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Morticia

Morticia

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Guest looks around dining room, counts tables and states, "You must have x rooms as you have x tables."
This explains so much, like why guests linger for hours at the breakfast table or why they put their coffee down on a table and then wander off. x tables = x rooms. Therefore this is MY table.
When told there were x+3 rooms, he wanted to know how we were going to feed everyone. Again, explains a lot. This is MY table. No one else can sit here. I'm not moving.
 
We make them go in shifts... about 10 minutes before the next shift we start hinting...
Do these people go to restaurants and imagine that no one else will use the table before or after them? Around here, they give you just a little under two hours to be off the table. They tell you when you reserve what time you will need to be off the table. They need to make money, we need to eat...
 
Jon Sable said:
We make them go in shifts... about 10 minutes before the next shift we start hinting...
Do these people go to restaurants and imagine that no one else will use the table before or after them? Around here, they give you just a little under two hours to be off the table. They tell you when you reserve what time you will need to be off the table. They need to make money, we need to eat....
Click to expand...
From what I've seen? Yes. Those are the people who are long done with dinner, dessert, drinks, coffee but are still sitting.
I have a friend who worked for years at Tavern on the Green. I'm going to ask him how he motivated diners out of the chairs.
 
Morticia said:
Jon Sable said:
We make them go in shifts... about 10 minutes before the next shift we start hinting...
Do these people go to restaurants and imagine that no one else will use the table before or after them? Around here, they give you just a little under two hours to be off the table. They tell you when you reserve what time you will need to be off the table. They need to make money, we need to eat....
Click to expand...
From what I've seen? Yes. Those are the people who are long done with dinner, dessert, drinks, coffee but are still sitting.
I have a friend who worked for years at Tavern on the Green. I'm going to ask him how he motivated diners out of the chairs.
.
Click to expand...
Charge by the minute
wink_smile.gif

 
Both of these suggestions come from someone that usually has seating for all guests so take this as unused thoughts by this innkeeper.
wink_smile.gif

One way to go about this is have an early and late seating during busy times. Those that think they can linger will (hopefully) choose the later seating time.
Another possible is to clean the table and when they go to grab that coffee cup out of your next grab, ask them to feel free to carry it with them into the living room.
 
Copperhead said:
Both of these suggestions come from someone that usually has seating for all guests so take this as unused thoughts by this innkeeper.
wink_smile.gif

One way to go about this is have an early and late seating during busy times. Those that think they can linger will (hopefully) choose the later seating time.
Another possible is to clean the table and when they go to grab that coffee cup out of your next grab, ask them to feel free to carry it with them into the living room..
Click to expand...
Copperhead said:
Another possible is to clean the table and when they go to grab that coffee cup out of your next grab, ask them to feel free to carry it with them into the living room.
Click to expand...
I have asked guests to do that. Take their coffee outside or into the living room.
Most people get it. This guy just showed how those who don't get it think.
I hate asking guests to pick a time to eat. It's like pulling teeth when we have only one room.
"We serve breakfast between 8 - 9. Would you like to eat on the early side or the later?"
"Do we have to decide now???"
(No, just let me know in the morning. That's soon enough. Ha ha.)
 
I myself assumed when I first started staying at B&Bs that there would be a table open for us when we came down during service time. It never occurred to me that the B&B wouldn't have enough seats for everyone. It was something I made sure we had when we opened 10 years ago.
We are adding another room and to avoid this problem (as well as to create something special that none of my competition does), we're going to deliver breakfast up the back staircase to this new room at their requested time. We're putting in a special box that the breakfast will go into and they can open from their side and bring the food into their room. That way, they get something special and I have enough tables for everyone to eat when they want and they can linger as long as they like.
 
Copperhead said:
Both of these suggestions come from someone that usually has seating for all guests so take this as unused thoughts by this innkeeper.
wink_smile.gif

One way to go about this is have an early and late seating during busy times. Those that think they can linger will (hopefully) choose the later seating time.
Another possible is to clean the table and when they go to grab that coffee cup out of your next grab, ask them to feel free to carry it with them into the living room..
Click to expand...
It's tricky right now because we are full to the max - 18. I need certain table configurations and today no one showed up until 8:45. So it was hustle bustle and use the extra table in the lounge.
 
MtnKeeper said:
I myself assumed when I first started staying at B&Bs that there would be a table open for us when we came down during service time. It never occurred to me that the B&B wouldn't have enough seats for everyone. It was something I made sure we had when we opened 10 years ago.
We are adding another room and to avoid this problem (as well as to create something special that none of my competition does), we're going to deliver breakfast up the back staircase to this new room at their requested time. We're putting in a special box that the breakfast will go into and they can open from their side and bring the food into their room. That way, they get something special and I have enough tables for everyone to eat when they want and they can linger as long as they like..
Click to expand...
We have one more table now than we did at the start. Previously it was 3 tables with 4 chairs. Worse! No one wanted to share so we fed 3 rooms at a time and they felt rushed.
The last room waited over 30 minutes on some days.
Guests can see on check in how many tables there are. Even tho it doesn't sink in until morning because they think that's how many rooms there are.
 
