Guest Brought BBQ Grill - REALLY?

Just had a new one after 10 years - guest is checked in and asks my hubby where on the patio he can setup his BBQ grill to make dinner for his girlfriend who is meeting him here? My husband tells him that he can't setup on the patio as the patio is actually part of the lower level guest rooms and they each have an area (listed on the website description with their rooms) with their own table and chairs. He then says that he'll just setup the grill in the fire pit area on my flagstones. My husband told him he was sorry that we don't allow guests grilling in the backyard. The guest wasn't happy but there are reasons: (1) we have a bear problem in our area and when I grill (which is rare) I stop and completely clean the grill after I eat or the bears will be in the yard tipping over the grill; was this guy going to drag my hose over and clean his grill in my fire pit area on my flagstones making a mess and then put the grill back in his car? (2) since it's raining and he couldn't eat outside, was he planning on taking his BBQ back to his room and eating on the bed? Or perhaps he was going to bring everything back in and eat in the dining room which is already setup for breakfast tomorrow; and (3) the hot tub is next to the fire pit area - we really don't want someone out there enjoying the hot tub with a guy grilling his steaks next to them making the hot tub area smell like a BBQ joint.
Does anyone allow guests to bring their grills and have a BBQ in the backyard?

Understandable, but I'm reminded of Anthony Melchiorri saying our job is to find a way to avoid saying no. Our job is to find a way to say yes.
He, of course, spent a career in concierge service at large hotels before launching his TV program, and big hotels have resources we don't. But still, it's nice to be able to figure out a way to make things happen for our guests, when we can.
And, I suppose when we must say no, it's a good idea to explain why, and try to smooth things over some way, because unhappy guests post those bad reviews!

Have never had this. I feel your pain. That's just too dopey for words.

too weird! where does he think he is...a campground. where on earth did he ever think he could do this...good grief!
hope you keep an eye on him...you never know

EmptyNest said:

too weird! where does he think he is...a campground. where on earth did he ever think he could do this...good grief!
hope you keep an eye on him...you never know.

Click to expand...

Funny, that's exactly what my husband texted to his buddy --- Does this guy think he's at a campground? I guess we'll see everything if we're innkeepers long enough. He told my husband that he didn't understand why he couldn't because he's stayed at plenty of B&Bs and they always let him do it. If this is remotely true, then I can only figure that they were afraid of a bad review and let Mr. BBQ Pitmaster do whatever he wanted. Sorry, no way, not here, even if you write a bad review.

We do have a BBQ on one of the porches. It was purchased at a guest's request. They purchased a dinner package where they brought their bbq meat and we provided the rest. We kept it and have let our vacation rental people use it on their porch by request. Our multi-porches make it possible, and it was asked for in advance, not sprung on us.

Skamokawa said:

We do have a BBQ on one of the porches. It was purchased at a guest's request. They purchased a dinner package where they brought their bbq meat and we provided the rest. We kept it and have let our vacation rental people use it on their porch by request. Our multi-porches make it possible, and it was asked for in advance, not sprung on us..

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Skamokawa said:

We do have a BBQ on one of the porches. It was purchased at a guest's request. They purchased a dinner package where they brought their bbq meat and we provided the rest. We kept it and have let our vacation rental people use it on their porch by request. Our multi-porches make it possible, and it was asked for in advance, not sprung on us.

Click to expand...

I provide a BBQ for guest use. But we haven't had a bear in town lately
BTW, Arkansas was originally nicknamed "The Bear State" because we had so many...but we ate them all. Game & Fish has recently been reintroducing them into the state though. I hope they're tasty.

MtnKeeper said:

EmptyNest said:

too weird! where does he think he is...a campground. where on earth did he ever think he could do this...good grief!
hope you keep an eye on him...you never know.

Click to expand...

Funny, that's exactly what my husband texted to his buddy --- Does this guy think he's at a campground? I guess we'll see everything if we're innkeepers long enough. He told my husband that he didn't understand why he couldn't because he's stayed at plenty of B&Bs and they always let him do it. If this is remotely true, then I can only figure that they were afraid of a bad review and let Mr. BBQ Pitmaster do whatever he wanted. Sorry, no way, not here, even if you write a bad review.
.

Click to expand...

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.

Arks said:

Skamokawa said:

We do have a BBQ on one of the porches. It was purchased at a guest's request. They purchased a dinner package where they brought their bbq meat and we provided the rest. We kept it and have let our vacation rental people use it on their porch by request. Our multi-porches make it possible, and it was asked for in advance, not sprung on us..

Click to expand...

Skamokawa said:

We do have a BBQ on one of the porches. It was purchased at a guest's request. They purchased a dinner package where they brought their bbq meat and we provided the rest. We kept it and have let our vacation rental people use it on their porch by request. Our multi-porches make it possible, and it was asked for in advance, not sprung on us.

Click to expand...

I provide a BBQ for guest use. But we haven't had a bear in town lately
BTW, Arkansas was originally nicknamed "The Bear State" because we had so many...but we ate them all. Game & Fish has recently been reintroducing them into the state though. I hope they're tasty.
.

