oh here's a toilet I will just use it ...and not flush it

[TheBeachHouse]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

"we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings."
Wow that was pretty blunt. It has nothing to do with GETTING BOOKINGS. Our guests 75% arrive after 9pm on a Friday night here. Every week. It is not one or two on occasion.
Actually letting them find their room quietly is preferred to showing them around. Self check-ins "here" are always the quieter check-ins, it is the opposite of your experience.
.

Had a couple who checked in late one time and made tons of noise. Guests the next morning complained at breakfast about how after they checked in they went back and forth to the dining room a couple times waking them up and then slammed their door shut. They were probably going out for cookies and drinks. Those other guests were pissed and it tainted their view of staying with us. I said never again, not taking that chance. I know that others' business depends on allowing late arrivals if you're in a city or have business guests, etc. checking in. However, we don't need to do them so we don't. Guests know that check-in ends at 9pm and they get here by then. I have turned down reservations from those wanting to arrive at 11pm, midnight, etc. but typicality the room books with someone coming before 9pm so I prefer those guests. To each his own and this is one policy I will never change.
We also have a driveway alarm to announce arriving guests so we can greet them at the door which is always locked - only registered guests get the code once checked in. If late arrivals were coming in, then they'd wake me and my husband up. We have to be up so early anyway, I don't want to be woken up and then fight to get back to sleep, having to get up early to make breakfast. Some people like the freedom of allowing self-check ins and others need to do it to be competitive and get the business as I've been told by other innkeepers. Again, we all have to do what works for us in business and in peace of mind.
.

We used to be on PAII and I was given a harsh going over for allowing self check ins so we always did every check in in person. The first year.
After that I said I can't do this another year. Guests arriving at 2am, midnight, etc because of work schedules or because they were just plain selfish. Or, because they were paying and believed it was their right to arrive when they got here and not a moment before!
First year I tried calling after 7pm just to check on an estimated arrival and most guests were sitting down to dinner hours from here. Yes, selfish. And then awkward because now they felt like their parents were waiting up for them.
We figured *our* sanity was best served by letting them get here in their own time, having the lights dimmed so they get the idea no one else is awake but them and crossing our fingerrs.
Guests are told how it works and most are ok with it and like that they don't have to rush for whatever reason. If they don't like it they book elsewhere or arrive on time.
Yes, it works here. And, no, it doesn't work everywhere. A lot of it is trial and error. We are not in a location where we can turn down a late arrival. Way too much competition here with 800 available rooms!
Also, where I am, there are all night things to do so guests are coming and going at all hours anyway. It's nothing for me to hear guests laughing and talking at 1am just coming in from a restaurant or a show.
.

We used to be on PAII and I was given a harsh going over for allowing self check ins so we always did every check in in person. The first year.
After that I said I can't do this another year. Guests arriving at 2am, midnight, etc because of work schedules or because they were just plain selfish. Or, because they were paying and believed it was their right to arrive when they got here and not a moment before!
First year I tried calling after 7pm just to check on an estimated arrival and most guests were sitting down to dinner hours from here. Yes, selfish. And then awkward because now they felt like their parents were waiting up for them.
We figured *our* sanity was best served by letting them get here in their own time, having the lights dimmed so they get the idea no one else is awake but them and crossing our fingerrs.
Guests are told how it works and most are ok with it and like that they don't have to rush for whatever reason. If they don't like it they book elsewhere or arrive on time.
Yes, it works here. And, no, it doesn't work everywhere. A lot of it is trial and error. We are not in a location where we can turn down a late arrival. Way too much competition here with 800 available rooms!
Also, where I am, there are all night things to do so guests are coming and going at all hours anyway. It's nothing for me to hear guests laughing and talking at 1am just coming in from a restaurant or a show.

How does it work? Our town is almost crime-free. So I can see leaving a key in an envelope on the door, but still, it's not the most secure idea. Do you have a lock box?

