Checking out of room, but not house?

Hey there, hubby & I are on our first year as innkeepers of a 4-guest-room heritage home. We share the whole house, so personal space is very minimal. Today's question:
We booked today as a purposeful "day off" (no one checking in tonight) after a month-and-half of nonstop bookings. Looking forward to the house to ourselves, a kind of quiet romantic afternoon & evening. Had a nice couple stay last couple of days, returning guests from last several years (with other managers). After breakfast on check-out day today, they announced that they would pack up and check out of their room, but were going to stay round the house until 4pm when they had to leave to go catch their flight. As familiar returning guests, I felt awkward insisting that check-out is at 11am (check out of HOUSE!) --- so I just smiled and said OK, grumbling on inside. Hubby is more easygoing and feels that it's worth appeasing returning guests a few hours' time.
Your thoughts??

First off, welcome to the forum! And congratulations on being so busy!

A few will disagree with me on how I handle things, but I usually have to fib to people to get them to understand. In your situation, I would have had to tell a little fib and simple say "Oh, I am SO sorry, but we've got some projects planned today in the common areas, and it just is not possible to do that with guests here. Might I suggest you grab some lunch at........ to kill some time?"

Your time is important, and I think they were pretty rude to just assume it would be okay to stay. If I were married, and this was a day I had planned with my significant other to be special for us, then I would definitely have asked them to leave. I do this solo, so sometimes it's not a big deal to me if they hang around. And sometimes it is. That's my call and my decision if I want people around when they should have checked out.

Speaking as someone who has checked out but had a late afternoon plane flight, I'd say it was very nice of you to let them hang around the public areas of the house. Their only option would be to sit in an airport lounge for hours.
I can see where it would be a problem for you if you otherwise had an empty house and alone time, but they probably assumed you had other guests anyway, and they wouldn't be much trouble.
Put me down as one who will accommodate guests when I can, even if it's not what I'd really like to do.

We've had this happen several times this week with guests we didn't know at all. And no announcement, they just wouldn't leave.
Very good suggestions were given to simply say, "I'm sorry, we have an appointment and we have to lock the house before we leave."
You need your time off.
In our case the stupid guests saw us running our buttss off trying to get the house cleaned up so they just settled in. I hate them more today than I did last week. It was horribly arrogant.

I would have told them I'm so sorry, but we have plans today and have to close the inn. Offer them a few idea of where to go to relax for lunch and maybe a nice walk before they catch their flight.
It's so important as innkeepers that we stay connected with our spouses and that means sometimes making them and our relationships a priority. If you don't, then that's when burnout will really hit you.
Oh, and welcome to the forum!!

Arks said:

Speaking as someone who has checked out but had a late afternoon plane flight, I'd say it was very nice of you to let them hang around the public areas of the house. Their only option would be to sit in an airport lounge for hours.
I can see where it would be a problem for you if you otherwise had an empty house and alone time, but they probably assumed you had other guests anyway, and they wouldn't be much trouble.
Put me down as one who will accommodate guests when I can, even if it's not what I'd really like to do..

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This is the way we do it as well.
I will say that we are clear about our check-out when asked and we don't offer this to guests, but if it is requested, we will accommodate. Notably, we have a private apartment where we can retreat.

Welcome.
We have had these experiences as well. When we can we allow the guest to make themselves comfortable and enjoy the property. But if we have made plans, have an appointment etc. we do not feel obligated to them.
Had these guests been up front with their intentions prior to their arrival you would have either been prepared to either agree to this or provide information of things they could do to fill their time.
Hope you enjoyed the precious time you were able to capture. We all need our down time, whether it is to share with a loved one or spend some quality time alone.

ah, this is a tough one. i sometimes did let folks stay. but since you really needed the break and no place in house to have it, the fib of projects that need getting done is helpful.
but NEVER say you have to go out and then stay. i had guests/new best friend wannabe's who checked out but wanted to stay around and i told them i was sorry but i had to go out and lock up the b&b. an hour later, still in the little harbor, they saw me and came around to the back door calling 'yoo hoo' . i actually forced myself out the front door and into the truck and out the driveway, waving goodbye, so they would see i was leaving. i drove off with no plan in mind, went to a farm stand, then another, then a perpetual yard sale, then came back. saw their car still in the lot and freaked out. i parked on the road instead of in my own lot and snuck back inside. crazee. (me, not them)

we have this on a regular basis but we have a guest lounge and a yale lock so it shuts behind them - had this on sunday - large group come from 5 hour away city on a coach, most stay with us but rest at 2 other BB's as well - one lady had her husband with her not going to the conference and the coach driver - warned them it was going to be a complete zoo and got on with the full change.

