Welcome (but not too early) sign - how to say 'no early checkins' while sounding welcoming

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TheBeachHouse

TheBeachHouse

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I've read some great language over the past few years and am updating my 'go away and come back when I'm ready' sign.
Comments?
Welcome to the Inn!
Check in is between 2 PM and 7 PM.
During the hours of 11 AM and 2 PM, we are busy making the house ready for our gusts. We are cleaning, running errands and shopping for fresh ingredients for tomorrow's breakfast.
If you arrive before 2 PM, we invite you to relax on the porch, by the pond, or in the sun room. Enjoy the view and a cookie or a cup of coffee or tea. Please feel free to leave your car in our driveway while you explore the town.
We look forward to meeting you!
 
Does the sun room allow access to the rest of the house? If your town has a printed map, put those out with the cookies. If there are public restrooms nearby mention the location.
"Between the hours of 11 and 2 we are preparing the inn for your anticipated arrival."
"We look forward to meeting you later this afternoon when we return for check in."
Otoh, some other innkeepers are recommending changing 'check in' to 'arrival time' to get the guests' heads away from, 'I'm not here to check in, I've just arrived and need the bathroom.'
 
Ok. (The Sun Room doesn't lead into the rest of the house. It does lead to the front porch and koi pond.)
Welcome to the INN.
Check in time is between 2 PM and 7 PM.
During the hours of 11 AM and 2 PM, we are running errands and preparing the inn for your arrival, so we cannot be here to greet you. We look forward to meeting you at 2 PM when we return in time for check in.
If you arrive before 2 PM, we invite you to relax on the porch, by the pond, or in the sun room. Enjoy the view and help yourself to a cookie, snack, water, or a cup of coffee or tea.
If you'd rather not wait, please feel free to leave your car in either of our designated parking areas while you explore beautiful Town.
We look forward to meeting you!
 
It's ever a challenge!
I had guests angrily fuming around the little village that they 'couldn't even use the restroom' and 'what kind of place is this?' I totally understand arriving someplace and needing to use the restroom ... Sadly, there wasn't a public restroom unless you could get the general store to let you in theirs or bought a meal at the tiny little seafood restaurant or the one in the little hotel ... but they weren't always open.
If I was in, I'd relent but would have to escort them to 'my' bathroom and out again because, if I didn't, they'd start prowling around the place.
I think that's nice that you have a porch with snacks available.
 
seashanty said:
It's ever a challenge!
I had guests angrily fuming around the little village that they 'couldn't even use the restroom' and 'what kind of place is this?' I totally understand arriving someplace and needing to use the restroom ... Sadly, there wasn't a public restroom unless you could get the general store to let you in theirs or bought a meal at the tiny little seafood restaurant or the one in the little hotel ... but they weren't always open.
If I was in, I'd relent but would have to escort them to 'my' bathroom and out again because, if I didn't, they'd start prowling around the place.
I think that's nice that you have a porch with snacks available..
Click to expand...
If we are in the house, the sign won't be up. We love early check ins because it means we aren't waiting for them.
This sign is for when we are not in the house. Hubby runs the show alone most days and has to go shopping, to the dump, to the post office etc. Even when he is baking or taking a shower.
We have a box of snak pack cereals, oatmeal packets and Fiber One bars and granola bars out in the breakfast room. We try to have fresh fruit out and we always have a plate of cooking.
 