Chuckle. We get a similar question. You have two rooms, why four tables?
Sometimes they want to all sit together, sometimes not.
Sometimes guests staying elsewhere join them.
Sometimes the apartment people want breakfast.
Two deuces, two 4-tops. Plus another table on the porch for nice days.
Glad to have 'too many'
regular_smile.gif
 
Morticia said:
Copperhead said:
Both of these suggestions come from someone that usually has seating for all guests so take this as unused thoughts by this innkeeper.
wink_smile.gif

One way to go about this is have an early and late seating during busy times. Those that think they can linger will (hopefully) choose the later seating time.
Another possible is to clean the table and when they go to grab that coffee cup out of your next grab, ask them to feel free to carry it with them into the living room..
Click to expand...
Copperhead said:
Another possible is to clean the table and when they go to grab that coffee cup out of your next grab, ask them to feel free to carry it with them into the living room.
Click to expand...
I have asked guests to do that. Take their coffee outside or into the living room.
Most people get it. This guy just showed how those who don't get it think.
I hate asking guests to pick a time to eat. It's like pulling teeth when we have only one room.
"We serve breakfast between 8 - 9. Would you like to eat on the early side or the later?"
"Do we have to decide now???"
(No, just let me know in the morning. That's soon enough. Ha ha.)
.
Click to expand...
Part of my spiel when I take them up to their rooms is to tell them:
"I bring fresh coffee up an hour before breakfast, which leads me to ask - what time would you like breakfast?" I wait expectantly smiling.
97% of the time, they pick a time. If not, I ask them to just let me know 'later this evening'
So usually I know early what days I sleep in, and what days I'll be able to get an early start on room changeovers.
 
Skamokawa said:
Morticia said:
Copperhead said:
Both of these suggestions come from someone that usually has seating for all guests so take this as unused thoughts by this innkeeper.
wink_smile.gif

One way to go about this is have an early and late seating during busy times. Those that think they can linger will (hopefully) choose the later seating time.
Another possible is to clean the table and when they go to grab that coffee cup out of your next grab, ask them to feel free to carry it with them into the living room..
Click to expand...
Copperhead said:
Another possible is to clean the table and when they go to grab that coffee cup out of your next grab, ask them to feel free to carry it with them into the living room.
Click to expand...
I have asked guests to do that. Take their coffee outside or into the living room.
Most people get it. This guy just showed how those who don't get it think.
I hate asking guests to pick a time to eat. It's like pulling teeth when we have only one room.
"We serve breakfast between 8 - 9. Would you like to eat on the early side or the later?"
"Do we have to decide now???"
(No, just let me know in the morning. That's soon enough. Ha ha.)
.
Click to expand...
Part of my spiel when I take them up to their rooms is to tell them:
"I bring fresh coffee up an hour before breakfast, which leads me to ask - what time would you like breakfast?" I wait expectantly smiling.
97% of the time, they pick a time. If not, I ask them to just let me know 'later this evening'
So usually I know early what days I sleep in, and what days I'll be able to get an early start on room changeovers.
.
Click to expand...
As I am finishing the spiel and about to go back downstairs, I ask them to let e know what time they want breakfast before they turn in - as long as it is between 4 AM and 10 AM, please. They tell me. Thankfully most will say NOT 4 AM and I reply with "bless you, my child". Yesterday I had one in on business at 7 AM and the other 3 were once again at 9. It gets tricky when there is only 30 minutes between breakfasts. Then they meet each other and linger as the chat like old friends until almost noon......
 
As a guest I would think there were enough tables or seats for maximum occupancy. I would not know I could not sit there from beginning to end of breakfast time. Unless I was specifically instructed.
Someplace I stayed in New Hampshire I rolled in late, my key was left at the desk with no instructions, no one around I could find. Everyone was in the 'pub' part of the place. Went to my room. Came down in the morning to discover that breakfast was in two seatings at two big dining tables and I was told to 'go find something to do' for 1/2 hour. Took my place (assigned seating) and 10 minutes before it was over the innkeepers went around collecting plates, napkins, silverware and coffee cups - one in mid air - from all the guests. Innkeeper #1 saying, 'check out is in 40 minutes. Make sure nothing is left in your room, we don't ship left behinds.'
Odd place.
As an innkeeper I fortunately did have enough seats, but not quite enough tables for each room. Sometimes two 'rooms' not known to one another would have to decide. Share or wait for a 'private' table. I also had a sofa and big chair in the room so folks could sit there while waiting. 'Course I took my furniture with me when I left and now there are plenty of tables, one for each room.
 
Table with an "S"????. Over here in Saskatoon; our inn is our home converted into a B&B. Three bedrooms (you are sleeping in my remodelled kids room, sans kids and quite tasteful), shared baths (which doesn't keep us from being busy) and only ONE large eating table that is part of an open kitchen area. I am able to participate in all pre-breakfast conversations. Love It.
We are a small enough place that 90% of the time I am able to co-ordinate everyone to meet for breakfast at the same time. Our guests, to a maximum of 5 people, sit with us for breakfast, join in conversations, discussions, sharing itinerary's and lots of laughs.
When we travel we enjoy all types of B&B's and Inns, anything that isn't a hotel/motel. Private tables, group tables, bistro tables.... so long as I don't have to cook the food that goes on it.
 