 

[Generic]

man oh man
do you remember the day i saw a woman leaving an unoccupied room and walking out the front door ... a room that was guest ready ... the woman was not a registered guest. i went tearing after her and she never stopped ... just called over her shoulder that she had an emergency and had to use 'the rest room'. i was so mad, i was steaming! she made a big mess (and stink) in a guest ready bathroom. you know my rooms were locked up tight after that. another guest held the front door of the b&b open for her as she sailed in like nobody's business. i am still shocked to this day that she found an unlocked guestroom door and went in.
unfriendly be damned. that's why you see those unfriendly signs that say 'no public restrooms' in unlikely places ... an elderly man who lived on the street sometimes had random people walk in his little house and use his bathroom. he took to sitting on the front porch with a shotgun across his lap. sometimes the sheriff came by and talked to him about putting it away.
pretty extreme ...

.

I would have been livid. I might have even called the cops and charged her with trespass. Many people leave their doors unlocked around here, we would never expect ANYONE to even try the door.

 

[Generic]

man oh man
do you remember the day i saw a woman leaving an unoccupied room and walking out the front door ... a room that was guest ready ... the woman was not a registered guest. i went tearing after her and she never stopped ... just called over her shoulder that she had an emergency and had to use 'the rest room'. i was so mad, i was steaming! she made a big mess (and stink) in a guest ready bathroom. you know my rooms were locked up tight after that. another guest held the front door of the b&b open for her as she sailed in like nobody's business. i am still shocked to this day that she found an unlocked guestroom door and went in.
unfriendly be damned. that's why you see those unfriendly signs that say 'no public restrooms' in unlikely places ... an elderly man who lived on the street sometimes had random people walk in his little house and use his bathroom. he took to sitting on the front porch with a shotgun across his lap. sometimes the sheriff came by and talked to him about putting it away.
pretty extreme ...

.

I would have been livid. I might have even called the cops and charged her with trespass. Many people leave their doors unlocked around here, we would never expect ANYONE to even try the door.

 

[Flower]

When a guest leaves for the day and doesn't lock their door, what's your policy? After you refresh, do you lock the door or do you leave it open like they did?.

Doors were always locked after we cleaned. If they forgot their key, then they had to see us. Our doors are always locked.
.

I always lock their door if they left it unlocked.
.

I always lock their door if they left it unlocked.

I usually check to see if they've left the keys in the room before I lock the door.
Teenagers don't even close their doors.
.

I lock all the doors. Even if they left their key. They know I do. as I tell them when they are here to please lock the doors when you leave for the day . If you have left your key in the suite then please gives us a call.

 

[Madeleine]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

"we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings."
Wow that was pretty blunt. It has nothing to do with GETTING BOOKINGS. Our guests 75% arrive after 9pm on a Friday night here. Every week. It is not one or two on occasion.
Actually letting them find their room quietly is preferred to showing them around. Self check-ins "here" are always the quieter check-ins, it is the opposite of your experience.
.

Had a couple who checked in late one time and made tons of noise. Guests the next morning complained at breakfast about how after they checked in they went back and forth to the dining room a couple times waking them up and then slammed their door shut. They were probably going out for cookies and drinks. Those other guests were pissed and it tainted their view of staying with us. I said never again, not taking that chance. I know that others' business depends on allowing late arrivals if you're in a city or have business guests, etc. checking in. However, we don't need to do them so we don't. Guests know that check-in ends at 9pm and they get here by then. I have turned down reservations from those wanting to arrive at 11pm, midnight, etc. but typicality the room books with someone coming before 9pm so I prefer those guests. To each his own and this is one policy I will never change.
We also have a driveway alarm to announce arriving guests so we can greet them at the door which is always locked - only registered guests get the code once checked in. If late arrivals were coming in, then they'd wake me and my husband up. We have to be up so early anyway, I don't want to be woken up and then fight to get back to sleep, having to get up early to make breakfast. Some people like the freedom of allowing self-check ins and others need to do it to be competitive and get the business as I've been told by other innkeepers. Again, we all have to do what works for us in business and in peace of mind.
.

We used to be on PAII and I was given a harsh going over for allowing self check ins so we always did every check in in person. The first year.
After that I said I can't do this another year. Guests arriving at 2am, midnight, etc because of work schedules or because they were just plain selfish. Or, because they were paying and believed it was their right to arrive when they got here and not a moment before!
First year I tried calling after 7pm just to check on an estimated arrival and most guests were sitting down to dinner hours from here. Yes, selfish. And then awkward because now they felt like their parents were waiting up for them.
We figured *our* sanity was best served by letting them get here in their own time, having the lights dimmed so they get the idea no one else is awake but them and crossing our fingerrs.
Guests are told how it works and most are ok with it and like that they don't have to rush for whatever reason. If they don't like it they book elsewhere or arrive on time.
Yes, it works here. And, no, it doesn't work everywhere. A lot of it is trial and error. We are not in a location where we can turn down a late arrival. Way too much competition here with 800 available rooms!
Also, where I am, there are all night things to do so guests are coming and going at all hours anyway. It's nothing for me to hear guests laughing and talking at 1am just coming in from a restaurant or a show.
.

