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TheBeachHouse

TheBeachHouse

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Jun 24, 2013
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Here for three nights. Probably 18 months old. walks and says words, like, "'nana" and "appoo" for banana and apple.
They balked at the extra person charge. But he does eat. And walk. A lot. They are watching him very carefully, but I felt awful this morning when our single writer guest who is here to write couldn't sit down in the breakfast room because they had sat the kid in the middle of three bistro tables and he was talking and eating like a baby and that sort of disturbs the vibe.
Nice enough people, but we do say our inn is not suitable for children.
And if I catch him throwing a rock into the pond, well.....I'll be upset.
 
If your inn is not suitable for children then why take them? You are setting a precedent here. If you don't want them, stick to your guns. It's not like you won't fill your rooms in your location. You must think of your other guests.
 
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?
 
TheBeachHouse said:
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?.
Click to expand...
Had a group of 5 show up with 6. They said it was no problem the 6th would sleep on the floor. No way. I moved their rooms, charged them more and took away their discount.
If someone were to show up again and I could not do the switch, yes, i would say the room is for 2 only, refund them and send them away.
Must be the guy who told me it was only my opinion that babies are guests.
But, it's an excellent opportunity for you to see this is not working for you or the other guests.
You're seeing the other guests interrupted, you're worried about the fish, you're worried about the kid.
Your website should now say your place is adults only. You can make it 16 and older if you see you're getting families with older kids.
Other than tonight, where dh caved, NO kids in the main part of the inn.
But, we can't turn them away so our website says they are welcome. Other guests can take that under advisement when they make their rez. Yours are thinking there won't be kids and now one is being semi disruptive.
 
First let me re-introduce myself: I am Jon Sable trusty sidekick :)
Just this week, we had someone with a reservation from X Ped ia, and she asks where she could put her stroller ?!? I asked if she had a kid, and she said "Yes, a 2 1/2 year old boy". I tell her we usually have a minimum of 7 year old, and she said that on X, it says the room can accommodate 1 infant. Room is one of the smaller room with only 1 queen size bed. But she says that it is not a problem the kid always sleeps with them in a queen size bed at home. It is 8 PM, am I suppose to refuse them ? So, we did honour their reservation, and everything was just fine, but I was still annoyed.
I then went to X Ped ia, and indeed, when you look at the description of the room, it says "One queen bed, can accommodate 1 child or 1 infant", yet, further down, in the house policies, it says "Minimum age 7 years old".... But who read policies, right ? She saw the room description and figured she could book the room. Of course, she also said the reservations was for 2 adults!
But I am quite upset with X Ped ia... Jon called them to get this fixed, but he has a feeling it is an automatic setting. So you should all check your room description, and try to get them to change it. If enough people do it, they might fix their software
 
I just turned away - granted as the rez was being booked - 2 rooms for a minimum of 5 nights because she finally decided to mention that the other person had a dog. Told her that was a deal breaker. We take 2-legged animals but not 4-legged.
 
Joe Tyson said:
First let me re-introduce myself: I am Jon Sable trusty sidekick :)
Just this week, we had someone with a reservation from X Ped ia, and she asks where she could put her stroller ?!? I asked if she had a kid, and she said "Yes, a 2 1/2 year old boy". I tell her we usually have a minimum of 7 year old, and she said that on X, it says the room can accommodate 1 infant. Room is one of the smaller room with only 1 queen size bed. But she says that it is not a problem the kid always sleeps with them in a queen size bed at home. It is 8 PM, am I suppose to refuse them ? So, we did honour their reservation, and everything was just fine, but I was still annoyed.
I then went to X Ped ia, and indeed, when you look at the description of the room, it says "One queen bed, can accommodate 1 child or 1 infant", yet, further down, in the house policies, it says "Minimum age 7 years old".... But who read policies, right ? She saw the room description and figured she could book the room. Of course, she also said the reservations was for 2 adults!
But I am quite upset with X Ped ia... Jon called them to get this fixed, but he has a feeling it is an automatic setting. So you should all check your room description, and try to get them to change it. If enough people do it, they might fix their software.
Click to expand...
We had a call from someone looking at booking.com and trying to make a rez for 3. I told her the pictgram shows only 2 heads. That means 2 people only.
Ours also says kids are welcome but only 2 guests allowed.
Had these folks booked they would have ended up either having to leave or taking a much more expensive room. Plus the fee for the 3rd guest.
They had 3 adults. Not even a baby!
Most of the standard policy text is preset. It's either yes kids or no kids. Maybe you can set yours to no kids.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?.
Click to expand...
TheBeachHouse said:
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?
Click to expand...
Yes I have. 3 time in 13 years.
It's tough, but sometimes it has to be done to protect other guests. 2 were babies/young children and 1 was dogs. And yes, I kept their money. We are not in a location where we get walk-ins. I tell them that if I can re-rent their room I will credit them back. We have a separate cottage where children are allowed, but these parents didn't reserve it...more than likely because it's more expensive! One couple never made it to my town because they called when they were 2 hours away, late at night and I could hear screaming kids in the car. I questioned them and yes, they were planing on bringing them! I told them to find a place in the big town they were already in and broke the news that they can't stay here.
In reality what you are doing is punishing all of your 'perfect guests' who want a child free environment and could be loyal repeats. You're rewarding the 'rule breaker guest' who now knows that you're not happy they're there and probably will never return. It's just not worth it! In your location you could probably fill their room, so just let them go without charging.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?.
Click to expand...
My best friends had a couple show up at their door with a baby. They said NO WAY! Showed them their policies and told them they would suggest another place to stay. They did not CAVE!
Make your rules and stick to them.
I have another friend who used to rent to families..she has cabins. She finally had enough. I redid her website and EVERYWHERE it says COUPLE's ROMANTIC GETAWAY. It was hard for her to turn away repeats..but she had bitten the bullet and not looked back. She loves her retreat now and doesn't have to deal with families, kids etc.
She thanks me every time we talk and wishes she had listened to me earlier
 
