Marketing to Gen X vs Baby Boomers and Gen Y

[Innkeeper To Go]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

We don't seem to get the traveler who needs the docking station. However, like Joey says, 'Absence of proof is not proof of absence.' I do have to say no one has ever asked if we have that before they book.
We stayed at a place that had the clock dock system but that thing doubled as a night light, too. I put a facecloth over it so I could sleep it was so bright. I should have written down the name.
If you have a place like Big Lots, they regularly have those on sale for around $30-$50.
What I could use here is room for a huge desk in each room for all the peripherals everyone travels with! When and if electronics are standardized, I will get the 'mother of all docking stations' for the guest rooms. But right now the most important thing is an outlet strip next to whatever is the big, flat surface in the room, so guests can charge everything they bring.
Ahhhh, we were wondering why our electricity bill is going up when bookings are down. THAT may explain it. Guests go out and leave everything charging while they are gone. Even just having the charger plugged in is a phantom draw.
Right now, I am unplugging everything in the inn that does not need to stay on...clocks, guest fridge, router, cc machine.
.

We stayed at a place that had the clock dock system but that thing doubled as a night light, too. I put a facecloth over it so I could sleep it was so bright. I should have written down the name.

That's why I always get the hospitality version with the printed instructions right on it. Then guests will know how to just push a button to get that night light to go out completely! Well worth the extra money for those instructions, IMHO.
.

We stayed at a place that had the clock dock system but that thing doubled as a night light, too. I put a facecloth over it so I could sleep it was so bright. I should have written down the name.

That's why I always get the hospitality version with the printed instructions right on it. Then guests will know how to just push a button to get that night light to go out completely! Well worth the extra money for those instructions, IMHO.

There's a button to turn the light off? Arrrgh!. There were directions in the drawer but I didn't need to 'use' the thing so I never looked. I had read online complaints from the OWNERS of these things that they couldn't stand the light! I assumed, duh, that THEY would have read the directions!
.

Yep, there's a dimmer button and it makes the LED screen bright, very bright, or turns it off altogether.

 

[Morticia]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.

 

[wendydk]

I'm glad we decided to go with cable TV from the get-go. That helped put us out ahead of the competition in the region, NONE of whom have TV's in the rooms...even some of those approaching $200 a night.

 

[gillumhouse]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.
.

We are in a "bowl" with hills all around so you either have cable or dish or do without. No self-respecting WV man would be without all the ESPN channels plus any other sportls channel available. High school football and basketball games are on the radio here (at least 5 stations carrying the different high schools) and WVU women's basketball is broadcast as well as the men's. If thre is a high school game on that radio station, the WVU game is taped and broadcast after the high school game.

 

[Don Draper]

I'm glad we decided to go with cable TV from the get-go. That helped put us out ahead of the competition in the region, NONE of whom have TV's in the rooms...even some of those approaching $200 a night..

It is good to get it from the start if you can, I hate trying to run those wires everywhere.
But there are also many people to whom the absence of tv is actually an amenity itself...I treasure the woman who whispered to me at the end of her stay "Bless you, I didn't have to see or listen to Fox News for 72 straight hours!"

 

[Morticia]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.
.

We are in a "bowl" with hills all around so you either have cable or dish or do without. No self-respecting WV man would be without all the ESPN channels plus any other sportls channel available. High school football and basketball games are on the radio here (at least 5 stations carrying the different high schools) and WVU women's basketball is broadcast as well as the men's. If thre is a high school game on that radio station, the WVU game is taped and broadcast after the high school game.
.

Yes, apparently ESPN is one of the channels that does NOT come in with the rabbit ears. So for that I would keep the satellite. Not for us, but for guests. The only thing I've ever watched on ESPN is World Championship of Poker so I could see my son.

 

[JBloggs]

We had a power outage so I had to reset all the clocks upstairs and noticed one radio clock has no radio! I will have to have a squiz at some new ones I think.

 

[SweetiePie]

Great topic. Lots of good information. Thanks.
In the heyday of spending, both the X and Y generations were our biggest customers. I always had good luck with the 20 somethings. They were always trying to impress the boyfriend or girlfriend and willing to shell out big bucks on the spa and couple's packages.

 

[bbinnsitters]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.
.

