No one understands

[Morticia]

We do not host family in season. No time to hang out. Too stressful. And the biggie - they don't get this is a business.
So. Brother is coming this week to go to an event. He has been here in the past when we're closed. He gets one particular room because he travels with a dog.
He thinks that room is part of my house.
That room was booked long ago. He's getting a different room. This is what he says to me:
"I'm not sharing a bathroom!"
How long have I been doing this? He thinks the other guests all share a bathroom.
My SIL, who has also stayed here just as many times says, "I've never stayed at an inn before!"
Gomez thinks we should set up a tent. I think we should leave home.

 

[Aussie Innkeeper]

give them the number of the closest hotel and call it a day.

 

[Generic]

That's the problem with freebies, they don't value them. Honestly, tell them that if they don't like it, you won't be at all upset if they go to HW/PLN and book a room. In fact, you might be better off paying part of that and earning on your own room with someone who will appreciate it. Let them have the sneeze muffin. There is a lovely 3* with free parking and internet for $77 and a lovely 2* with breakfast and internet for $77.
Love you, come and visit after breakfast.

 

[Morticia]

That's the problem with freebies, they don't value them. Honestly, tell them that if they don't like it, you won't be at all upset if they go to HW/PLN and book a room. In fact, you might be better off paying part of that and earning on your own room with someone who will appreciate it. Let them have the sneeze muffin. There is a lovely 3* with free parking and internet for $77 and a lovely 2* with breakfast and internet for $77.
Love you, come and visit after breakfast. .

They have stayed other places when visiting in season. And they are paying, this is peak season!

 

[Lee2014]

Yes, I knew from childhood that this was a business, guests came first, shh! you will disturb the guests, and you better behave! I don't know how many times we had to act like we were done in the pool for the day when guests showed up at the gate….and all that with a smile!

 

[TheBeachHouse]

Shaking my head. They have never taken any interest in the inn, the house, the business. That's why they don't know the bathrooms are private the season is NOW.
Freebies? Three times this summer, we have blocked a room for a close friend only to have that person cancel on the day of the visit. But WE BLOCKED A ROOM FOR YOU AND THAT ROOM IS WORTH MONEY! In two instances, we were able to book the room.

 

[Jcam]

Shaking my head. They have never taken any interest in the inn, the house, the business. That's why they don't know the bathrooms are private the season is NOW.
Freebies? Three times this summer, we have blocked a room for a close friend only to have that person cancel on the day of the visit. But WE BLOCKED A ROOM FOR YOU AND THAT ROOM IS WORTH MONEY! In two instances, we were able to book the room..

I am sorry but tell them - because you havn't they won't have thought of it or considered that the room is not private or personal and revenue generating. - lots of people just don't think. My aunt who would "love to come and run your B&B" rang at 9am on a sunday - was surprised when I said I am very sorry but we are right in the middle of breakfast service can I speak later - "don't the staff deal with that?" no the non staff who are not here don't

 

[Roxanne Trees]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!

 

[Jcam]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

my prize winner was when we had the Tour De France coming through my town (260,000 people came) we were booked up 18 months in advance - was chatting to some guests about 3 months to go about how it was going to be a bit tricky with shopping, getting guests in and so on with road closures etc and the guest on the next table said "sounds like its going to be a pain maybe you should go away for the weekend" in all genuineness! I pointed out that the people who had booked 18 months in advance might not appreciate me cancelling their reservations! Was a massive operation getting the cafe's to understand ie stock up as you won't be able to get to the whole saler and even if you can they can't get stock in to them as they are on the route - anything you can buy on sale and return do so!

 

[JimBoone]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

Not the best financial time to take a holiday, only you can judge that, but don't underestimate the emotional value of your "me" time with friends and family. Like you October is prime time for us, sure wish it would last several months, both for the income and the beautiful weather. Just once in a lot of years, but we did close one year in the middle of October for Maxine's parents 60th anniversary, now that mom is gone from us there is no way to place a value on that time away from the business.

 

[EmptyNest]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

DUH.. I am pretty sure you have your own spectacular fall colors right where you live

 

[Morticia]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

Not the best financial time to take a holiday, only you can judge that, but don't underestimate the emotional value of your "me" time with friends and family. Like you October is prime time for us, sure wish it would last several months, both for the income and the beautiful weather. Just once in a lot of years, but we did close one year in the middle of October for Maxine's parents 60th anniversary, now that mom is gone from us there is no way to place a value on that time away from the business.
.

We took off a weekend last August to go to my mom's 80th birthday. It was the last time I saw her or spoke to her. She was gone 3 weeks later.
I'm taking her birthday off this year too and having myself a pity party. :-(
There is no amount of money that makes up for that time I got to spend with her and my kids, all together.

 

[BananaE29]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

Not the best financial time to take a holiday, only you can judge that, but don't underestimate the emotional value of your "me" time with friends and family. Like you October is prime time for us, sure wish it would last several months, both for the income and the beautiful weather. Just once in a lot of years, but we did close one year in the middle of October for Maxine's parents 60th anniversary, now that mom is gone from us there is no way to place a value on that time away from the business.
.