We used to be on PAII and I was given a harsh going over for allowing self check ins so we always did every check in in person. The first year.
After that I said I can't do this another year. Guests arriving at 2am, midnight, etc because of work schedules or because they were just plain selfish. Or, because they were paying and believed it was their right to arrive when they got here and not a moment before!
First year I tried calling after 7pm just to check on an estimated arrival and most guests were sitting down to dinner hours from here. Yes, selfish. And then awkward because now they felt like their parents were waiting up for them.
We figured *our* sanity was best served by letting them get here in their own time, having the lights dimmed so they get the idea no one else is awake but them and crossing our fingerrs.
Guests are told how it works and most are ok with it and like that they don't have to rush for whatever reason. If they don't like it they book elsewhere or arrive on time.
Yes, it works here. And, no, it doesn't work everywhere. A lot of it is trial and error. We are not in a location where we can turn down a late arrival. Way too much competition here with 800 available rooms!
Also, where I am, there are all night things to do so guests are coming and going at all hours anyway. It's nothing for me to hear guests laughing and talking at 1am just coming in from a restaurant or a show.

How does it work? Our town is almost crime-free. So I can see leaving a key in an envelope on the door, but still, it's not the most secure idea. Do you have a lock box?
.

No lock box just a key in an envelope with directions to the room, breakfast time, name and location of open late restaurant, check out time, how to reach us late at night.
We stopped doing this for awhile when neighbors found unknown people in the house, with suitcases, claiming to be their guests.
Then realized I need to get the brief sleep I ever get without being woken up so we went back to the note on the door and now I sleep.

 

[happykeeper]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.

 

[Copperhead]

My only request for late check ins is to give me advance notice. That way I can provide them with the entry code either by phone or by text (which I started after someone mentioned it here, BD?). No envelopes on the out side, only after entry.
Late self check ins are typically very quiet, which of course was one of the main reasons we resisted doing them for a long time. Then we came to our senses and said people come/go late/early without us being under foot to shush if need be, why not self check ins.

 

[JBloggs]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.

Please don't wait up for me, ever. It is too stressful, I will choose a hotel instead. That is how I feel as a traveler.
We can bend this any way we want to y'all. We can say servive, but then when we tell guests they MUST BE IN by 9pm, not other option, how is that service orientated. Stuff happens. People have jobs and get way laid getting out of dodge. Now IF I LIVED ON AN ISLAND (ha then things would be run slightly different, but then island time comes to mind, so maybe not.)
IT'S ALL GOOD!

 

[BananaE29]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.

Please don't wait up for me, ever. It is too stressful, I will choose a hotel instead. That is how I feel as a traveler.
We can bend this any way we want to y'all. We can say servive, but then when we tell guests they MUST BE IN by 9pm, not other option, how is that service orientated. Stuff happens. People have jobs and get way laid getting out of dodge. Now IF I LIVED ON AN ISLAND (ha then things would be run slightly different, but then island time comes to mind, so maybe not.)
IT'S ALL GOOD!
.

My "Island Time" means I'm in bed by 9 PM, and I'm totally laid back enough to let you take your sweet time getting here to check yourself in. Casual, carefree, not worrying about you stopping for dinner, or coming in at 2 AM. Do as you please, and so will I

 

[Madeleine]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.

Please don't wait up for me, ever. It is too stressful, I will choose a hotel instead. That is how I feel as a traveler.
We can bend this any way we want to y'all. We can say servive, but then when we tell guests they MUST BE IN by 9pm, not other option, how is that service orientated. Stuff happens. People have jobs and get way laid getting out of dodge. Now IF I LIVED ON AN ISLAND (ha then things would be run slightly different, but then island time comes to mind, so maybe not.)
IT'S ALL GOOD!
.