We are in a "bowl" with hills all around so you either have cable or dish or do without. No self-respecting WV man would be without all the ESPN channels plus any other sportls channel available. High school football and basketball games are on the radio here (at least 5 stations carrying the different high schools) and WVU women's basketball is broadcast as well as the men's. If thre is a high school game on that radio station, the WVU game is taped and broadcast after the high school game.
.

Yes, apparently ESPN is one of the channels that does NOT come in with the rabbit ears. So for that I would keep the satellite. Not for us, but for guests. The only thing I've ever watched on ESPN is World Championship of Poker so I could see my son.
.

M, just curious - does your son make a living from playing Poker or is it just a hobby?

 

[Morticia]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.
.

We are in a "bowl" with hills all around so you either have cable or dish or do without. No self-respecting WV man would be without all the ESPN channels plus any other sportls channel available. High school football and basketball games are on the radio here (at least 5 stations carrying the different high schools) and WVU women's basketball is broadcast as well as the men's. If thre is a high school game on that radio station, the WVU game is taped and broadcast after the high school game.
.

Yes, apparently ESPN is one of the channels that does NOT come in with the rabbit ears. So for that I would keep the satellite. Not for us, but for guests. The only thing I've ever watched on ESPN is World Championship of Poker so I could see my son.
.

M, just curious - does your son make a living from playing Poker or is it just a hobby?
.

He's a dealer, not a player. And, yes, he makes his living that way.

 

[bbinnsitters]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.
.

We are in a "bowl" with hills all around so you either have cable or dish or do without. No self-respecting WV man would be without all the ESPN channels plus any other sportls channel available. High school football and basketball games are on the radio here (at least 5 stations carrying the different high schools) and WVU women's basketball is broadcast as well as the men's. If thre is a high school game on that radio station, the WVU game is taped and broadcast after the high school game.
.

Yes, apparently ESPN is one of the channels that does NOT come in with the rabbit ears. So for that I would keep the satellite. Not for us, but for guests. The only thing I've ever watched on ESPN is World Championship of Poker so I could see my son.
.

M, just curious - does your son make a living from playing Poker or is it just a hobby?
.

He's a dealer, not a player. And, yes, he makes his living that way.
.

I was curious becos my daughter dumped a really nice guy cos he "was a gambler". I told her there are ways to make $ in that profession and not necessarily be a gambler. He is right now out in Vegas, but I don't know if he is actually gambling or perhaps found his way to dealing! I will tell her this! Not that I want her to move to Vegas or anything, but she is already in MN and we are in MI - so what is the difference?! Thanks!

 

[JBloggs]

Perhaps paying for your listing on TA is a way to market to Gen X. Just a thought. Will this listing on TA bring in more reviews? This will be an interesting year to see the dichotomy play out.

 

[Innkeeper To Go]

Perhaps paying for your listing on TA is a way to market to Gen X. Just a thought. Will this listing on TA bring in more reviews? This will be an interesting year to see the dichotomy play out..

I think you're right. Anyone who relies on the internet for information is really the target there. I'm not sure that I would predict more reviews from the TA link.
But I would put money on it bringing more bookings.
Remember that net-travel-shoppers have short attention spans. If they like what they see and can click right through then, there's a much bigger chance they'll book.

 

[Morticia]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.
.

We are in a "bowl" with hills all around so you either have cable or dish or do without. No self-respecting WV man would be without all the ESPN channels plus any other sportls channel available. High school football and basketball games are on the radio here (at least 5 stations carrying the different high schools) and WVU women's basketball is broadcast as well as the men's. If thre is a high school game on that radio station, the WVU game is taped and broadcast after the high school game.
.

Yes, apparently ESPN is one of the channels that does NOT come in with the rabbit ears. So for that I would keep the satellite. Not for us, but for guests. The only thing I've ever watched on ESPN is World Championship of Poker so I could see my son.
.

M, just curious - does your son make a living from playing Poker or is it just a hobby?
.

He's a dealer, not a player. And, yes, he makes his living that way.
.

I was curious becos my daughter dumped a really nice guy cos he "was a gambler". I told her there are ways to make $ in that profession and not necessarily be a gambler. He is right now out in Vegas, but I don't know if he is actually gambling or perhaps found his way to dealing! I will tell her this! Not that I want her to move to Vegas or anything, but she is already in MN and we are in MI - so what is the difference?! Thanks!
.