Click to expand...

Arks said:

Skamokawa said:

We do have a BBQ on one of the porches. It was purchased at a guest's request. They purchased a dinner package where they brought their bbq meat and we provided the rest. We kept it and have let our vacation rental people use it on their porch by request. Our multi-porches make it possible, and it was asked for in advance, not sprung on us.

Click to expand...

I provide a BBQ for guest use. But we haven't had a bear in town lately
BTW, Arkansas was originally nicknamed "The Bear State" because we had so many...but we ate them all. Game & Fish has recently been reintroducing them into the state though. I hope they're tasty.

Click to expand...

Bear meat is quite good. Needs to be marinated before cooking.

gillumhouse said:

MtnKeeper said:

EmptyNest said:

too weird! where does he think he is...a campground. where on earth did he ever think he could do this...good grief!
hope you keep an eye on him...you never know.

Click to expand...

Funny, that's exactly what my husband texted to his buddy --- Does this guy think he's at a campground? I guess we'll see everything if we're innkeepers long enough. He told my husband that he didn't understand why he couldn't because he's stayed at plenty of B&Bs and they always let him do it. If this is remotely true, then I can only figure that they were afraid of a bad review and let Mr. BBQ Pitmaster do whatever he wanted. Sorry, no way, not here, even if you write a bad review.
.

Click to expand...

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.
.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.

Click to expand...

Here is one that was here 345 lbs, went down our street, and my sister saw our town of 3000 population on the BBC NEWS in Ireland.
Hey new t-shirt idea: "In a rut? Come to Rocky Mount" I may have to did blog this...
CLICK HERE

Joey Bloggs said:

gillumhouse said:

MtnKeeper said:

EmptyNest said:

too weird! where does he think he is...a campground. where on earth did he ever think he could do this...good grief!
hope you keep an eye on him...you never know.

Click to expand...

Funny, that's exactly what my husband texted to his buddy --- Does this guy think he's at a campground? I guess we'll see everything if we're innkeepers long enough. He told my husband that he didn't understand why he couldn't because he's stayed at plenty of B&Bs and they always let him do it. If this is remotely true, then I can only figure that they were afraid of a bad review and let Mr. BBQ Pitmaster do whatever he wanted. Sorry, no way, not here, even if you write a bad review.
.

Click to expand...

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.
.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.

Click to expand...

Here is one that was here 345 lbs, went down our street, and my sister saw our town of 3000 population on the BBC NEWS in Ireland.
Hey new t-shirt idea: "In a rut? Come to Rocky Mount" I may have to did blog this...
CLICK HERE
.

Click to expand...

Most excellent!

We've had the grill request several times over the years. I agree it's not appropriate for most b&bs, but it can work with our property. I tell them that whatever they bring must not have metal legs. We had someone bring one of those cheap throw away grills with metal legs and the legs got so hot, it singed our wood deck. Our rooms each have their own deck and it would not disturb other guests.
We certainly don't encourage it, but they can do it.

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period.

Silverspoon said:

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period..

Click to expand...

Silverspoon said:

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period.

Click to expand...

That's what I would think. I don't think we can Even provide a grill.

Silverspoon said:

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period..

Click to expand...

Silverspoon said:

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period.

Click to expand...

Yep. I can always find a way to decline on something I don't like..."No, I'm sorry - the fire marshall doesn't allow candles or any open flame on the property"....."No, I'm sorry, your children can't stay here. Our insurance policy doesn't cover anyone under the age of 18."....."No, I'm sorry, I can't allow you to use the kitchen - the health department doesn't allow it."...."No, I'm sorry, you can't sleep four people in one room - the fire regulations dictate a maximum of two persons per room."....

I'm sure there are more. You hear it all after awhile.

Joey Bloggs said:

gillumhouse said:

MtnKeeper said:

EmptyNest said:

too weird! where does he think he is...a campground. where on earth did he ever think he could do this...good grief!
hope you keep an eye on him...you never know.

Click to expand...

Funny, that's exactly what my husband texted to his buddy --- Does this guy think he's at a campground? I guess we'll see everything if we're innkeepers long enough. He told my husband that he didn't understand why he couldn't because he's stayed at plenty of B&Bs and they always let him do it. If this is remotely true, then I can only figure that they were afraid of a bad review and let Mr. BBQ Pitmaster do whatever he wanted. Sorry, no way, not here, even if you write a bad review.
.

Click to expand...

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.
.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.

Click to expand...

Here is one that was here 345 lbs, went down our street, and my sister saw our town of 3000 population on the BBC NEWS in Ireland.
Hey new t-shirt idea: "In a rut? Come to Rocky Mount" I may have to did blog this...
CLICK HERE
.

Click to expand...

I remember that. Shinnston got the same kind of attention (although I was not blogging then) when our Punjab sat on the woman who was painting the fence at Maley's. She had McDonald's fries what do you expect. Even camels like fries. She forgot to share! (Our City Manager got a phone call from Australia asking about it)

BananaE29 said:

Silverspoon said:

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period..

Click to expand...

Silverspoon said:

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period.

Click to expand...

