The Guests from Hell

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Posted on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 10:48am

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We've got a doozy!!! (rolls eyes) I will try to give you folks a condensed version of about 1 dozen phone calls from 7 am to 11 am this morning.

A month ago, a woman called to book an anniversary getaway for her parents.

She (as everyone who books) was explained the booking procedures and cancellation policy for her parents for their reservation. Cancellation is 15 days prior to arrival date.

Her mother calls this morning and explains they are not coming. The husband is 'sick'. The cancellation policy was explained to her and she was offered a lodging voucher. That was 'absolutely not acceptable.' They are not coming. PERIOD. We better not charge her daughter a dime!!! Very nasty about it. 5 minutes later, the daughter calls and is upset that we were rude to her mother!!! (Not true) This goes back and forth for over an hour. The daughter then calls again and says she will take the lodging voucher. I explain the parameters around the voucher and that she can use it anytime mid week or weekend and its valid for ____________ months. Now that is "not acceptable!" What kind of place is this blah blah blah blah ad nauseum. Now she doesn't want the voucher! She says to charge her and she will dispute it with her CC company. Then I explain that she will be charged $178.00. She flips out about that because that is not the price of the room on the website. I explain that room rates do not include tax.

More pissing and moaning ensues. She hangs up on me.

10 minutes later, the father calls. Now they are coming (oh look...a sudden miraculous recovery!) and they better have a F*CKING GOOD TIME! We better bend over backwards for them...blah blah blah ... gee I can hardly wait for tomorrow. Personally, I hope they don't show up. I already charged the daughter....so...this should be fun.

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This comment (42706) was in reply to the Original Topic on Sat, 07/04/2009 - 10:20am

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SweetiePie

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Emails from inhouse? That has to be a first. I would be concerned that she is building a paper trail for further actions down the road.

This comment (42670) was in reply to the Original Topic on Sat, 07/04/2009 - 8:36am

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catlady

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Here's a doozey...which a friend emailed me about this morning

"We have a real PITA in the downstairs room this weekend. Took it for 3 nights with our anniversary package and has bombarded me with emails every
since...even sending them while enroute wanting info and than access to a fax machine.

Late this AM for breakfast, hardly spoke. Now she is sending me emails from the bedroom right here in the house...complaining that she wanted a room on 2nd floor and can't sleep because of the noise of people walking upstairs. I have no solution."

You would have thought all of this would have been hashed out before they arrived??? And..to email the innkeeper from her room???? What is up with that??? My poor friend.....he gets lots of these PITA's !!!!! I feel so sorry for him...getting burned out fast...they want to sell...but can't with this economy right now. OH well. I am sure he will placate her with something.

This comment (42709) was in reply to comment 42670 on Sat, 07/04/2009 - 10:32am

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copperhead

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I think I recall someone else with an experience like this. For some, it is just THE way they communicate but I think in this case it may very well be not wanting to confront the innkeeper in person so they hide behind email. It is just a good thing this innkeeper is checking his email constantly or it would not be noticed by others for a while.

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This comment (42704) was in reply to comment 42670 on Sat, 07/04/2009 - 10:16am

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Morticia

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He should either reply back to the email with a request that she meet him in person in the dining room or go knock on the door and ask her what's up with the emails? I've had guests call me on the phone but only because they said they didn't know where the buzzer was (even tho they were standing right next to it). I think some people have an aversion to ringing bells.

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This comment (42707) was in reply to comment 42704 on Sat, 07/04/2009 - 10:27am

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gillumhouse

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I have had cell phone communication with in-house guests only tewicw that I can think of - the newlyweds the other night called to ask about the hot water - gotta let it run a while in these old houses to get the hot ~~stuff~~ water through the pipes and upstairs.

The other was a guest/friend and I called her cell phone as a wake-up call and to tell her breakfast was ready. She had an appointment to keep.

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This comment (42484) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 12:25pm

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Cathy

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I wish that on their journey to your home that they realized how they behaved and may actually feel embarassed and hopefully even appologised.