The price we pay for being nice and being friendly. Sorry you had your time to yourself ruined Scribbles.
I say often when you reserve a room you don't reserve the innkeeper(s) and this is another such situation where they feel they can own you, your place, your time, even if they are not trying to be inconsiderate. People think innkeeping is a piece of cake, they have no idea the toll it takes to be "on" all the time.

scribbles said:

Hey there, hubby & I are on our first year as innkeepers of a 4-guest-room heritage home. We share the whole house, so personal space is very minimal. Today's question:
We booked today as a purposeful "day off" (no one checking in tonight) after a month-and-half of nonstop bookings. Looking forward to the house to ourselves, a kind of quiet romantic afternoon & evening. Had a nice couple stay last couple of days, returning guests from last several years (with other managers). After breakfast on check-out day today, they announced that they would pack up and check out of their room, but were going to stay round the house until 4pm when they had to leave to go catch their flight. As familiar returning guests, I felt awkward insisting that check-out is at 11am (check out of HOUSE!) --- so I just smiled and said OK, grumbling on inside. Hubby is more easygoing and feels that it's worth appeasing returning guests a few hours' time.
Your thoughts??

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We made the same 'rookie' mistake. We've been doing this for almost a year and the first time someone asked for a late checkout we said, "sure!" They said, "good, probably around 3." We quietly said, "doh!"
Lesson learned, when they say "late check out" we say, "what time did you have in mind?" Or even better, "I can do it until noon, but I'm afraid I have appointments after that."
Welcome!! What part of the country are you in? I am coastal New England.

Like most others I'd have told a fib to get rid of them.
They must have known they'd have a day to kill when they booked and it's a bit presumptuous to assume you can continue to use the Inns facilities after check out. As has been said before "A guests inability to plan, does not constitute a problem for me".

Highlands John said:

Like most others I'd have told a fib to get rid of them.
They must have known they'd have a day to kill when they booked and it's a bit presumptuous to assume you can continue to use the Inns facilities after check out. As has been said before "A guests inability to plan, does not constitute a problem for me"..

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Highlands John said:

Like most others I'd have told a fib to get rid of them.
They must have known they'd have a day to kill when they booked and it's a bit presumptuous to assume you can continue to use the Inns facilities after check out. As has been said before "A guests inability to plan, does not constitute a problem for me".

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Of course next question is, can I use the restroom? and then, we ordered lunch, can we eat it here?

A mid level answer is, I can hold your luggage for you and you are welcome to leave your car in the driveway, but I'm afraid I need to clean during these hours.

TheBeachHouse said:

scribbles said:

Hey there, hubby & I are on our first year as innkeepers of a 4-guest-room heritage home. We share the whole house, so personal space is very minimal. Today's question:
We booked today as a purposeful "day off" (no one checking in tonight) after a month-and-half of nonstop bookings. Looking forward to the house to ourselves, a kind of quiet romantic afternoon & evening. Had a nice couple stay last couple of days, returning guests from last several years (with other managers). After breakfast on check-out day today, they announced that they would pack up and check out of their room, but were going to stay round the house until 4pm when they had to leave to go catch their flight. As familiar returning guests, I felt awkward insisting that check-out is at 11am (check out of HOUSE!) --- so I just smiled and said OK, grumbling on inside. Hubby is more easygoing and feels that it's worth appeasing returning guests a few hours' time.
Your thoughts??

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We made the same 'rookie' mistake. We've been doing this for almost a year and the first time someone asked for a late checkout we said, "sure!" They said, "good, probably around 3." We quietly said, "doh!"
Lesson learned, when they say "late check out" we say, "what time did you have in mind?" Or even better, "I can do it until noon, but I'm afraid I have appointments after that."
Welcome!! What part of the country are you in? I am coastal New England..

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TheBeachHouse said:

scribbles said:

Hey there, hubby & I are on our first year as innkeepers of a 4-guest-room heritage home. We share the whole house, so personal space is very minimal. Today's question:
We booked today as a purposeful "day off" (no one checking in tonight) after a month-and-half of nonstop bookings. Looking forward to the house to ourselves, a kind of quiet romantic afternoon & evening. Had a nice couple stay last couple of days, returning guests from last several years (with other managers). After breakfast on check-out day today, they announced that they would pack up and check out of their room, but were going to stay round the house until 4pm when they had to leave to go catch their flight. As familiar returning guests, I felt awkward insisting that check-out is at 11am (check out of HOUSE!) --- so I just smiled and said OK, grumbling on inside. Hubby is more easygoing and feels that it's worth appeasing returning guests a few hours' time.
Your thoughts??