I understand. But I had the sign up when I was in the house, rushing to get ready. Often it would be just before check in time at 3 that I'd be finally ready ... even with one chambermaid to help me. Or maybe I'd decide I could grab a shower. Impossible with guests ringing the bell and wanting to come in. Once a guest checked in and got to see how the place ran they understood. I rarely could accommodate early check ins if I was not planning on them.
I think it's great when guests come early and all common areas are clean and the room they are checking into is ready and they are happy. I was often run off my feet (no lie) and wished I could be more the gracious, elegant hostess than the flustered chambermaid I was often mistaken for. :) Telling me to 'go get the innkeeper'. LOL That's why I didn't want to be seen by new guests before show time.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
Ok. (The Sun Room doesn't lead into the rest of the house. It does lead to the front porch and koi pond.)
Welcome to the INN.
Check in time is between 2 PM and 7 PM.
During the hours of 11 AM and 2 PM, we are running errands and preparing the inn for your arrival, so we cannot be here to greet you. We look forward to meeting you at 2 PM when we return in time for check in.
If you arrive before 2 PM, we invite you to relax on the porch, by the pond, or in the sun room. Enjoy the view and help yourself to a cookie, snack, water, or a cup of coffee or tea.
If you'd rather not wait, please feel free to leave your car in either of our designated parking areas while you explore beautiful Town.
We look forward to meeting you!.
Click to expand...
My sign also mentions walk ins should call the inn phone to check availability. We get enough of those to make sure they have options.
 
seashanty said:
I understand. But I had the sign up when I was in the house, rushing to get ready. Often it would be just before check in time at 3 that I'd be finally ready ... even with one chambermaid to help me. Or maybe I'd decide I could grab a shower. Impossible with guests ringing the bell and wanting to come in. Once a guest checked in and got to see how the place ran they understood. I rarely could accommodate early check ins if I was not planning on them.
I think it's great when guests come early and all common areas are clean and the room they are checking into is ready and they are happy. I was often run off my feet (no lie) and wished I could be more the gracious, elegant hostess than the flustered chambermaid I was often mistaken for. :) Telling me to 'go get the innkeeper'. LOL That's why I didn't want to be seen by new guests before show time..
Click to expand...
We also need the sign to be up around 10 am when guests start showing up. We do need the time to clean, shop, check emails, take deposits, sit down and relax!
I'd rather leave a note on the door for someone who has to come back late than try to get them settled at noon.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
seashanty said:
It's ever a challenge!
I had guests angrily fuming around the little village that they 'couldn't even use the restroom' and 'what kind of place is this?' I totally understand arriving someplace and needing to use the restroom ... Sadly, there wasn't a public restroom unless you could get the general store to let you in theirs or bought a meal at the tiny little seafood restaurant or the one in the little hotel ... but they weren't always open.
If I was in, I'd relent but would have to escort them to 'my' bathroom and out again because, if I didn't, they'd start prowling around the place.
I think that's nice that you have a porch with snacks available..
Click to expand...
If we are in the house, the sign won't be up. We love early check ins because it means we aren't waiting for them.
This sign is for when we are not in the house. Hubby runs the show alone most days and has to go shopping, to the dump, to the post office etc. Even when he is baking or taking a shower.
We have a box of snak pack cereals, oatmeal packets and Fiber One bars and granola bars out in the breakfast room. We try to have fresh fruit out and we always have a plate of cooking.
.
Click to expand...
Your check in time is very generous. There is no way I'm presentable at 2. Which to the guest means 1.
 
My favorite early check ins are the ones who call ahead and request to check in at 1. Then they arrive at 3 having effectively wasted my day because I was stuck in the house waiting for them.
 
We are pretty hard and fast about no early arrivals. We discuss their anticipated arrival time and let then know that we can simply are not available until 3:00 pm. When we get their deposit they are sent a confirmation in which the "no early arrivals" section is highlighted. When we send out the pre-arrival e-mail we again mention the no early arrival policy.
It works for us. After 28 years of running ourselves ragged trying to please everyone, we have learned to be honest and direct about the conditions they should expect. If they think the policy is unwelcoming they have the option of making a reservation someplace else from the get go.
 