Vegas is 2 completely different places to live. You've got the University and the neighborhoods and then you've got 'Vegas' capital V. If she's going for the bright lights she may be very disappointed to find that a good chunk of the people there are fake and out for themselves. It's all an illusion.
That said, number one son just bought a house and seems to be there for the long haul. But he had to learn the hard way not to trust everyone with his big heart.
However, he's only working 2-4 hrs/day now because business is really bad and he's working at the only place making money. It's a golden handcuffs kind of town. Once you get in and everyone knows you, things are free...meals, drinks, rooms. Tough to leave that and go somewhere that you have to pay for everything again.
School is cheap for residents, too. Number one son has been taking classes whenever he wants. The casino pays for it because it's a dirt-cheap perk to offer.

 

[JBloggs]

Perhaps paying for your listing on TA is a way to market to Gen X. Just a thought. Will this listing on TA bring in more reviews? This will be an interesting year to see the dichotomy play out..

I think you're right. Anyone who relies on the internet for information is really the target there. I'm not sure that I would predict more reviews from the TA link.
But I would put money on it bringing more bookings.
Remember that net-travel-shoppers have short attention spans. If they like what they see and can click right through then, there's a much bigger chance they'll book.
.

I think you're right. Anyone who relies on the internet for information is really the target there. I'm not sure that I would predict more reviews from the TA link.
But I would put money on it bringing more bookings.
Remember that net-travel-shoppers have short attention spans. If they like what they see and can click right through then, there's a much bigger chance they'll book.

absolutely. They could have had our money a long time ago...if truth be known. That is the whole goal - click on through... If they spawn new windows from TA then TA has a great advantage...people will STAY on it more vs having to cut and paste and google everything constantly. I guess this is the one big change for 2010 for most of us. Time will tell.

 

[gillumhouse]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.
.

We are in a "bowl" with hills all around so you either have cable or dish or do without. No self-respecting WV man would be without all the ESPN channels plus any other sportls channel available. High school football and basketball games are on the radio here (at least 5 stations carrying the different high schools) and WVU women's basketball is broadcast as well as the men's. If thre is a high school game on that radio station, the WVU game is taped and broadcast after the high school game.
.

Yes, apparently ESPN is one of the channels that does NOT come in with the rabbit ears. So for that I would keep the satellite. Not for us, but for guests. The only thing I've ever watched on ESPN is World Championship of Poker so I could see my son.
.

My younger brother, as he prefers to be referred to as, used to work as a dealer in Vegas. The casino liked him because he rarely had anyone want to mess with him - he is 7'1".
His ex & kids still live there and the kids could not believe we were not going gambling when we visited. I told them I was too cheap to go gamble.

 

[Hangfive]

Regarding TV's, we don't leave them in the rooms. Just put them in when requested. The TV's spend most of the time in the basement. Seems like it's mostly the older crowd that want the TV's. The 20-30-40 somethings watch Hulu or DVD's on their laptops. I think the trend could be changing with the hand held devices though, kinda hard to watch a movie on one.

 

[gillumhouse]

Regarding TV's, we don't leave them in the rooms. Just put them in when requested. The TV's spend most of the time in the basement. Seems like it's mostly the older crowd that want the TV's. The 20-30-40 somethings watch Hulu or DVD's on their laptops. I think the trend could be changing with the hand held devices though, kinda hard to watch a movie on one..

I was going to do that. Then I lost 2 bookings because they did not see TVs. I figured it out when I realized there was a BIG sports event those nights. TV is now in rooms!

 

[wendydk]

Regarding TV's, we don't leave them in the rooms. Just put them in when requested. The TV's spend most of the time in the basement. Seems like it's mostly the older crowd that want the TV's. The 20-30-40 somethings watch Hulu or DVD's on their laptops. I think the trend could be changing with the hand held devices though, kinda hard to watch a movie on one..

Regarding TV's, we don't leave them in the rooms. Just put them in when requested. The TV's spend most of the time in the basement. Seems like it's mostly the older crowd that want the TV's. The 20-30-40 somethings watch Hulu or DVD's on their laptops. I think the trend could be changing with the hand held devices though, kinda hard to watch a movie on one.

If you have them, why don't you make them a permanent part of the rooms and use that in your marketing desciptions? Many of my guests tell me that they booked here as opposed to other Inns in town because the rooms have TV. Even if they don't use them, they feel it's more of a value if it's included.