Yep. I can always find a way to decline on something I don't like..."No, I'm sorry - the fire marshall doesn't allow candles or any open flame on the property"....."No, I'm sorry, your children can't stay here. Our insurance policy doesn't cover anyone under the age of 18."....."No, I'm sorry, I can't allow you to use the kitchen - the health department doesn't allow it."...."No, I'm sorry, you can't sleep four people in one room - the fire regulations dictate a maximum of two persons per room."....

I'm sure there are more. You hear it all after awhile.
.

Click to expand...

The fire Dept and the health Dept and the insurance company are my friends. I call on them many times.
But, I know other innkeepers with different insurance people and stuffing 6 adults in one room does not seem to be an issue.

gillumhouse said:

Joey Bloggs said:

gillumhouse said:

MtnKeeper said:

EmptyNest said:

too weird! where does he think he is...a campground. where on earth did he ever think he could do this...good grief!
hope you keep an eye on him...you never know.

Click to expand...

Funny, that's exactly what my husband texted to his buddy --- Does this guy think he's at a campground? I guess we'll see everything if we're innkeepers long enough. He told my husband that he didn't understand why he couldn't because he's stayed at plenty of B&Bs and they always let him do it. If this is remotely true, then I can only figure that they were afraid of a bad review and let Mr. BBQ Pitmaster do whatever he wanted. Sorry, no way, not here, even if you write a bad review.
.

Click to expand...

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.
.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

Most B & Bs do not have bears. We used to have one here in WV but they closed - I think ill health closed them. They considered themselves the intruders, not the bears. Guests were told to remove any and all food from their cars and were asked in the evening it they had everything out of the car for the night and then the motion-detector was set for the sprinklers. If a bear approached a car, they got sprayed with water.

Click to expand...

Here is one that was here 345 lbs, went down our street, and my sister saw our town of 3000 population on the BBC NEWS in Ireland.
Hey new t-shirt idea: "In a rut? Come to Rocky Mount" I may have to did blog this...
CLICK HERE
.

Click to expand...

I remember that. Shinnston got the same kind of attention (although I was not blogging then) when our Punjab sat on the woman who was painting the fence at Maley's. She had McDonald's fries what do you expect. Even camels like fries. She forgot to share! (Our City Manager got a phone call from Australia asking about it)
.

Click to expand...

we had a similar thing with a herd of cows - you have to remember we are not a rural location basically a small city so a herd of cows running loose across people's gardens is news/hilarious!
it ran accross my sisters garden - Id rung to tell her as she was at work, she said I wondered why my grass was covered in hoof prints! was hilarious! think its on youtube

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Silverspoon said:

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period..

Click to expand...

Silverspoon said:

I would send him to the nearest picnic area, letting him know that a guest's grill is a fire hazard that our insurance will not cover. Period.

Click to expand...

Yep. I can always find a way to decline on something I don't like..."No, I'm sorry - the fire marshall doesn't allow candles or any open flame on the property"....."No, I'm sorry, your children can't stay here. Our insurance policy doesn't cover anyone under the age of 18."....."No, I'm sorry, I can't allow you to use the kitchen - the health department doesn't allow it."...."No, I'm sorry, you can't sleep four people in one room - the fire regulations dictate a maximum of two persons per room."....

I'm sure there are more. You hear it all after awhile.
.

Click to expand...

The fire Dept and the health Dept and the insurance company are my friends. I call on them many times.
But, I know other innkeepers with different insurance people and stuffing 6 adults in one room does not seem to be an issue.
.

Click to expand...

Madeleine said:

The fire Dept and the health Dept and the insurance company are my friends. I call on them many times.
But, I know other innkeepers with different insurance people and stuffing 6 adults in one room does not seem to be an issue.

Click to expand...

Took a rez yesterday for 5 in a king bed room. Told them it was a bad idea. They said, they just needed a one night crash pad and they'd be fine. We'll see. Charged them the extra $25 per person.

MtnKeeper said:

EmptyNest said:

too weird! where does he think he is...a campground. where on earth did he ever think he could do this...good grief!
hope you keep an eye on him...you never know.

Click to expand...

Funny, that's exactly what my husband texted to his buddy --- Does this guy think he's at a campground? I guess we'll see everything if we're innkeepers long enough. He told my husband that he didn't understand why he couldn't because he's stayed at plenty of B&Bs and they always let him do it. If this is remotely true, then I can only figure that they were afraid of a bad review and let Mr. BBQ Pitmaster do whatever he wanted. Sorry, no way, not here, even if you write a bad review.
.

Click to expand...

MtnKeeper said:

Funny, that's exactly what my husband texted to his buddy --- Does this guy think he's at a campground? I guess we'll see everything if we're innkeepers long enough. He told my husband that he didn't understand why he couldn't because he's stayed at plenty of B&Bs and they always let him do it. If this is remotely true, then I can only figure that they were afraid of a bad review and let Mr. BBQ Pitmaster do whatever he wanted. Sorry, no way, not here, even if you write a bad review.

Click to expand...

Surprised. And likely all made up. I can't imagine allowing someone to set up a fire place in my yard. This is my house!