We had a same day cancelation, when they were told that they would have to pay the balance (we turned down 2 other reservations for this same weekend), they said they would call us back as to how they would be making the payment, but they called back to say they would come. For us it was a 2 night stay. They came, they were quiet and never really seemed happy during their breakfasts. Their full day was spent at a wedding all day thankfully so we never had to deal with them during the day. They left, said they were happy that they came (didn't once show it) and that they would recommend our B&B to others.

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This comment (42530) was in reply to comment 42484 on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 2:46pm

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knkbnb

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I was trying to say this at one point- there is great value in sticking to your policies and asking guests to accept their responsibilities related to the contract they made with you. It often turns out like what you have shared here.

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This comment (42478) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 11:48am

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The Farmers Daughter

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# 4 - The Story Ends.

They have departed. Not one word about the telephone conversations, or anything that transpired. At first I thought they were transplants, but that was put to rest as they were walking out the door.

The husband said "I'm glad we came. We really DID have a good time."

Shook my hand and slipped me $20.

In retrospect, I think they had never been to a B & B and didn't know what to expect. Therefore they tried to get out of it only to find they couldn't.

Turns out they had a good time and maybe come back.

I'm glad this had a happy ending. The whole episode had me concerned.

Thanks for all your advice and insight. Hugs to all.

This comment (42629) was in reply to comment 42478 on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 9:24pm

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Joey Bloggs

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The Farmers Daughter wrote:

# 4 - The Story Ends.

They have departed. Not one word about the telephone conversations, or anything that transpired. At first I thought they were transplants, but that was put to rest as they were walking out the door.

The husband said "I'm glad we came. We really DID have a good time."

Shook my hand and slipped me $20.

In retrospect, I think they had never been to a B & B and didn't know what to expect. Therefore they tried to get out of it only to find they couldn't.

Turns out they had a good time and maybe come back.

I'm glad this had a happy ending. The whole episode had me concerned.

Thanks for all your advice and insight. Hugs to all.

YOU DESERVE A TROPHY! Well done!

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This comment (42481) was in reply to comment 42478 on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 11:59am

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Tim_Toad_HLB

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"Thanks for all your advice and insight. Hugs to all."

No, thank you for allowing all to explore and examine our own approachs, assumptions and reactions to what is hopefully a very rare occurence for any of us.

I learned an incredible amount of valuable information and gained some insight on some stuff I needed to address. Couldn't have done it without you and everyone else spending so much time processing this.

Hugs right back 'atcha

Have a nice rest of your day and weekend.

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This comment (42461) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 10:38am

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wendydk

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Way to go, FD...I think the credit is all yours!

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This comment (42460) was in reply to the Original Topic on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 10:10am

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The Farmers Daughter

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UPDATE # 3 -

Still lovely people. No weird morphing into madness. I still believe they are transplants. Happy as clams. Now I can't get them to leave.

Check out is at 11 and they are still here.

This comment (42628) was in reply to comment 42460 on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 9:22pm

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Joey Bloggs

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The Farmers Daughter wrote:

UPDATE # 3 -

Still lovely people. No weird morphing into madness. I still believe they are transplants. Happy as clams. Now I can't get them to leave.

Check out is at 11 and they are still here.

I am coming to this gargantuan thread late - I think you are amazing for accepting them and not ending up in the hospital. My number 1 rule, you swear AT ME and I will not allow you to step foot in this place. You have created a new VOCAB word for the innspiring dictionary "transplants" not the same as jekyll and hyde guests, but "replacement guests." I think this is something we should ask for "If you can't make it then feel free to send in "transplants."

I had this situation one time - a gc given to a couple. She called and said he smokes in bed and therefore they won't be coming - refund THEM the money. I have on the gc "no cash value-non refundable" and now it has expired. She got all up in my face about it on the phone, SHE being the ...well never mind her profession, race and attitude, but basically she should have been a very nice person. The replacements/transplants they sent were one of my all time favorite guests! He was a firefighter in a nearby city and just lovely people. I had no idea how in the world these couples were friends. I never spoke a word about the other couple.