Silverspoon said:
We are pretty hard and fast about no early arrivals. We discuss their anticipated arrival time and let then know that we can simply are not available until 3:00 pm. When we get their deposit they are sent a confirmation in which the "no early arrivals" section is highlighted. When we send out the pre-arrival e-mail we again mention the no early arrival policy.
It works for us. After 28 years of running ourselves ragged trying to please everyone, we have learned to be honest and direct about the conditions they should expect. If they think the policy is unwelcoming they have the option of making a reservation someplace else from the get go..
Click to expand...
shades_smile.gif
We need a LIKE BUTTON here
 
TheBeachHouse said:
Ok. (The Sun Room doesn't lead into the rest of the house. It does lead to the front porch and koi pond.)
Welcome to the INN.
Check in time is between 2 PM and 7 PM.
During the hours of 11 AM and 2 PM, we are running errands and preparing the inn for your arrival, so we cannot be here to greet you. We look forward to meeting you at 2 PM when we return in time for check in.
If you arrive before 2 PM, we invite you to relax on the porch, by the pond, or in the sun room. Enjoy the view and help yourself to a cookie, snack, water, or a cup of coffee or tea.
If you'd rather not wait, please feel free to leave your car in either of our designated parking areas while you explore beautiful Town.
We look forward to meeting you!.
Click to expand...
We made the sign ( we have a laminator.) Looks good. The hub will be using it when he bakes or uses the bathroom. We are getting tough in our old age!
 
Morticia said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Ok. (The Sun Room doesn't lead into the rest of the house. It does lead to the front porch and koi pond.)
Welcome to the INN.
Check in time is between 2 PM and 7 PM.
During the hours of 11 AM and 2 PM, we are running errands and preparing the inn for your arrival, so we cannot be here to greet you. We look forward to meeting you at 2 PM when we return in time for check in.
If you arrive before 2 PM, we invite you to relax on the porch, by the pond, or in the sun room. Enjoy the view and help yourself to a cookie, snack, water, or a cup of coffee or tea.
If you'd rather not wait, please feel free to leave your car in either of our designated parking areas while you explore beautiful Town.
We look forward to meeting you!.
Click to expand...
My sign also mentions walk ins should call the inn phone to check availability. We get enough of those to make sure they have options.
.
Click to expand...
Good one. We get a few, but it isn't the norm. And we hang a 'no vacancy' sign most of the time. Regardless of vacancy. ;)
 
TheBeachHouse said:
Morticia said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Ok. (The Sun Room doesn't lead into the rest of the house. It does lead to the front porch and koi pond.)
Welcome to the INN.
Check in time is between 2 PM and 7 PM.
During the hours of 11 AM and 2 PM, we are running errands and preparing the inn for your arrival, so we cannot be here to greet you. We look forward to meeting you at 2 PM when we return in time for check in.
If you arrive before 2 PM, we invite you to relax on the porch, by the pond, or in the sun room. Enjoy the view and help yourself to a cookie, snack, water, or a cup of coffee or tea.
If you'd rather not wait, please feel free to leave your car in either of our designated parking areas while you explore beautiful Town.
We look forward to meeting you!.
Click to expand...
My sign also mentions walk ins should call the inn phone to check availability. We get enough of those to make sure they have options.
.
Click to expand...
Good one. We get a few, but it isn't the norm. And we hang a 'no vacancy' sign most of the time. Regardless of vacancy. ;)
.
Click to expand...
My no vacancy sign has been up for 4 months. Time to swap it out and go back to work. Sigh.
 
We don't have the in town traffic some of you have, so it isn't common to have early check-in requests. I have this thing against signs at B&B. On front door we only have a sign "If there is no answer, call 541- ....". Mornings we unlock door so guests can load car, midday we lock until we are expecting guests.
If one of us is around, we'll answer the door, if not, we'll answer the phone. If the room is ready, they can check in, but if not, I let them use the toilet in the "powder room" by the front door and leave luggage in the coat room for later. The availability of the toilet is pretty important since most of our arrivals have been in a car for a long time.
 