We took off a weekend last August to go to my mom's 80th birthday. It was the last time I saw her or spoke to her. She was gone 3 weeks later.
I'm taking her birthday off this year too and having myself a pity party. :-(
There is no amount of money that makes up for that time I got to spend with her and my kids, all together.
.

Mort, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother. I count my blessings every day that I still have mine - as crazy as she makes me sometimes! I am actually going to see her this weekend (she is in Iowa) and I will give her a big hug for all my friends that have lost their Mums.

 

[TheBeachHouse]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

Not the best financial time to take a holiday, only you can judge that, but don't underestimate the emotional value of your "me" time with friends and family. Like you October is prime time for us, sure wish it would last several months, both for the income and the beautiful weather. Just once in a lot of years, but we did close one year in the middle of October for Maxine's parents 60th anniversary, now that mom is gone from us there is no way to place a value on that time away from the business.
.

We took off a weekend last August to go to my mom's 80th birthday. It was the last time I saw her or spoke to her. She was gone 3 weeks later.
I'm taking her birthday off this year too and having myself a pity party. :-(
There is no amount of money that makes up for that time I got to spend with her and my kids, all together.
.

So sorry for your loss.
We are big believers in time is as or nearly as or maybe more important than money. But it took us two years to figure it out.
One week off in June and one week off in September. Our full season is July and August, our almost full season is June, September and October. But we need the break, the breath of air and the alone time to regroup.

 

[gillumhouse]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

Not the best financial time to take a holiday, only you can judge that, but don't underestimate the emotional value of your "me" time with friends and family. Like you October is prime time for us, sure wish it would last several months, both for the income and the beautiful weather. Just once in a lot of years, but we did close one year in the middle of October for Maxine's parents 60th anniversary, now that mom is gone from us there is no way to place a value on that time away from the business.
.

We took off a weekend last August to go to my mom's 80th birthday. It was the last time I saw her or spoke to her. She was gone 3 weeks later.
I'm taking her birthday off this year too and having myself a pity party. :-(
There is no amount of money that makes up for that time I got to spend with her and my kids, all together.
.

Mort, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother. I count my blessings every day that I still have mine - as crazy as she makes me sometimes! I am actually going to see her this weekend (she is in Iowa) and I will give her a big hug for all my friends that have lost their Mums.
.

and I will give her a big hug for all my friends that have lost their Mums.
Thank you. I "lost" my Mom 3 years before she died (the Big A).
Just had a 2-night visit from 2 cousins and reminisced about our parents and the rest of the family. (When we were 4, 5, & 6 respectively we all lived in the same apartment building) Both were so fixated on how much revenue I was going to lose because they were here - I think I finally convinced them that FAMILY is what counts. We were the 3 Musketeers when we all lived in Chicago before our families went their separate ways. And it was still the same. (All the spouses like each other too - and one is relatively new (first time we met her).)
They wanted to take us all out to dinner. We convinced them not to. We had take-out the first night and sat around the table laughing and talking until almost Midnight. In the morning I was able to "show-off" with what I do. After cheeses & cracker lunch, we all went out to feed Punjab carrots, do the 50 cent tour of town, and show them the log house. Then I did supper of salad, scalloped corn, and salmon filets that was so easy - the oven did the work - and we sat around talking and laughing until about 10 when we retired to Himself's studio to watch a DVD of many of the 8mm films my Aunt & Uncle took between 1959 and 1967 - all 3 of our families were on it. Seeing how young our parents and other cousins were and trying to identify everyone.
I tell you all this to bring home a truth as I see it. DO NOT pass up time with distant family members if you have a chance to be together. Getting together and sharing means you may lose a little money - but it is only money. That family time will create a memory that will last long after that money would have been spent.

 

[TheBeachHouse]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

Not the best financial time to take a holiday, only you can judge that, but don't underestimate the emotional value of your "me" time with friends and family. Like you October is prime time for us, sure wish it would last several months, both for the income and the beautiful weather. Just once in a lot of years, but we did close one year in the middle of October for Maxine's parents 60th anniversary, now that mom is gone from us there is no way to place a value on that time away from the business.
.

We took off a weekend last August to go to my mom's 80th birthday. It was the last time I saw her or spoke to her. She was gone 3 weeks later.
I'm taking her birthday off this year too and having myself a pity party. :-(
There is no amount of money that makes up for that time I got to spend with her and my kids, all together.
.