This comment (42477) was in reply to comment 42460 on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 1:07pm

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SweetiePie

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Did they look overly tranquilized when they were there? If not, my guess is they probably sold it to friends and pocketed the money.

This comment (42471) was in reply to comment 42460 on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 11:11am

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Tim_Toad_HLB

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"I still believe they are transplants."

No name or voise recogntion from all the phone calls?

"Happy as clams."

The proverbial silver lining.

"Now I can't get them to leave. Check out is at 11 and they are still here."

Drag out the vacuum and start cleaning right near wherever they are.

Even if it is them, your obligatory graciousness and financial commitment to them ended 5 minutes ago.

This comment (42416) was in reply to the Original Topic on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 9:38pm

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TLE041

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Nice to see that things are working out for you and the guests... so far.

This comment (42360) was in reply to the Original Topic on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 4:06pm

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The Farmers Daughter

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UPDATE # 2

They are here and I don't know what to think.

I suspect they are changelings. They are seniors in their late 70's and couldn't be nicer. I'm puzzled.

I suspect (My theory anyway) is that they are the GRANDPARENTS who were sent in place of the irate parents.

They are sitting on the front porch enjoying a bottle of wine on ice as we speak. Hopefully we won't have a Jenkel and Hyde situation once the alcohol kicks in....I'll keep you guys posted.

*scratches head in confusion*

This comment (42368) was in reply to comment 42360 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 4:52pm

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wendydk

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I may be the only one, but I am not suprised. They're probably out there talking about how nice you are.

Two days ago, I had a one-night older couple (70's too) show up to check in at about 12:45 for a 3pm checkin. The rooms was ready, so I happily let them in...one more thing out of the way. It was raining cats and dogs, and there were mud puddles everywhere. He was very huffy schlepping the luggage in, and went right past my outstretched hand and ignored my greeting. She must have mentioned five times about the mud, the mud, the mud...like she was blaming me!

They left to spend the day with the family, and when they came back, although it was still cold and rainy, they were like different people. Laughing over dessert and cups of tea with other guests, exclaiming over the cake and the little fireplace in their room. In the morning, we got very warm thanks, requests for extra business cards and promises to return and tell everyone what a great little place we have.

This is why I give the benefit of the doubt and give people a chance before I start sucking on lemons or brace for a fight. Could be they just had a horrible rainy drive the whole way here, were arguing, someone didn't feel good...whatever!

Call me naive, that's OK.

This comment (42419) was in reply to comment 42368 on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 11:47am

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Tim_Toad_HLB

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"Call me naive, that's OK."

I wouldn't call you naive in the slightest, just a very optimistic person.

FD has already wondered aloud if its even the same couple, so who knows what's going on over there.

Have a great evening and we'll dig in on hopefully some more interesting stuff the next time.

Anything for you SS. I'm a sucker for such a wonderful smile.

This comment (42421) was in reply to comment 42419 on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 9:40am

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seashanty

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tim, i'd like to respectfully request that you edit this last comment ~

my edit: thank you.

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This comment (42366) was in reply to comment 42360 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 4:29pm

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Mr.Design

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Whew! Glad to know it's so far so good!

Did you go for the upgrade?

This comment (42369) was in reply to comment 42366 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 4:40pm

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The Farmers Daughter

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Mr.Design wrote:

Whew! Glad to know it's so far so good!

Did you go for the upgrade?

Yes, I upgraded them to help make their anniversary 'special'.

(for my own peace of mind, to be honest).

This comment (42306) was in reply to the Original Topic on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 12:57pm

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Penelope

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"Due to the nature of your stay (the anniversary) and the roadwork in progress, we have decided to arrange accommodations for you in a more secluded location of our inn. We hope you will enjoy the room."

I wouldn't give them any satisfaction in the deal. It is YOUR choice to move them; not your reaction to their demeanor.