Glaciers In Saskatoon said:
Table with an "S"????. Over here in Saskatoon; our inn is our home converted into a B&B. Three bedrooms (you are sleeping in my remodelled kids room, sans kids and quite tasteful), shared baths (which doesn't keep us from being busy) and only ONE large eating table that is part of an open kitchen area. I am able to participate in all pre-breakfast conversations. Love It.
We are a small enough place that 90% of the time I am able to co-ordinate everyone to meet for breakfast at the same time. Our guests, to a maximum of 5 people, sit with us for breakfast, join in conversations, discussions, sharing itinerary's and lots of laughs.
When we travel we enjoy all types of B&B's and Inns, anything that isn't a hotel/motel. Private tables, group tables, bistro tables.... so long as I don't have to cook the food that goes on it..
Click to expand...
18 for breakfast tomorrow so yup, tables with an s.
That's our max occ. Not thrilled when we actually have max occ but that's the way it goes sometimes. We've reduced the number of beds. Max occ used to be higher.
Ours is a remodeled house also. One that originally had 4 bedrooms. The single bathroom was added much later. Then the whole place got redone to make the inn.
In order to have room to eat and room to gather the dining room was designed to hold one large table or 4 small ones. Small seating area near the coffee when someone has to wait.
It's an open concept so guests hang out near the kitchen chatting while we cook. Til I shoo them to sit down so I can bring out the food.
 
seashanty said:
As a guest I would think there were enough tables or seats for maximum occupancy. I would not know I could not sit there from beginning to end of breakfast time. Unless I was specifically instructed.
Someplace I stayed in New Hampshire I rolled in late, my key was left at the desk with no instructions, no one around I could find. Everyone was in the 'pub' part of the place. Went to my room. Came down in the morning to discover that breakfast was in two seatings at two big dining tables and I was told to 'go find something to do' for 1/2 hour. Took my place (assigned seating) and 10 minutes before it was over the innkeepers went around collecting plates, napkins, silverware and coffee cups - one in mid air - from all the guests. Innkeeper #1 saying, 'check out is in 40 minutes. Make sure nothing is left in your room, we don't ship left behinds.'
Odd place.
As an innkeeper I fortunately did have enough seats, but not quite enough tables for each room. Sometimes two 'rooms' not known to one another would have to decide. Share or wait for a 'private' table. I also had a sofa and big chair in the room so folks could sit there while waiting. 'Course I took my furniture with me when I left and now there are plenty of tables, one for each room..
Click to expand...
Maybe I should mention to folks that it's a full house so there may be a wait. Hate to set them up for something that doesn't happen because then they're worried and thinking we didn't plan this very well.
It's tough when we encourage guests to sit down but they want to 'wait' and then there's no place to sit. Tomorrow is 5 couples and 2 families so the turnover has to be quick. Today they all just sat for an hour daydreaming.
 
It's hard! So if you are planning a place ... keep the maximum occupancy in mind when you plan your dining area.
In fine weather, inviting guests to sit out on the porch or on the lawn in adirondack chairs (with umbrella tables) was well received. But in the pouring rain ( and wow did it POUR ) not so much. Kept a collection of umbrellas at the door - the collection grew and diminished and grew again depending.
 
Glaciers In Saskatoon said:
Table with an "S"????. Over here in Saskatoon; our inn is our home converted into a B&B. Three bedrooms (you are sleeping in my remodelled kids room, sans kids and quite tasteful), shared baths (which doesn't keep us from being busy) and only ONE large eating table that is part of an open kitchen area. I am able to participate in all pre-breakfast conversations. Love It.
We are a small enough place that 90% of the time I am able to co-ordinate everyone to meet for breakfast at the same time. Our guests, to a maximum of 5 people, sit with us for breakfast, join in conversations, discussions, sharing itinerary's and lots of laughs.
When we travel we enjoy all types of B&B's and Inns, anything that isn't a hotel/motel. Private tables, group tables, bistro tables.... so long as I don't have to cook the food that goes on it..
Click to expand...
I am also 3 guestrooms (1 ensuite and 1 shared) - max Occupancy 6. I have A table in the dining room that can seat 8 if I forgo the chargers. Other than the dining room, my "common area" is the front porch with glider and chair.
Having grownup on a farm with water we had to haul and a 2-seater out back, I also am easy. Only in the last 6 years or so have I had to check about stairs etc for Himself. He is getting less mobile but is still moving.
 
8:30 and not a soul to be seen. That gives us an hour to feed 18.
I hate mornings like this. So stressful for me trying to sort everyone out.
 
Morticia said:
8:30 and not a soul to be seen. That gives us an hour to feed 18.
I hate mornings like this. So stressful for me trying to sort everyone out..
Click to expand...
Which is why we offer 8AM or 9AM and try to space them, instead of herding cats.
 

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