Remember my trip to see my daughter in NY? We told them we were innkeepers and said we weren't sure what time we would arrive because we didn't know when our guests would check out. But we would call!
Even if we didn't clean it might be later in the day when we arrived.
I called when we were about an hour away (we guessed) to ask how far away we were. The innkeeper got all grumpy on the phone sayng she had no idea how far away we were. (ok, really? An hour away on the only major highway in the area and you've never been on it? You don't know how far away we are? Bad news right there!)
Then she got on my case about it being after 3pm. 3pm WAS check in time. The ONLY time. Why would I think everyone had to arrive exactly at 3pm???
It went on from there. The 30 minute check in where we had to sit down and be shown all the local info. The"fireplace" that was one of those pictures of a fire with no heat. The dog in the dining room. And, obviously, the kitchen. The WiFi that didn't work which was obviously our fault. The driveway lights that shone in the bedroom all night long.
Meeting this person did not make my stay better. Which is part of the fun of the b&b stay.
Next year we stayed at a less intense place and had a great time coming and going when we wanted and not feeling like we were in the way or doing something wrong.

 

[BananaE29]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.

Please don't wait up for me, ever. It is too stressful, I will choose a hotel instead. That is how I feel as a traveler.
We can bend this any way we want to y'all. We can say servive, but then when we tell guests they MUST BE IN by 9pm, not other option, how is that service orientated. Stuff happens. People have jobs and get way laid getting out of dodge. Now IF I LIVED ON AN ISLAND (ha then things would be run slightly different, but then island time comes to mind, so maybe not.)
IT'S ALL GOOD!
.

Remember my trip to see my daughter in NY? We told them we were innkeepers and said we weren't sure what time we would arrive because we didn't know when our guests would check out. But we would call!
Even if we didn't clean it might be later in the day when we arrived.
I called when we were about an hour away (we guessed) to ask how far away we were. The innkeeper got all grumpy on the phone sayng she had no idea how far away we were. (ok, really? An hour away on the only major highway in the area and you've never been on it? You don't know how far away we are? Bad news right there!)
Then she got on my case about it being after 3pm. 3pm WAS check in time. The ONLY time. Why would I think everyone had to arrive exactly at 3pm???
It went on from there. The 30 minute check in where we had to sit down and be shown all the local info. The"fireplace" that was one of those pictures of a fire with no heat. The dog in the dining room. And, obviously, the kitchen. The WiFi that didn't work which was obviously our fault. The driveway lights that shone in the bedroom all night long.
Meeting this person did not make my stay better. Which is part of the fun of the b&b stay.
Next year we stayed at a less intense place and had a great time coming and going when we wanted and not feeling like we were in the way or doing something wrong.
.

That is horrible. And she KNEW you were Innkeepers? Cringe.....

 

[TheBeachHouse]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.

Please don't wait up for me, ever. It is too stressful, I will choose a hotel instead. That is how I feel as a traveler.
We can bend this any way we want to y'all. We can say servive, but then when we tell guests they MUST BE IN by 9pm, not other option, how is that service orientated. Stuff happens. People have jobs and get way laid getting out of dodge. Now IF I LIVED ON AN ISLAND (ha then things would be run slightly different, but then island time comes to mind, so maybe not.)
IT'S ALL GOOD!
.

Remember my trip to see my daughter in NY? We told them we were innkeepers and said we weren't sure what time we would arrive because we didn't know when our guests would check out. But we would call!
Even if we didn't clean it might be later in the day when we arrived.
I called when we were about an hour away (we guessed) to ask how far away we were. The innkeeper got all grumpy on the phone sayng she had no idea how far away we were. (ok, really? An hour away on the only major highway in the area and you've never been on it? You don't know how far away we are? Bad news right there!)
Then she got on my case about it being after 3pm. 3pm WAS check in time. The ONLY time. Why would I think everyone had to arrive exactly at 3pm???
It went on from there. The 30 minute check in where we had to sit down and be shown all the local info. The"fireplace" that was one of those pictures of a fire with no heat. The dog in the dining room. And, obviously, the kitchen. The WiFi that didn't work which was obviously our fault. The driveway lights that shone in the bedroom all night long.
Meeting this person did not make my stay better. Which is part of the fun of the b&b stay.
Next year we stayed at a less intense place and had a great time coming and going when we wanted and not feeling like we were in the way or doing something wrong.
.