Make sure they are aware of that, whether it's the roadwork or whatever.

This comment (42323) was in reply to comment 42306 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 1:40pm

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egoodell

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penelope wrote:

I wouldn't give them any satisfaction in the deal. It is YOUR choice to move them; not your reaction to their demeanor.

Make sure they are aware of that, whether it's the roadwork or whatever.

Ah I LIKE that. And I'd ignore the history of the phone call. I'd even pretend that I forgot it since we get so many booking requests that I can't remember all of the conversations.If they bring it up think a minute and then Oh yes! I recall now! Thank you for coming! YOur daughter obviously thinks the world of you yada yada

Like was mentioned before , you probably have them on your mind more than they have you on theirs.

We make things so much bigger than they are because we worry and care.

RIki

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This comment (42332) was in reply to comment 42323 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 2:35pm

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Tim_Toad_HLB

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"I'd even pretend that I forgot it since we get so many booking requests that I can't remember all of the conversations."

That approach might work better if:

a.) The hours worth of abusive phone calls from the three of them didn't just happen yesterday.

b.) It was only the daughter calling and NOT also both of the two standing in front her who undoubtedly WILL remember what transpired and given their insolence and hostility may even enjoy rubbing her nose in it a little if its brought up in any way.

"If they bring it up think a minute and then Oh yes! I recall now!"

See above. What is FD supposed to do, act like those wasted, highly stressful and abusive several hours were like some pleasurable chat with these folks?

"Thank you for coming!"

Yup, that should come off incredibly sincere given the circumstances.

"YOur daughter obviously thinks the world of you yada yada"

Why would you think that? Because she chose this B&B?

Or because she went on a multiple hour, threatening, abusive, disrespectful tirade ruining the day of someone who now has to suck it up and put on a front for two people that also jumped into the brawl and piled on.

Two people, I might add who are now the beneficiaries of FD's boss's lack of consideration for and devalueing of his or her employee to the tune of $178.00

IF, and I repeat, IF we were to ever have an employee and hoped to have them stick around very long, our loyalty to and support for that employee is worth much more than a one night stay for a couple of louts. Bad PR fallout or not.

In fact, unless FD's boss isn't in the same state today, that person should be the ONLY person required to have any dealings with these guests from the minute they check in until they check out.

For me, as soon as we were reminded that FD simply works for someone as an employee, this issue stopped being about to upgrade or not, putting on a happy face or positive spin on things, etc.

This comment (42338) was in reply to comment 42332 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 2:40pm

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egoodell

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Tim_Toad_HLB wrote:

"YOur daughter obviously thinks the world of you yada yada"

Why would you think that? Because she chose this B&B?

I prefer to look at the glass half full. It is highly probable that they will be miserable guests. But I would still give it a go and not mention anything in hopes they are that 1% that will let it go as well. Plus, there are bullies that are cowards and will be terrible on a phone but not in front of others, maybe this innkeeper will get lucky!

Mr. Toad you remind me of my father's attitude when I told him that

I saw the glass half full - and my dad always saw it half empty

To that, my darling and wonderful dad would retort: "Not at all. I know the water's polluted."

Hee Hee

RIki

This comment (42352) was in reply to comment 42338 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 3:02pm

#27 TOP

Tim_Toad_HLB

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"Mr. Toad you remind me of my father's attitude when I told him that

I saw the glass half full - and my dad always saw it half empty

To that, my darling and wonderful dad would retort: "Not at all. I know the water's polluted."

Hee Hee"

I have no idea how to perceive that.

As with the total of what I or most others contribute regularly here, I'd like to think that some days the cup is full, some days less than full, some days half empty, some days nearly empty.

Many days the water is crystal clear and tasty, other days it has some muck in it, that you can ignore if you like, try to filter it out, or not care what it tastes like.

I believe my fire and passion are qualities not curses and I try to filter the water in order to hopefully make sure you and I can share a better full glass another day.