Click to expand...

We made the same 'rookie' mistake. We've been doing this for almost a year and the first time someone asked for a late checkout we said, "sure!" They said, "good, probably around 3." We quietly said, "doh!"
Lesson learned, when they say "late check out" we say, "what time did you have in mind?" Or even better, "I can do it until noon, but I'm afraid I have appointments after that."
Welcome!! What part of the country are you in? I am coastal New England.

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Agreed: If we check out of the room we won't be charged a late check out and will still USE the property.
We have been hosting elopements and people call and try to turn them into a wedding event (without paying for the venue). If we book all the rooms then... Uh no, you are not renting the facility for you and your family/friends. We caught onto that real fast...

TheBeachHouse said:

A mid level answer is, I can hold your luggage for you and you are welcome to leave your car in the driveway, but I'm afraid I need to clean during these hours..

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

A mid level answer is, I can hold your luggage for you and you are welcome to leave your car in the driveway, but I'm afraid I need to clean during these hours.

Click to expand...

Oh, we won't get in your way! We'll be quiet as mice, you won't know we're here!
It's gotten so bad lately we don't put the coffee machine out until 3pm!

Madeleine said:

TheBeachHouse said:

A mid level answer is, I can hold your luggage for you and you are welcome to leave your car in the driveway, but I'm afraid I need to clean during these hours..

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

A mid level answer is, I can hold your luggage for you and you are welcome to leave your car in the driveway, but I'm afraid I need to clean during these hours.

Click to expand...

Oh, we won't get in your way! We'll be quiet as mice, you won't know we're here!
It's gotten so bad lately we don't put the coffee machine out until 3pm!
.

Click to expand...

Madeleine said:

TheBeachHouse said:

A mid level answer is, I can hold your luggage for you and you are welcome to leave your car in the driveway, but I'm afraid I need to clean during these hours.

Click to expand...

Oh, we won't get in your way! We'll be quiet as mice, you won't know we're here!
It's gotten so bad lately we don't put the coffee machine out until 3pm!

Click to expand...

yeah. LOL
We have had success with leave your car, but often get the 'can I use a bathroom' question along with it. BUT - big difference here - we don't share the house. We have our own apartment.

Madeleine said:

TheBeachHouse said:

A mid level answer is, I can hold your luggage for you and you are welcome to leave your car in the driveway, but I'm afraid I need to clean during these hours..

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

A mid level answer is, I can hold your luggage for you and you are welcome to leave your car in the driveway, but I'm afraid I need to clean during these hours.

Click to expand...

Oh, we won't get in your way! We'll be quiet as mice, you won't know we're here!
It's gotten so bad lately we don't put the coffee machine out until 3pm!
.

Click to expand...

Madeleine said:

Oh, we won't get in your way! We'll be quiet as mice, you won't know we're here!

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We love you dearly, but unfortunately you can't stay here past check-out time, no matter how quiet you may be. There are some lovely coffee shops in town and you can meet the hipsters and share a table with them.

Just keep it simple...no matter who the guests are. Check out is at XXX. You can't stay later than that...unless you want to pay an extra $50. We have to clean and have other appts and the house is locked up.
Otherwise, No luggage holding..no bathroom...no nothing..out the door you go!

wow, does this bring back memories. like the girl who wanted to go for a run and leave her stuff. sure. past breakfast and checkout, she came back, scurried into my bathroom and suddenly i hear the shower running ... in 'my' bathroom off the kitchen and yes i often let folks use it rather than go up to their rooms at breakfast time or, flying solo, i'd have 4 rooms wanting to check in and someone needed the facilities after the long drive on a road seemingly to nowhere. but, not for showers! what a mess she left. dirt all over the floor from her running shoes, etc. to top it off, the charge for the balance due - i got most at reservation time thank goodness - did not go through - $10 crummy dollars!!! she had no cash (yup, no atm in the harbor) but promised to send a check. never did.
it didn't stop me from trying to be kind and helpful but i had to remember back to staying at a place with my late husband. one night. that morning, i didn't feel well. he went off to spend the day with his son and they said, yes you can stay until 3 pm - but i had to pay for another night's stay. so i created late checkout fees by special arrangement. $50 would've made the messy shower and bathroom okay by me. but only if i got the payment then and there.