY marketing ploy. I want them to see WV and go home and talk about it. With luck (none so far for me) it will result in paid reservations (many inns told me they DID get paid reservations because they participated).
.

It's a great idea. The 'rules' get better each year.
You all know my gripe by now - the same people calling every year thinking this is their free getaway. If I got different guests calling that would be different.
None of our free guests, have ever come back on a paid night.
Here's the kind of guest we appreciate - took advantage of the free night last year, paid for a second night and just booked for next week - with a note saying they chose that week to leave the rooms open for other vets. (This is a long time repeat who won't take advantage of the free night every year. But who we would happily give the free night to because they come twice/year.)
.

I also got a call from one from last year (first time that has happened) and I referred her to our State Assoc web site list suggesting they may want to explore another part of the State. I want to give 3 nights, but do not want to be anyone's annual vacation.
Since we instituted the all policies stand, give your cc# to guarantee - the last minute cancels and no-shows have decreased.

 

[ChrisandShelley]

My husband served in the Marines for 8 years and he has a disability from his service. He takes the discount at Lowes & Home Depot because they are big corporations making tons of money. He will not, however, ask for or take a discount from a small business. And he would never stay at a B&B for the free night since he can afford to pay for one.
I think the jaded part is because people are taking advantage of it in my opinion. I don't think someone should expect to go back each and every year to a B&B and get a free evening when they know that there are a limited number of rooms -- let someone else get the free night the next year. And we too had several people cancel the day before or the night of with excuses like babysitters cancelled, the weather is bad we're not driving all the way there, etc. Because it was free they felt it was fine to just cancel but others lost out. We now are closed Sun-Thurs all November to recoup after foliage and get some repairs done. We came up with our own way of honoring Veterans (along with 10% off all year long for active duty) and it works for us and them -- they really like it because they can come on weekends over a month long period and get a big discount. So it's not free, but they like it better and a few come every year and appreciate what we do. So do your own thing if you want to..

Where we lived before, we were 5 minutes from Home Depot. They stopped giving military discounts, so I stopped going there (except in emergencies). I don't get a military discount, but it's the principle. Lowes was another 10 minutes, but their customer service seems better anyway.
Talked to Shelley, she had a couple who pulled up in a brand new corvette and stayed two nights. When they were leaving, they asked for their military discount. Tacky, very tacky.

 

[gillumhouse]

My husband served in the Marines for 8 years and he has a disability from his service. He takes the discount at Lowes & Home Depot because they are big corporations making tons of money. He will not, however, ask for or take a discount from a small business. And he would never stay at a B&B for the free night since he can afford to pay for one.
I think the jaded part is because people are taking advantage of it in my opinion. I don't think someone should expect to go back each and every year to a B&B and get a free evening when they know that there are a limited number of rooms -- let someone else get the free night the next year. And we too had several people cancel the day before or the night of with excuses like babysitters cancelled, the weather is bad we're not driving all the way there, etc. Because it was free they felt it was fine to just cancel but others lost out. We now are closed Sun-Thurs all November to recoup after foliage and get some repairs done. We came up with our own way of honoring Veterans (along with 10% off all year long for active duty) and it works for us and them -- they really like it because they can come on weekends over a month long period and get a big discount. So it's not free, but they like it better and a few come every year and appreciate what we do. So do your own thing if you want to..

Where we lived before, we were 5 minutes from Home Depot. They stopped giving military discounts, so I stopped going there (except in emergencies). I don't get a military discount, but it's the principle. Lowes was another 10 minutes, but their customer service seems better anyway.
Talked to Shelley, she had a couple who pulled up in a brand new corvette and stayed two nights. When they were leaving, they asked for their military discount. Tacky, very tacky.
.

Where we lived before, we were 5 minutes from Home Depot. They stopped giving military discounts, so I stopped going there (except in emergencies). I don't get a military discount, but it's the principle. Lowes was another 10 minutes, but their customer service seems better anyway.
Talked to Shelley, she had a couple who pulled up in a brand new corvette and stayed two nights. When they were leaving, they asked for their military discount. Tacky, very tacky.

For those, I would ask for military ID - Military ID or V A ID is required for discount. Takes care of the "instant military" syndrome.