If even one thing of the total being said here resonates with anybody here and especially the folks with staff, I hope it is to not skirt your duties as the business owner and allow your employees to be treated like this or throw them under the bus when put in a difficult position by an extraordinarily rude, hositle guest.

Its been said here that we need to give this type of guest the benefit of the doubt until they arrive. What if a potential guest had theatened your employee during a series of phone exchanges and you forced them to take the reservation anyway and the guest arrived and assaulted or worse, your employee and maybe a house full of innocent guests, would we still give them the benefit of the doubt?

Its a very extreme rhetorical and hypothetical question, but our society has unstable people going off and killing people in their places of worship over some perceived slight.

This comment (42335) was in reply to comment 42332 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 2:34pm

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Penelope

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Tim_Toad_HLB wrote:

IF, and I repeat, IF we were to ever have an employee and hoped to have them stick around very long, I can without say hesitation, our loyalty to and support for that employee is worth much more than a one night stay for a couple of louts. Bad PR fallout or not.

This is so important. Employee support is so crucial. I am fiercely loyal and supportive of my employers...in turn, they are supportive of me and my quest to be an innkeeper one day.

However, no matter which way you cut it, FD has probably lost a little sleep over the incident and no one else has.

BTW, it's after 3 p.m. EST, wonder if they've checked in yet.

This comment (42337) was in reply to comment 42335 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 2:39pm

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Tim_Toad_HLB

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"I am fiercely loyal and supportive of my employers...in turn, they are supportive of me and my quest to be an innkeeper one day."

So, just for the sake of this discussion, if this had happened at the B&B you work at, when exactly would your employers have stepped in and taken over the reins on handling this incredibly difficult and tense situation?

After the first irate phone call?

I hope so.

This comment (42339) was in reply to comment 42337 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 2:43pm

#30 TOP

Penelope

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Tim_Toad_HLB wrote:

"I am fiercely loyal and supportive of my employers...in turn, they are supportive of me and my quest to be an innkeeper one day."

After the first irate phone call?

I hope so.

Yes, you would be correct. They would have stepped in because it's THEIR business. I am an employee who is support staff only. I am not the owner, nor am I the whipping boy. By Grace, I have bosses who would step in. It remains to be known if FD is as lucky as I am.

This comment (42314) was in reply to comment 42306 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 1:18pm

#31 TOP

Willowpondgj

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I would not mention the roadwork... I would just show them to the room and not mention it. You know, you also run the risk of them being tee'd off because they aren't getting the room they ordered...if they chose it for a specific reason...Most of the time, we don't upgrade without asking first, especially in our bunk bed room, because they often choose it for kids, who would be dissappointed to not have the bunks...

You could always call back and offer them the voucher again, telling them that the roadwork is happening, and you think they might enjoy your place more at a different time... gives them time to cool off...and you don't have to worry about the noise on top of everything else...

This comment (42304) was in reply to the Original Topic on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 12:40pm

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The Farmers Daughter

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UPDATE PRIOR TO ARRIVAL:

Quick question for you guys. The GFH will be arriving shortly. I was curious to know how you would handle the topic of the "upgraded room".

Would you not mention it and just show them to it.

Tell them you have decided to upgrade them.

or ?

Open to suggestions. I don't want to 'reward' them for being jackasses.

This comment (42311) was in reply to comment 42304 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 1:13pm

#33 TOP

Mr.Design

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I would say "I know we got off on the wrong foot and would like to upgrade your room to make your stay more enjoyable" or something like that.

This comment (42316) was in reply to comment 42311 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 1:19pm

#34 TOP

Penelope

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Mr.Design wrote:

I would say "I know we got off on the wrong foot and would like to upgrade your room to make your stay more enjoyable" or something like that.

See, I wouldn't acknowledge the conversation at all. If you do, it might seem as though you are catering to their bad attitude. If you are just YOU and YOU have made the decision in THEIR best interests (wink, wink), you can show them that you won't be swayed by their lack of manners and civility. Don't ever let them see you sweat. That's what I've learned.