I love that check in time is 3. Not after 3. 3. That's hysterical. (Maybe not at the time, but it is now.)

 

[JBloggs]

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask..

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer
.

Locks the doors, PERIOD. I would never take the chance that after I clean a room someone has gone in to look around, borrow a towel, use the toilet, etc. They only get the key to the room they pay for for this exact reason. It takes away this possibility and stress for us and ensures that our guests get their perfect clean room. If someone wants to see another room for a future stay, they can ask.

I think it was unlocked originally for a late arrival. Which means that guest who used it may have been rattling door knobs in the middle of the night.
We don't leave keys outside any longer

If you don't leave keys outside, how do you handle self checkins? Or do you not permit them?
.

We don't do self check-ins EVER. And before anyone goes saying that we need to be more flexible, this works just fine -- we have a great business and find that we don't need self check-ins to get bookings. I don't like people coming in late, making noise, setting off the driveway alarm waking me up after I've gone to sleep and then I hear them talking in the great room, stomping up the stairs, etc. long after other guests have gone to sleep. My sanity is not worth it. Now if someone is traveling and a plane is delayed then my husband goes to bed and then checks them in when we hear the driveway alarm go off. He then can be sure they get all of the important information, find out of they have food allergies and control them not wandering around making noise trying to find their room. To me it's all about the guest experience and not allowing other guests to disturb those who have turned in. But I fully understand those who do self check-ins, we all have to do what works best for us.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.
.

This sounds more like our approach. The few times we have had to disrupt our sleep, it has been totally worth it as far as guest appreciation. Our late guests are instantly impressed that we would care enough greet them personally and our in house guests thank us in the morning by telling us how well they slept.

Please don't wait up for me, ever. It is too stressful, I will choose a hotel instead. That is how I feel as a traveler.
We can bend this any way we want to y'all. We can say servive, but then when we tell guests they MUST BE IN by 9pm, not other option, how is that service orientated. Stuff happens. People have jobs and get way laid getting out of dodge. Now IF I LIVED ON AN ISLAND (ha then things would be run slightly different, but then island time comes to mind, so maybe not.)
IT'S ALL GOOD!
.

Remember my trip to see my daughter in NY? We told them we were innkeepers and said we weren't sure what time we would arrive because we didn't know when our guests would check out. But we would call!
Even if we didn't clean it might be later in the day when we arrived.
I called when we were about an hour away (we guessed) to ask how far away we were. The innkeeper got all grumpy on the phone sayng she had no idea how far away we were. (ok, really? An hour away on the only major highway in the area and you've never been on it? You don't know how far away we are? Bad news right there!)
Then she got on my case about it being after 3pm. 3pm WAS check in time. The ONLY time. Why would I think everyone had to arrive exactly at 3pm???
It went on from there. The 30 minute check in where we had to sit down and be shown all the local info. The"fireplace" that was one of those pictures of a fire with no heat. The dog in the dining room. And, obviously, the kitchen. The WiFi that didn't work which was obviously our fault. The driveway lights that shone in the bedroom all night long.
Meeting this person did not make my stay better. Which is part of the fun of the b&b stay.
Next year we stayed at a less intense place and had a great time coming and going when we wanted and not feeling like we were in the way or doing something wrong.
.

I love that check in time is 3. Not after 3. 3. That's hysterical. (Maybe not at the time, but it is now.)
.

I love that check in time is 3. Not after 3. 3. That's hysterical. (Maybe not at the time, but it is now.)

Here is something that has to do with 3.
"Following our phone conversation, we request that we can get into our room no later than 3:00 as we will be traveling from Yorktown to attend a wedding at 4:00."
First of all she asked on the phone if she can check in AT 3. This makes it sound like she can check in any time no later than 3. She also swapped rooms from the one she looked at and booked a lesser priced room. I didn't say pick any room and check in when you want to.

 

[Skamokawa]

after fluffing, we locked the guest doors. they would have to have the outdoor key with them (attached to the indoor key) because how would they get back in to the building?
i was more concerned with someone's personal belongings going missing ... cameras, laptops, iphones, jewelry, etc. ... than with toilet and shower use.
but how rude is that ... to go into another room to shower? or to send kids into another bathroom? they know darn well it's wrong.
we had guests check out and a chambermaid was cleaning when a man who had checked out slipped back in during all the in and out the door chaos and sat down on 'his' toilet when she went out to get fresh linens from the hallway ... the shrieks when she stepped back into the bathroom to hang up new towels!!!! unreal.