 

[Generic]

My husband served in the Marines for 8 years and he has a disability from his service. He takes the discount at Lowes & Home Depot because they are big corporations making tons of money. He will not, however, ask for or take a discount from a small business. And he would never stay at a B&B for the free night since he can afford to pay for one.
I think the jaded part is because people are taking advantage of it in my opinion. I don't think someone should expect to go back each and every year to a B&B and get a free evening when they know that there are a limited number of rooms -- let someone else get the free night the next year. And we too had several people cancel the day before or the night of with excuses like babysitters cancelled, the weather is bad we're not driving all the way there, etc. Because it was free they felt it was fine to just cancel but others lost out. We now are closed Sun-Thurs all November to recoup after foliage and get some repairs done. We came up with our own way of honoring Veterans (along with 10% off all year long for active duty) and it works for us and them -- they really like it because they can come on weekends over a month long period and get a big discount. So it's not free, but they like it better and a few come every year and appreciate what we do. So do your own thing if you want to..

It was set up this way for 2 reasons. Yes, #1 was publicity for B & Bs as an industry since we are always fighting with hotel/motel to be recognized as a lodging option. #2 - was you need a warm & fuzzy to get the publicity and attention AND have the numbers participating. Making #2 the Veterans was a no-brainer because they and their spouses/partners actually DID something worthy of the recognition and thanks. This was something more tangible than just words. It had to be everyone doing the same thing on the same day to succeed. And it did succeed. Because of it, B & Bs get Press every year reminding the Vets it is available (without that publicity it is a useless effort if the Vets do not know it exists) and the Vets get a nice night of thank you while our industry gets recognized..
I am not saying everyone must do the same thing, we each have our own business to run, but without the many doing the same on the same day, it is just a marketing thing for each inn - so what as far as the Media is concerned.
I do a 15% all nights except Nov 9-11 as thise 3 nights are free because it is MY marketing ploy. I want them to see WV and go home and talk about it. With luck (none so far for me) it will result in paid reservations (many inns told me they DID get paid reservations because they participated).
.

It's a great idea. The 'rules' get better each year.
You all know my gripe by now - the same people calling every year thinking this is their free getaway. If I got different guests calling that would be different.
None of our free guests, have ever come back on a paid night.
Here's the kind of guest we appreciate - took advantage of the free night last year, paid for a second night and just booked for next week - with a note saying they chose that week to leave the rooms open for other vets. (This is a long time repeat who won't take advantage of the free night every year. But who we would happily give the free night to because they come twice/year.)
.

I would think ONCE is all you get at each place. It's only fair that others get to stay.

 

[ChrisandShelley]

My husband served in the Marines for 8 years and he has a disability from his service. He takes the discount at Lowes & Home Depot because they are big corporations making tons of money. He will not, however, ask for or take a discount from a small business. And he would never stay at a B&B for the free night since he can afford to pay for one.
I think the jaded part is because people are taking advantage of it in my opinion. I don't think someone should expect to go back each and every year to a B&B and get a free evening when they know that there are a limited number of rooms -- let someone else get the free night the next year. And we too had several people cancel the day before or the night of with excuses like babysitters cancelled, the weather is bad we're not driving all the way there, etc. Because it was free they felt it was fine to just cancel but others lost out. We now are closed Sun-Thurs all November to recoup after foliage and get some repairs done. We came up with our own way of honoring Veterans (along with 10% off all year long for active duty) and it works for us and them -- they really like it because they can come on weekends over a month long period and get a big discount. So it's not free, but they like it better and a few come every year and appreciate what we do. So do your own thing if you want to..

Where we lived before, we were 5 minutes from Home Depot. They stopped giving military discounts, so I stopped going there (except in emergencies). I don't get a military discount, but it's the principle. Lowes was another 10 minutes, but their customer service seems better anyway.
Talked to Shelley, she had a couple who pulled up in a brand new corvette and stayed two nights. When they were leaving, they asked for their military discount. Tacky, very tacky.
.

Where we lived before, we were 5 minutes from Home Depot. They stopped giving military discounts, so I stopped going there (except in emergencies). I don't get a military discount, but it's the principle. Lowes was another 10 minutes, but their customer service seems better anyway.
Talked to Shelley, she had a couple who pulled up in a brand new corvette and stayed two nights. When they were leaving, they asked for their military discount. Tacky, very tacky.

For those, I would ask for military ID - Military ID or V A ID is required for discount. Takes care of the "instant military" syndrome.
.

He did have a VA card, so Shelley gave him some cash back.