Joe Tyson said:
First let me re-introduce myself: I am Jon Sable trusty sidekick :)
Just this week, we had someone with a reservation from X Ped ia, and she asks where she could put her stroller ?!? I asked if she had a kid, and she said "Yes, a 2 1/2 year old boy". I tell her we usually have a minimum of 7 year old, and she said that on X, it says the room can accommodate 1 infant. Room is one of the smaller room with only 1 queen size bed. But she says that it is not a problem the kid always sleeps with them in a queen size bed at home. It is 8 PM, am I suppose to refuse them ? So, we did honour their reservation, and everything was just fine, but I was still annoyed.
I then went to X Ped ia, and indeed, when you look at the description of the room, it says "One queen bed, can accommodate 1 child or 1 infant", yet, further down, in the house policies, it says "Minimum age 7 years old".... But who read policies, right ? She saw the room description and figured she could book the room. Of course, she also said the reservations was for 2 adults!
But I am quite upset with X Ped ia... Jon called them to get this fixed, but he has a feeling it is an automatic setting. So you should all check your room description, and try to get them to change it. If enough people do it, they might fix their software.
Click to expand...
If this happened to me, I would check right then my x pedia listing and if it indeed said infant/child anywhere on my listing I would feel obligated to take them. And as you've read above with my other post, I'm pretty hard nosed about it!
 
Dogs also. We used to take them but I think I've found all the places we were listed as pet friendly and gotten the info removed. We still have 2-3 families we allow back. We do say no new pet families.
Have guests snuck them in? Of course. Pocket pets they stuff in a purse. They think they're so clever.
Booze I don't care about. Obvious illegal drugs we wouldn't really know about until cleaning.
Drunks. That's a toughie. Haven't had anyone arrive drunk but they've come back that way after parties. Luckily, this is not a party town.
 
Joe Tyson said:
First let me re-introduce myself: I am Jon Sable trusty sidekick :)
Just this week, we had someone with a reservation from X Ped ia, and she asks where she could put her stroller ?!? I asked if she had a kid, and she said "Yes, a 2 1/2 year old boy". I tell her we usually have a minimum of 7 year old, and she said that on X, it says the room can accommodate 1 infant. Room is one of the smaller room with only 1 queen size bed. But she says that it is not a problem the kid always sleeps with them in a queen size bed at home. It is 8 PM, am I suppose to refuse them ? So, we did honour their reservation, and everything was just fine, but I was still annoyed.
I then went to X Ped ia, and indeed, when you look at the description of the room, it says "One queen bed, can accommodate 1 child or 1 infant", yet, further down, in the house policies, it says "Minimum age 7 years old".... But who read policies, right ? She saw the room description and figured she could book the room. Of course, she also said the reservations was for 2 adults!
But I am quite upset with X Ped ia... Jon called them to get this fixed, but he has a feeling it is an automatic setting. So you should all check your room description, and try to get them to change it. If enough people do it, they might fix their software.
Click to expand...
Hi Joe Tyson, just wanted to say hi, Jon is one of my favorite people here. Just so you know...and yes, I think he is a knowitall, but then you already know that too! :) Cheers.
 