One other thing: people who offend you (general you, not specific you) don't think about you as much as you think they do. They were probably just reacting to the situation in their way. I wouldn't let them think that they got to you ONE IOTA. Make the switch on your terms, not theirs.

This comment (42319) was in reply to comment 42316 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 1:30pm

#35 TOP

Mr.Design

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I think you have to acknowledge the phone incident. You know it happened, they know it happened. If neither one of you says anything the tension is going to be that much thicker.

I think if you just say you've made the decision to upgrade them and not mention the call then they're going to think you're trying kiss their butt and you're nervous about it all.

Acknowledge the call, show there's no hard feelings by giving them the upgrade and go from there or otherwise like I said, it's going to be very tense.

This comment (42324) was in reply to comment 42319 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 1:45pm

#36 TOP

swirt

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Mr.Design wrote:

I think you have to acknowledge the phone incident. You know it happened, they know it happened. If neither one of you says anything the tension is going to be that much thicker.

I think there is a possiblilty that they wouldn't. So many guests think we have some kind of answering booking service. They'll be talking to me when they arrive and they'll mention talking to someone when they booked (also me) and have no idea that we are the same person. We're a three bedroom place but I would say the general assumption when people are on the phone is that we are some big resort with all kinds of employees doing all the work. The irony of that assumption is pretty comical ...if you like sadistic comedy... but I think it happens more often than not.

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This comment (42357) was in reply to comment 42324 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 3:53pm

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Morticia

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swirt wrote:

Mr.Design wrote:

I think you have to acknowledge the phone incident. You know it happened, they know it happened. If neither one of you says anything the tension is going to be that much thicker.

Ain't that the truth! And it comes in especially handy when the sneaky sort of guest wants to get away with something. 'Oh, well the MAN/WOMAN I spoke with said...' depending on if they get a female/male voice when they want to pull a fast one.

This comment (42334) was in reply to comment 42324 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 2:31pm

#38 TOP

Mr.Design

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If it happened a few weeks ago I might agree; however, this was only yesterday morning.

This comment (42315) was in reply to comment 42311 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 1:18pm

#39 TOP

wendydk

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PERFECT!! Makes an effort without being a butt kisser

This comment (42308) was in reply to comment 42304 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 1:04pm

#40 TOP

Samster

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I like Penelope's answer. Something to the effect about the unexpected road construction and how you moved them so that they could enjoy their special day, not because they pitched a fit on the phone.

Good luck!!

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This comment (42282) was in reply to the Original Topic on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 9:54am

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copperhead

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Another post brought to mind a very unpleasent phone conversation I had several years ago. This person had been given a GC which was about to expire. If I recall it only had 1 week or so left. The call was heated on THEIR end from the beginning because THEY had procrastinated and were wanting to argue about the date. How dare I have an expiry date on and on... Due to the fact I only had one room, only one night left for that weekend, which was again my fault that I only had 5 rooms, I offered to extend the GC for one month, under the conditions he booked NOW for the time and that once the reservation was in the books, the GC would be applied and listed as void. At first THAT too was unreasonable but he went ahead and reserved. I dreaded that weekend to come...my stomach in knots.. They turned out to be a great couple, complementing at every turn, and have sent others. So Farmer's Daughter, the moral of this story is - don't worry it could turn into something positive. (I will contine to keep my fingers and toes crossed for you - just in case. )

This comment (42275) was in reply to the Original Topic on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 8:57am

#42 TOP

catlady

Online

Joined:
05/22/2008

You are not there to provide them with a good time...you are there to provide them a bed and breakfast..beyond that..they are on their own! I too hope they don't show up for your sake. PUt them on your PITA list!