And don't get me going on the teenagers I found in the laundry room whose mother proceeded to yell at ME for daring to tell them they didn't belong in there.
Yes, this is still a bathroom story. They didn't want to walk to their room so they went looking for a bathroom on the main floor!
Mom's take on it was if it didn't have a keep out sign it was guest territory. So I had to put up keep out signs on all the doors to keep those kids limited to their room and the living room.
.

We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.

 

[Arks]

after fluffing, we locked the guest doors. they would have to have the outdoor key with them (attached to the indoor key) because how would they get back in to the building?
i was more concerned with someone's personal belongings going missing ... cameras, laptops, iphones, jewelry, etc. ... than with toilet and shower use.
but how rude is that ... to go into another room to shower? or to send kids into another bathroom? they know darn well it's wrong.
we had guests check out and a chambermaid was cleaning when a man who had checked out slipped back in during all the in and out the door chaos and sat down on 'his' toilet when she went out to get fresh linens from the hallway ... the shrieks when she stepped back into the bathroom to hang up new towels!!!! unreal.

And don't get me going on the teenagers I found in the laundry room whose mother proceeded to yell at ME for daring to tell them they didn't belong in there.
Yes, this is still a bathroom story. They didn't want to walk to their room so they went looking for a bathroom on the main floor!
Mom's take on it was if it didn't have a keep out sign it was guest territory. So I had to put up keep out signs on all the doors to keep those kids limited to their room and the living room.
.

We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.
.

We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.

That's excellent. Lots of places are bound to have empty space, or a closet under the stairway that could become a half bath. Also good for people checking in who really need to go before they get checked into their room.

 

[BananaE29]

after fluffing, we locked the guest doors. they would have to have the outdoor key with them (attached to the indoor key) because how would they get back in to the building?
i was more concerned with someone's personal belongings going missing ... cameras, laptops, iphones, jewelry, etc. ... than with toilet and shower use.
but how rude is that ... to go into another room to shower? or to send kids into another bathroom? they know darn well it's wrong.
we had guests check out and a chambermaid was cleaning when a man who had checked out slipped back in during all the in and out the door chaos and sat down on 'his' toilet when she went out to get fresh linens from the hallway ... the shrieks when she stepped back into the bathroom to hang up new towels!!!! unreal.

And don't get me going on the teenagers I found in the laundry room whose mother proceeded to yell at ME for daring to tell them they didn't belong in there.
Yes, this is still a bathroom story. They didn't want to walk to their room so they went looking for a bathroom on the main floor!
Mom's take on it was if it didn't have a keep out sign it was guest territory. So I had to put up keep out signs on all the doors to keep those kids limited to their room and the living room.
.

We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.
.

I am not trying to be negative here - just realistic with what has happened to my half bath, that is located downstairs, between the kitchen and the dining room, in the hallway on the way to the pool. People see it is there (I no longer point it out) on their way outdoors, and inevitably, someone will use it to do their #2 in the morning because (I guess) they don't want to do that while their spouse or partner is in the room or showering. I like it there because it is more convenient for people that are using the pool to just walk the few feet to it, instead of traipsing upstairs with dripping clothes to their room to go.

But because people are so rude they have to do that and leave the stench for me and the breakfast guests to enjoy, There is spray in the room, but no way to install an exhaust fan unless I cut a hole in the side of this 1887 house. Not happening.

So be aware.....I am considering putting a lock on the door.

 

[BananaE29]

after fluffing, we locked the guest doors. they would have to have the outdoor key with them (attached to the indoor key) because how would they get back in to the building?
i was more concerned with someone's personal belongings going missing ... cameras, laptops, iphones, jewelry, etc. ... than with toilet and shower use.
but how rude is that ... to go into another room to shower? or to send kids into another bathroom? they know darn well it's wrong.
we had guests check out and a chambermaid was cleaning when a man who had checked out slipped back in during all the in and out the door chaos and sat down on 'his' toilet when she went out to get fresh linens from the hallway ... the shrieks when she stepped back into the bathroom to hang up new towels!!!! unreal.