I'm sorry, call me a hag...but I don't like kids. Not really at any age, but I can tolerate them around 9 or so. So if I booked at your place, reading "not suitable for children", I would be pretty upset if there was one there. Especially an infant that would affect my stay. I wouldn't say anything to you, or the parents, but I would not be happy. At all.

If the conditions are not suitable for children, then you should have a "No Children" policy. Do what YOU are comfortable with, and then stick with it. I went to adults only two years ago and have never, ever regretted my decision. People come here to get away from kids - their own and others.
 
BananaE29 said:
I'm sorry, call me a hag...but I don't like kids. Not really at any age, but I can tolerate them around 9 or so. So if I booked at your place, reading "not suitable for children", I would be pretty upset if there was one there. Especially an infant that would affect my stay. I wouldn't say anything to you, or the parents, but I would not be happy. At all.

If the conditions are not suitable for children, then you should have a "No Children" policy. Do what YOU are comfortable with, and then stick with it. I went to adults only two years ago and have never, ever regretted my decision. People come here to get away from kids - their own and others..
Click to expand...
I'm sorry, call me a hag...but I don't like kids. Not really at any age, but I can tolerate them around 9 or so. So if I booked at your place, reading "not suitable for children", I would be pretty upset if there was one there. Especially an infant that would affect my stay.
I am the same..no kids for me...any age if I am staying at a B & B that says no kids.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?.
Click to expand...
A couple months ago, a couple shows up at 9pm to checkin. The husband says the wife will be in shortly, that my husband can just tell him about the place and show him to the room. Husband tells guest the door is auto locking and that he'd rather check them in both together to go over allergies, etc. Guy says wife is "nursing in the car right now." No mention of a kid at booking and even though we say we are a couples place and the room occupancy is listed as just 2, they brought the kid anyway. Husband didn't know what to do when she was standing there with the kid at 9pm and every other place locally stops checking in by then too. So he lets them stay, tells them that they need to be mindful of the guests around them and be sure to not interrupt people's getaway. The next morning they were the first ones up and walking around bouncing the baby on her shoulders. Husband told them that he'd appreciate them trying to not disturb the other guests' quiet breakfast. They decided to go out to breakfast instead and the next morning got up and left early so didn't come to breakfast at all. So he didn't turn them away because they had had a long drive but made sure they were aware that the place isn't for kids and they were not to disturb other guests. Hope it doesn't happen again - they put you in such a position with your other guests.
 
MtnKeeper said:
TheBeachHouse said:
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?.
Click to expand...
A couple months ago, a couple shows up at 9pm to checkin. The husband says the wife will be in shortly, that my husband can just tell him about the place and show him to the room. Husband tells guest the door is auto locking and that he'd rather check them in both together to go over allergies, etc. Guy says wife is "nursing in the car right now." No mention of a kid at booking and even though we say we are a couples place and the room occupancy is listed as just 2, they brought the kid anyway. Husband didn't know what to do when she was standing there with the kid at 9pm and every other place locally stops checking in by then too. So he lets them stay, tells them that they need to be mindful of the guests around them and be sure to not interrupt people's getaway. The next morning they were the first ones up and walking around bouncing the baby on her shoulders. Husband told them that he'd appreciate them trying to not disturb the other guests' quiet breakfast. They decided to go out to breakfast instead and the next morning got up and left early so didn't come to breakfast at all. So he didn't turn them away because they had had a long drive but made sure they were aware that the place isn't for kids and they were not to disturb other guests. Hope it doesn't happen again - they put you in such a position with your other guests.
.
Click to expand...
I just pointed out the best place to take a crying baby should the parents need to know that at 2am. I hope they don't need that info.
At breakfast I am less worried because most guests are yakking and laughing then. But if the kid's a screamer he'll have to go outside.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?.
Click to expand...
I did just that last week. And I'm really glad I did! We do not accept children. Period. When she made the reservation, way back in March, for 5 nights for one person she entered an agreement with us. We honored our part...she could have brought another adult and that would be fine because our policies are for 2 adult. But a 12 year old totally changes the game here. She lost her deposit and I lost the balance but I have no regrets. Take a look at the post from a week ago for the details.
Yes it is upsetting at the time. But if you feel strongly about your policies then you need to stick to them. We have flexibility on some but never on the No pets, NO KIDS, no smoking, and 2 people/accommodation policies.
 