Tom said:
We don't have the in town traffic some of you have, so it isn't common to have early check-in requests. I have this thing against signs at B&B. On front door we only have a sign "If there is no answer, call 541- ....". Mornings we unlock door so guests can load car, midday we lock until we are expecting guests.
If one of us is around, we'll answer the door, if not, we'll answer the phone. If the room is ready, they can check in, but if not, I let them use the toilet in the "powder room" by the front door and leave luggage in the coat room for later. The availability of the toilet is pretty important since most of our arrivals have been in a car for a long time..
Click to expand...
The sign is only for when we aren't home or are up to our elbows in bread dough. We get people 'checking in' as early as 11 AM.
I wish we had a powder room. We don't and I feel horrible for anyone caught too far away from the bathroom. I let them use my guest bath in my house, but that has a cat box in it. Not ideal.
 
Tom said:
We don't have the in town traffic some of you have, so it isn't common to have early check-in requests. I have this thing against signs at B&B. On front door we only have a sign "If there is no answer, call 541- ....". Mornings we unlock door so guests can load car, midday we lock until we are expecting guests.
If one of us is around, we'll answer the door, if not, we'll answer the phone. If the room is ready, they can check in, but if not, I let them use the toilet in the "powder room" by the front door and leave luggage in the coat room for later. The availability of the toilet is pretty important since most of our arrivals have been in a car for a long time..
Click to expand...
Tom said:
The availability of the toilet is pretty important since most of our arrivals have been in a car for a long time.
Click to expand...
Our biggest reason for not answering the door. If the rooms are not ready, the guest can't use the bathroom there. If the room is ready BUT I AM NOT, the guest COULD use the bathroom but then they won't leave.
We have a toilet in the laundry room. It's rarely cleaned. It is not a pleasant introduction for the guest. I could add it to the housekeeper's list if things to clean but there's no sink. So the guest has to come in the kitchen. Where I don't want them.
Attention newbies - ADD A SPARE BATHROOM BY THE FRONT DOOR!
Other than our tiny kitchen it's the biggest peeve I have.
 
Morticia said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Morticia said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Ok. (The Sun Room doesn't lead into the rest of the house. It does lead to the front porch and koi pond.)
Welcome to the INN.
Check in time is between 2 PM and 7 PM.
During the hours of 11 AM and 2 PM, we are running errands and preparing the inn for your arrival, so we cannot be here to greet you. We look forward to meeting you at 2 PM when we return in time for check in.
If you arrive before 2 PM, we invite you to relax on the porch, by the pond, or in the sun room. Enjoy the view and help yourself to a cookie, snack, water, or a cup of coffee or tea.
If you'd rather not wait, please feel free to leave your car in either of our designated parking areas while you explore beautiful Town.
We look forward to meeting you!.
Click to expand...
My sign also mentions walk ins should call the inn phone to check availability. We get enough of those to make sure they have options.
.
Click to expand...
Good one. We get a few, but it isn't the norm. And we hang a 'no vacancy' sign most of the time. Regardless of vacancy. ;)
.
Click to expand...
My no vacancy sign has been up for 4 months. Time to swap it out and go back to work. Sigh.
.
Click to expand...
Morticia said:
My no vacancy sign has been up for 4 months. Time to swap it out and go back to work. Sigh.
Click to expand...
Way to make the neighbors jealous!
shades_smile.gif

 
EmptyNest said:
Silverspoon said:
We are pretty hard and fast about no early arrivals. We discuss their anticipated arrival time and let then know that we can simply are not available until 3:00 pm. When we get their deposit they are sent a confirmation in which the "no early arrivals" section is highlighted. When we send out the pre-arrival e-mail we again mention the no early arrival policy.
It works for us. After 28 years of running ourselves ragged trying to please everyone, we have learned to be honest and direct about the conditions they should expect. If they think the policy is unwelcoming they have the option of making a reservation someplace else from the get go..
Click to expand...
shades_smile.gif
We need a LIKE BUTTON here
.
Click to expand...
thumbs_up.gif
I second both!
 

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