 

[Samster]

I have had everything from college students to mid late 80s (almost forgot the Biker Boys). I have had several who came here to write. They had breakfast and holed up in their rooms while they were here. When they came up for air they walked the rail-trail. We have had college age couples book the packages.
I have found the tight pockets are the "professionals" whatever their age. I have had lawyers & doctors who seemed to think that every extra effort I went to for their convenience/pleasure was their due. (Example was the horse folks last week - I did charge the $20 escort fee thank goodness that I usually charge to bring in BUT this one, because of weather, I had to go to stable and I stood in the cold to direct traffic if any because we occupied one lane of a 2-lane road to load dogs & horse and then take them to the road to the highway. No tip left in room and no comment written in book either. His e-mail indicated a lawyer.) It is usually the "Joe Blow" making his way who actually appreciates the efforts. I had a young couple here for a funeral and when I went to run the credit card, he told me the amount to run - it was an almost $40 tip and I was charging them $75 + tax as the funeral rate.
Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.
BTW - in the days of raising my family I went as cheap as I could fe MY get-aways - I belonged to the era of Daddy gets the 25 cent cone because he is Daddy while everyone else got a 10 cent cone. I still have a hard time spending money on ME - it just was not done!.

Re iPods - don;t most of them have their OWN iPods? Why would I need to supply them? Asking because I am old - too old to be included in the Boomers even so I have no clue.

Supplying iPod-based tours and specially selected music loaded onto loaner iPods are really nice amenities for folks who are used to using iPods. Done correctly they're tools to help establish a connection to a place. Nice but not necessary.
But to get Gen-X or Gen-Y guests on a regular basis, you do need to be alert to what they're looking for. And yes, they do travel with their iPods. I travel with at least 2 myself and trust me, I'm not that young!
For guests traveling with iPods or iPhones, guest room iPod players, especially those that charge as well as play, are always a great treat to find.
And just like all guests, it's all those thoughtful surprises that delight and bring them back for more!
.

Is there a universal docking station or are they like cell phones - each has its own and will work with no other.
.

You know you would think they'd be absolutely universal but they're not. Almost though. There are some of the older iPod player/clock radios that don't support the iPhones or some of the bigger iPods. But other than that, most of them support them all.
If you want the high end sound, there's nothing better than the Bose Sound Machine but it's pricy. There are several versions of a far-far less expensive iHome clock radio/iPod docking available on American Hotel that have the instructions printed on the clock radio, always nice for guests to have. The sound is not bad at all on them and you can usually find some on sale for under $100. Just make sure what you're buying supports (and charges) the iPhone and it will support everything else.
They'll all usually come with the little cable adapters for folks who travel with MP3 players that aren't iPods but there are fewer and fewer guests who actually need those adapters as the iPod (and iPhone) is just so much more popular.
.

Thank you. i will look around for those. What I hate is that as soon as you get one thing squared away, they are coming up wioth something else.
So you spend $100 per room on a radio/CD/alarm and next week they are wanting the radio/CD/alarm/docking station and it costs $100 or more - and what do you do with the old ones..... It is almost impossible to keep up and keep in the black.
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)
.

I bought the iPod/MP3 docking/clock radios (iHome or something cheaper) because it wasn't that much more to buy them vs. cheap, tinny clock radios. They still have a radio and alarm, you can pick buzzer, radio, or your iPod for your wake-up. They get used and folks comment on them but they aren't necessary. You could probably wait "for the next best thing" and never be totally up to date with technology.
And here's the thing now that I'm noticing - as more people have these Smart Phones, they use them for wake up alarms and music. Having the room clock radio/alarm whatever is almost a back-up to the guest's own technology. If I was spending money on something it would be flat panel TVs for rooms. That makes a BIG impact for guests. All of the new hotels are going to them. (Yeah, yeah, yeah....the whole TVs vs no TV discussion can now begin. lol!)

We might actually go for the TV's a little at a time. Mostly because I just found out that you can get reception with a dinky antenna and do not need cable or satellite. I would test drive that on my TV first just to see what stations come in but apparently a lot of people are canceling their cable sub and going to 'rabbit ears' again.
It's running the cable and having a second satellite dish installed that's the killer. Not to mention the additional buckazoids every month.
.

My husband got a converter box when there was all the hoopla over the change and we lent it to a neighbor who doesn't have cable and they get like 20 some channels with an antenna.