Madeleine said:
MtnKeeper said:
TheBeachHouse said:
I agree in theory, but what do you do when they show up? They did not indicate a child when they made the reservation. Classic case of saying 2 people as though the kid isn't a person.
Stopping someone from making a reservation is one thing, but turning them away at the door is another.
Question for the group - have you turned away check ins because they brought a kid? Or dog? Or booze or pot? Or for any reason?.
Click to expand...
A couple months ago, a couple shows up at 9pm to checkin. The husband says the wife will be in shortly, that my husband can just tell him about the place and show him to the room. Husband tells guest the door is auto locking and that he'd rather check them in both together to go over allergies, etc. Guy says wife is "nursing in the car right now." No mention of a kid at booking and even though we say we are a couples place and the room occupancy is listed as just 2, they brought the kid anyway. Husband didn't know what to do when she was standing there with the kid at 9pm and every other place locally stops checking in by then too. So he lets them stay, tells them that they need to be mindful of the guests around them and be sure to not interrupt people's getaway. The next morning they were the first ones up and walking around bouncing the baby on her shoulders. Husband told them that he'd appreciate them trying to not disturb the other guests' quiet breakfast. They decided to go out to breakfast instead and the next morning got up and left early so didn't come to breakfast at all. So he didn't turn them away because they had had a long drive but made sure they were aware that the place isn't for kids and they were not to disturb other guests. Hope it doesn't happen again - they put you in such a position with your other guests.
.
Click to expand...
I just pointed out the best place to take a crying baby should the parents need to know that at 2am. I hope they don't need that info.
At breakfast I am less worried because most guests are yakking and laughing then. But if the kid's a screamer he'll have to go outside.
.
Click to expand...
I remember hearing about a family member who thought that did not apply. A certain person on this Forum took a hit from the family on that if I recall correctly but stuck to her guns!
 
BananaE29 said:
I'm sorry, call me a hag...but I don't like kids. Not really at any age, but I can tolerate them around 9 or so. So if I booked at your place, reading "not suitable for children", I would be pretty upset if there was one there. Especially an infant that would affect my stay. I wouldn't say anything to you, or the parents, but I would not be happy. At all.

If the conditions are not suitable for children, then you should have a "No Children" policy. Do what YOU are comfortable with, and then stick with it. I went to adults only two years ago and have never, ever regretted my decision. People come here to get away from kids - their own and others..
Click to expand...
BananaE29 said:
I'm sorry, call me a hag...but I don't like kids. Not really at any age, but I can tolerate them around 9 or so. So if I booked at your place, reading "not suitable for children", I would be pretty upset if there was one there. Especially an infant that would affect my stay. I wouldn't say anything to you, or the parents, but I would not be happy. At all.

If the conditions are not suitable for children, then you should have a "No Children" policy. Do what YOU are comfortable with, and then stick with it. I went to adults only two years ago and have never, ever regretted my decision. People come here to get away from kids - their own and others.
Click to expand...
I honestly couldn't agree more. I'd be upset as a guest to run into a baby at a romantic B&B. I'm just wondering what the heck to do about it?
Last night they were scarce. I didn't see them at all, so that part is good.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
BananaE29 said:
I'm sorry, call me a hag...but I don't like kids. Not really at any age, but I can tolerate them around 9 or so. So if I booked at your place, reading "not suitable for children", I would be pretty upset if there was one there. Especially an infant that would affect my stay. I wouldn't say anything to you, or the parents, but I would not be happy. At all.

If the conditions are not suitable for children, then you should have a "No Children" policy. Do what YOU are comfortable with, and then stick with it. I went to adults only two years ago and have never, ever regretted my decision. People come here to get away from kids - their own and others..
Click to expand...
BananaE29 said:
I'm sorry, call me a hag...but I don't like kids. Not really at any age, but I can tolerate them around 9 or so. So if I booked at your place, reading "not suitable for children", I would be pretty upset if there was one there. Especially an infant that would affect my stay. I wouldn't say anything to you, or the parents, but I would not be happy. At all.

If the conditions are not suitable for children, then you should have a "No Children" policy. Do what YOU are comfortable with, and then stick with it. I went to adults only two years ago and have never, ever regretted my decision. People come here to get away from kids - their own and others.
Click to expand...
I honestly couldn't agree more. I'd be upset as a guest to run into a baby at a romantic B&B. I'm just wondering what the heck to do about it?
Last night they were scarce. I didn't see them at all, so that part is good.
.
Click to expand...
Read what was said in other posts..for "what to do about it" You are in charge. Post information clearly on your website..NO CHILDREN! Make it a check box on your reservation form. Put it in your confirmation letter. If they still show up..tell them NO! Send them on their way.
That is what you can do about it.
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