And don't get me going on the teenagers I found in the laundry room whose mother proceeded to yell at ME for daring to tell them they didn't belong in there.
Yes, this is still a bathroom story. They didn't want to walk to their room so they went looking for a bathroom on the main floor!
Mom's take on it was if it didn't have a keep out sign it was guest territory. So I had to put up keep out signs on all the doors to keep those kids limited to their room and the living room.
.

We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.
.

We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.

That's excellent. Lots of places are bound to have empty space, or a closet under the stairway that could become a half bath. Also good for people checking in who really need to go before they get checked into their room.
.

I love my downstairs half bath for this reason - so I don't have to rush through my spiel, they can use that restroom before we get upstairs to their room. And I hate it for the reason listed in my post above

 

[JBloggs]

after fluffing, we locked the guest doors. they would have to have the outdoor key with them (attached to the indoor key) because how would they get back in to the building?
i was more concerned with someone's personal belongings going missing ... cameras, laptops, iphones, jewelry, etc. ... than with toilet and shower use.
but how rude is that ... to go into another room to shower? or to send kids into another bathroom? they know darn well it's wrong.
we had guests check out and a chambermaid was cleaning when a man who had checked out slipped back in during all the in and out the door chaos and sat down on 'his' toilet when she went out to get fresh linens from the hallway ... the shrieks when she stepped back into the bathroom to hang up new towels!!!! unreal.

And don't get me going on the teenagers I found in the laundry room whose mother proceeded to yell at ME for daring to tell them they didn't belong in there.
Yes, this is still a bathroom story. They didn't want to walk to their room so they went looking for a bathroom on the main floor!
Mom's take on it was if it didn't have a keep out sign it was guest territory. So I had to put up keep out signs on all the doors to keep those kids limited to their room and the living room.
.

We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.
.

I am not trying to be negative here - just realistic with what has happened to my half bath, that is located downstairs, between the kitchen and the dining room, in the hallway on the way to the pool. People see it is there (I no longer point it out) on their way outdoors, and inevitably, someone will use it to do their #2 in the morning because (I guess) they don't want to do that while their spouse or partner is in the room or showering. I like it there because it is more convenient for people that are using the pool to just walk the few feet to it, instead of traipsing upstairs with dripping clothes to their room to go.

But because people are so rude they have to do that and leave the stench for me and the breakfast guests to enjoy, There is spray in the room, but no way to install an exhaust fan unless I cut a hole in the side of this 1887 house. Not happening.

So be aware.....I am considering putting a lock on the door.
.

I am not trying to be negative here - just realistic with what has happened to my half bath, that is located downstairs, between the kitchen and the dining room, in the hallway on the way to the pool. People see it is there (I no longer point it out) on their way outdoors, and inevitably, someone will use it to do their #2 in the morning because (I guess) they don't want to do that while their spouse or partner is in the room or showering.

I know an innkeeper who had a half bath who locked it before and during breakfast for the reason you mentioned, more times than not that is what happens in that restroom. They will get up from the table and go there while people are eating and leave the door ajar.
Added: Which actually made me think of something, maybe the person with the key is downstairs dining and the other person has to go, leaves the table goes to the room and the door is locked and just finds another room. hm, i think you may have helped explain why this happened (in the orig thread above!) I never considered that being the reason...could be!

 

[BananaE29]

after fluffing, we locked the guest doors. they would have to have the outdoor key with them (attached to the indoor key) because how would they get back in to the building?
i was more concerned with someone's personal belongings going missing ... cameras, laptops, iphones, jewelry, etc. ... than with toilet and shower use.
but how rude is that ... to go into another room to shower? or to send kids into another bathroom? they know darn well it's wrong.
we had guests check out and a chambermaid was cleaning when a man who had checked out slipped back in during all the in and out the door chaos and sat down on 'his' toilet when she went out to get fresh linens from the hallway ... the shrieks when she stepped back into the bathroom to hang up new towels!!!! unreal.

And don't get me going on the teenagers I found in the laundry room whose mother proceeded to yell at ME for daring to tell them they didn't belong in there.
Yes, this is still a bathroom story. They didn't want to walk to their room so they went looking for a bathroom on the main floor!
Mom's take on it was if it didn't have a keep out sign it was guest territory. So I had to put up keep out signs on all the doors to keep those kids limited to their room and the living room.
.