This comment (42243) was in reply to the Original Topic on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 11:34pm

#43 TOP

hiddencove

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04/28/2009

I would have refunded their money from the beginning. It is rare that someone cancels. I would rather refund someone's money and take my chances at re-renting the room....than keeping a person's money. Keeping someone's money when they cannot come will always end up with the person feeling negative about your business. They will tell 10 people....so now you have a problem. This is a newcomer's humble opinion. Bed and Breakfast Inns operate more one on one, personal, intimate, more empathetic, more caring. We are not large operations. How many rooms do you rent? I only have two rooms to rent, so if someone cancels...it is 50% of my business! I still stand by my opinion on the subject. I am an innkeeper by choice. I own this property, it is my home. I choose to share this special place on the planet with others. I believe we attract that which we "put out". Put out love and understanding and it will come back 100 fold.

__________________

Avette Gaiser

This comment (42268) was in reply to comment 42243 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 8:30am

#44 TOP

The Farmers Daughter

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06/15/2009

hiddencove wrote:

They were offered a lodging voucher so they could come at another time. They declined it.

This comment (42218) was in reply to the Original Topic on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 6:05pm

#45 TOP

wendydk

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06/07/2009

Yes, but my very point was that they have NOT arrived yet. They may show up and act like nothing ever happened...if they show up and are as nasty as we're expecting, then she should not have to deal with them, or at least not alone.

This comment (42219) was in reply to comment 42218 on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 6:22pm

#46 TOP

Tim_Toad_HLB

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05/08/2009

We're probably nearing the kicking a dead horse point, but just because they haven't physically arrived yet, doesn't mean their attitudes, tone, demeanor and transgressions didn't occur. If all the trouble was coming only from the daughter and not also the actual two people coming for the stay, I'd be less inclined to keep going over this, but that isn't the case.

For some reason comparisons and analogies work for me when describing stuff or hoping to spur more ideas, so I hope you don't think I'm egging you on or purposely being antagonistic.

Maybe I'm not wrapping my head around this because frankly, after all that has transpired with all of them, I just can't picture myself as the guest being able to walk into this B&B and feel right knowing the kind of crap I, my wife and my daughter just hurled on this innkeeper.

Over $170?

I'm almost to the point of asking that we all take up a collection and send it to The Farmer's Daughter for her to give to her boss and be done with it, then go tell the guests that the house burned down over night and they needn't bother showing up.

This comment (42240) was in reply to comment 42219 on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 10:16pm

#47 TOP

The Farmers Daughter

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06/15/2009

Tim_Toad_HLB wrote:

For some reason comparisons and analogies work for me when describing stuff or hoping to spur more ideas, so I hope you don't think I'm egging you on or purposely being antagonistic.

Over $170?

That is a splendid and very generous idea, and I thank you all for your kindness and insight. It is not necessary, but appreciated. Thanks guys.

This couple is arriving tomorrow at 3pm. I will deal with these folks to the best of my ability. It was my suggestion to move them to another room because the room that the daughter chose is a corner room that has 2 things going against it.

#1) It face the street on one side (I'm the one with the road construction)

and

#2) It faces the neighbor with the drums on the other. (Ever wonder if the Universe is laughing at you? I have.)

I figured that moving them to the rear of the Inn would hopefully nip the potential 3rd problem of noise, in the bud. If they are squawking like wet hens before they even arrive, the noise factor will not help the situation.

I will let you know how it goes....(fingers crossed)

This comment (42280) was in reply to comment 42240 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 9:42am

#48 TOP

Morticia

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Joined:
05/22/2008

Ah. THAT would have been an excellent reason to let them off the hook from the get go. 'I'm glad you have decided not to come as construction has just begun on the street.'

This comment (42264) was in reply to comment 42240 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 8:21am

#49 TOP

Samster

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Joined:
05/30/2008

Makes sense on the upgrade but other than that, I would treat them as you would any other guests who are there for a special occasion. While I believe in killing people with kindness, it's never good to reward really bad behavior.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

This comment (42263) was in reply to comment 42240 on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 8:19am

#50 TOP

gillumhouse

Online

Joined:
05/22/2008

The reason for moving them NOW makes sense. Had I known about the room location (street/drums) I would have agreed with your move wholeheartedly.

The Guests from Hell

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