Mort, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother. I count my blessings every day that I still have mine - as crazy as she makes me sometimes! I am actually going to see her this weekend (she is in Iowa) and I will give her a big hug for all my friends that have lost their Mums.
.

and I will give her a big hug for all my friends that have lost their Mums.
Thank you. I "lost" my Mom 3 years before she died (the Big A).
Just had a 2-night visit from 2 cousins and reminisced about our parents and the rest of the family. (When we were 4, 5, & 6 respectively we all lived in the same apartment building) Both were so fixated on how much revenue I was going to lose because they were here - I think I finally convinced them that FAMILY is what counts. We were the 3 Musketeers when we all lived in Chicago before our families went their separate ways. And it was still the same. (All the spouses like each other too - and one is relatively new (first time we met her).)
They wanted to take us all out to dinner. We convinced them not to. We had take-out the first night and sat around the table laughing and talking until almost Midnight. In the morning I was able to "show-off" with what I do. After cheeses & cracker lunch, we all went out to feed Punjab carrots, do the 50 cent tour of town, and show them the log house. Then I did supper of salad, scalloped corn, and salmon filets that was so easy - the oven did the work - and we sat around talking and laughing until about 10 when we retired to Himself's studio to watch a DVD of many of the 8mm films my Aunt & Uncle took between 1959 and 1967 - all 3 of our families were on it. Seeing how young our parents and other cousins were and trying to identify everyone.
I tell you all this to bring home a truth as I see it. DO NOT pass up time with distant family members if you have a chance to be together. Getting together and sharing means you may lose a little money - but it is only money. That family time will create a memory that will last long after that money would have been spent.
.

wonderful example and it sounds like wonderful visit!!!!
we do need a little family time!

 

[Anon Inn]

I am located up in the Black Mountains in Western NC. I just had a close friend from my Florida days call yesterday and ask me if we were going to come to their annual leaf peeping week at their cabin in the mountains in GA. When I reminded her (again) that the middle of October is peak time for us here at the B&B she said,"Well, can't you just block that week off and come anyway?"
Arrrgh!.

Not the best financial time to take a holiday, only you can judge that, but don't underestimate the emotional value of your "me" time with friends and family. Like you October is prime time for us, sure wish it would last several months, both for the income and the beautiful weather. Just once in a lot of years, but we did close one year in the middle of October for Maxine's parents 60th anniversary, now that mom is gone from us there is no way to place a value on that time away from the business.
.

We took off a weekend last August to go to my mom's 80th birthday. It was the last time I saw her or spoke to her. She was gone 3 weeks later.
I'm taking her birthday off this year too and having myself a pity party. :-(
There is no amount of money that makes up for that time I got to spend with her and my kids, all together.
.

Mort, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother. I count my blessings every day that I still have mine - as crazy as she makes me sometimes! I am actually going to see her this weekend (she is in Iowa) and I will give her a big hug for all my friends that have lost their Mums.
.

and I will give her a big hug for all my friends that have lost their Mums.
Thank you. I "lost" my Mom 3 years before she died (the Big A).
Just had a 2-night visit from 2 cousins and reminisced about our parents and the rest of the family. (When we were 4, 5, & 6 respectively we all lived in the same apartment building) Both were so fixated on how much revenue I was going to lose because they were here - I think I finally convinced them that FAMILY is what counts. We were the 3 Musketeers when we all lived in Chicago before our families went their separate ways. And it was still the same. (All the spouses like each other too - and one is relatively new (first time we met her).)
They wanted to take us all out to dinner. We convinced them not to. We had take-out the first night and sat around the table laughing and talking until almost Midnight. In the morning I was able to "show-off" with what I do. After cheeses & cracker lunch, we all went out to feed Punjab carrots, do the 50 cent tour of town, and show them the log house. Then I did supper of salad, scalloped corn, and salmon filets that was so easy - the oven did the work - and we sat around talking and laughing until about 10 when we retired to Himself's studio to watch a DVD of many of the 8mm films my Aunt & Uncle took between 1959 and 1967 - all 3 of our families were on it. Seeing how young our parents and other cousins were and trying to identify everyone.
I tell you all this to bring home a truth as I see it. DO NOT pass up time with distant family members if you have a chance to be together. Getting together and sharing means you may lose a little money - but it is only money. That family time will create a memory that will last long after that money would have been spent.
.

 

[Country Girl]

Mort, I lost my mom last year too. She was 86 and full of vim and vigor right up until the end. I agree with you totally, that there is no amount of money that can replace time spent with family.
When siblings come to town, I close. I used to stay open and try to work around them, but they just didn't get it. They were all on vacation, having fun, staying up late eating and drinking, and I was totally STRESSED, trying to make them and my guests happy. Everyone was happy except for me. I was miserable. My kids are a different story. They get it. When they are home they offer to help. Love those kids. But if I can get all of my kids home at the same time, I close. It is so rare and I want to enjoy every single second of time with them.

 

[gillumhouse]

Mort, I lost my mom last year too. She was 86 and full of vim and vigor right up until the end. I agree with you totally, that there is no amount of money that can replace time spent with family.
When siblings come to town, I close. I used to stay open and try to work around them, but they just didn't get it. They were all on vacation, having fun, staying up late eating and drinking, and I was totally STRESSED, trying to make them and my guests happy. Everyone was happy except for me. I was miserable. My kids are a different story. They get it. When they are home they offer to help. Love those kids. But if I can get all of my kids home at the same time, I close. It is so rare and I want to enjoy every single second of time with them..

Ditto. There are some people who are more important than money ever will be.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul was a way of life. Why change now?

 

[An Old Tavernkeeper]

Having a tent in the front yard with his name on a placard on the front flap would be funny.