We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.
.

I am not trying to be negative here - just realistic with what has happened to my half bath, that is located downstairs, between the kitchen and the dining room, in the hallway on the way to the pool. People see it is there (I no longer point it out) on their way outdoors, and inevitably, someone will use it to do their #2 in the morning because (I guess) they don't want to do that while their spouse or partner is in the room or showering. I like it there because it is more convenient for people that are using the pool to just walk the few feet to it, instead of traipsing upstairs with dripping clothes to their room to go.

But because people are so rude they have to do that and leave the stench for me and the breakfast guests to enjoy, There is spray in the room, but no way to install an exhaust fan unless I cut a hole in the side of this 1887 house. Not happening.

So be aware.....I am considering putting a lock on the door.
.

I am not trying to be negative here - just realistic with what has happened to my half bath, that is located downstairs, between the kitchen and the dining room, in the hallway on the way to the pool. People see it is there (I no longer point it out) on their way outdoors, and inevitably, someone will use it to do their #2 in the morning because (I guess) they don't want to do that while their spouse or partner is in the room or showering.

I know an innkeeper who had a half bath who locked it before and during breakfast for the reason you mentioned, more times than not that is what happens in that restroom. They will get up from the table and go there while people are eating and leave the door ajar.
Added: Which actually made me think of something, maybe the person with the key is downstairs dining and the other person has to go, leaves the table goes to the room and the door is locked and just finds another room. hm, i think you may have helped explain why this happened (in the orig thread above!) I never considered that being the reason...could be!
.

That is a fantastic idea. No one is using the pool during those hours, and no one needs to be using that restroom. I just found Tuesday's project. THANK YOU!

(It's amazing how we get so worked up about certain things, never really seeing a way out of it. I never considered only locking it part of the day. DUH!)

 

[Madeleine]

after fluffing, we locked the guest doors. they would have to have the outdoor key with them (attached to the indoor key) because how would they get back in to the building?
i was more concerned with someone's personal belongings going missing ... cameras, laptops, iphones, jewelry, etc. ... than with toilet and shower use.
but how rude is that ... to go into another room to shower? or to send kids into another bathroom? they know darn well it's wrong.
we had guests check out and a chambermaid was cleaning when a man who had checked out slipped back in during all the in and out the door chaos and sat down on 'his' toilet when she went out to get fresh linens from the hallway ... the shrieks when she stepped back into the bathroom to hang up new towels!!!! unreal.

And don't get me going on the teenagers I found in the laundry room whose mother proceeded to yell at ME for daring to tell them they didn't belong in there.
Yes, this is still a bathroom story. They didn't want to walk to their room so they went looking for a bathroom on the main floor!
Mom's take on it was if it didn't have a keep out sign it was guest territory. So I had to put up keep out signs on all the doors to keep those kids limited to their room and the living room.
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We added a 'public' half bath at the foot of the guest stairs, just so people would not have to go back up to use their restroom. It's just off the dining room. The health inspector was pleased with the idea too.
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I am not trying to be negative here - just realistic with what has happened to my half bath, that is located downstairs, between the kitchen and the dining room, in the hallway on the way to the pool. People see it is there (I no longer point it out) on their way outdoors, and inevitably, someone will use it to do their #2 in the morning because (I guess) they don't want to do that while their spouse or partner is in the room or showering. I like it there because it is more convenient for people that are using the pool to just walk the few feet to it, instead of traipsing upstairs with dripping clothes to their room to go.

But because people are so rude they have to do that and leave the stench for me and the breakfast guests to enjoy, There is spray in the room, but no way to install an exhaust fan unless I cut a hole in the side of this 1887 house. Not happening.

So be aware.....I am considering putting a lock on the door.
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We have a laundry room off the kitchen that is a converted bathroom. The sink & toilet are still there, the shower is gone.
Nosy guests will find that and use it even tho it is a pig pen most days and they have to move laundry and trash in order to get at the toilet.
Right off the kitchen??? No! I don't want to hear or smell this while we're cooking and serving.
Told dh our first day here he was absolutely NOT to use that bathroom in the morning. Walk all the back thru our house and down the stairs and use our bathroom.
He complained and I just gave him the stink eye.
Would not want a real guest bath anywhere near the kitchen or dining room.
Would like one, just not there!