Cancellations: What does it mean when someone books (e.g. 4 nights) then cancels 12 hours later?

[agoodman]

OOOH someone is in a bad mood
QUOTE Have you had experiences like this, and what is your take on it?
and I gave my response. I didn't know we had bulletin board police

 

[Alibi Ike]

OOOH someone is in a bad mood
QUOTE Have you had experiences like this, and what is your take on it?
and I gave my response. I didn't know we had bulletin board police.

and I gave my response. I didn't know we had bulletin board police

Well now you know.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business.

 

[Joey Camb]

I dont mind as much if it is what I call a proper reason for example for a bridal fair a lady cancelled because a company had offered to pay in full for a room for her where they were staying (and can't beat free) she was totally honest about it. Well that is fine. But had one this week that said after I had enquired further into their special request to make sure I understood what they had meant correctly, we had no reply just a cancellation reason "is not suitable for us" well what does that mean? had one chap and I don't think he knew we get a copy of the reason and it was got a room cheaper at XXX property. but at least he was honest (sounded like a pain as he had changed his dates 3 times before that and I resold the room for more!) but there you go.

 

[Don Draper]

It's not whether it's LEGIT OR NOT, a person has the right to change their mind and based on the cancellation policy which YOU decide, they absolutely 100% have the right to cancel. If you don't want to have this situation, make every reservation 100% payable on reservation with 100% cancel fee. Not very friendly but it's your choice on the policy and the guests choice whether they want to book or not. But as long as our policy allows it I don't see why we even question the fact that a guest can cancel. And no we should not even ask WHY - it's their prerogative. Until anyone here can say they have never changed their mind on anything I can't see the issue here, have you NEVER taken anything back to a store???.

So, essentially, just shut up and quit whining? Can't we have a conversation here without being scolded every time you log on?
.

Whine away. I think it's still legal.

 

[agoodman]

OOOH someone is in a bad mood
QUOTE Have you had experiences like this, and what is your take on it?
and I gave my response. I didn't know we had bulletin board police.

and I gave my response. I didn't know we had bulletin board police

Well now you know.
.

Alibi do you feel better now after making that statement? The person asked a question, I answered it.
You come on here hiding behind an "alibi" and think it's ok to make comments like "well now you know". People like you are EXACTLY the reason I moved away from this board for over a year. Have you stopped to think for one moment that your statement is cyber bullying (behind your alibi). I know you don't care whether I stop posting or not, but the reason so many people left this board is because of nasty low down statements like the "little one" you made. Just for one moment, think this, if that kind of attitude comes across to your fellow innkeepers and you probably don't even think it was a big deal I am sure, maybe a little tiny bit of it is coming across to your guests.
Oh no of course not you are shaking your head. Well think again. Maybe just maybe it's the reason some people have so many cancellations, so many people that never write reviews. I don't even think an apology would cross your mind but don't worry I won't be posting on these boards again, I am sure people are going to be thanking you profusely. The last time I stopped posting I had so many Innkeepers email me and tell me they felt the same way about the way some people responded and thanked me for standing up and saying it. One has to wonder why there are so few Innkeepers that post here.
You can email me if you can even think to apologize about how your "little statement" came across because I won't be checking the boards for an answer. Personally I don't think the thought to apologize would even cross your mind. Surprise me.

 

[bnbtraveler]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.

 

[Alibi Ike]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.
.

Why wouldn't the guest be honest? What do they have to lose?

 

[Generic]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.
.

Why wouldn't the guest be honest? What do they have to lose?
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.

 

[Alibi Ike]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.
.

Why wouldn't the guest be honest? What do they have to lose?
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.

 

[Generic]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.
.

Why wouldn't the guest be honest? What do they have to lose?
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.
.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.

Honest answer....
I can be extremely shy and private. (It's odd, because many people will tell you that I'm outgoing, but I won't even order a pizza on the telephone).
You would have lost me a long time before you could have called back.... I wouldn't have given you my name or phone number unless I was booking. I would have done what most people do, I would have told you that I wasn't sure and I would call back, and if you called me, I would have never booked with you, assuming that you were extremely rude to call me back.
So, I assume that they found something that suited them better. If they say they will call back I tell them that they can book on the website directly with $10 off. I know they won't call me back. They almost never do.
And no, I would NEVER call someone back based on their caller-ID either.
I wonder if this is just cultural, though. I mean we have US guests who often ask personal questions like relationships... (are you brothers?) a question that would shock most Canadians as just too personal.

 

[bbinnsitters]

You are gong to HATE my answer... but why does there have to be a reason. I know that our minds wants an answer to each question but sometimes there just isn't an answer. Why is the GOlden Gate bridge painted orange? Why is pi = 3.15149....? What is a question with no answer called? Why are TV sets called sets when there isn't really a set, just one?
Just be happy they called so quickly so that you could get it back in inventory for someone else.
If they booked somewhere else cheaper, then that's out of inventory and less of a competition to you. If they booked somewhere else because it suited them better, then be happy that they are happy and you get to meet people who want to stay with you. Maybe they couldn't get tickets to the event they wanted. Maybe their planned vacation days weren't approved. Maybe airfare changed. Maybe they realized that they had a wedding that weekend. It doesn't really matter in the end. But good that they called and it's open and waiting for someone wonderful to come your way..

. . . Why is pi = 3.15149....? . . .

Ooh, ooh, ooh! I know this! Pick me! Pick me!
Ahem, because the relationship between a circle's circumference and it's diameter is a constant, regardless of the size of either.
You're welcome.
.

So what is ε in statistics? I know it's a very small number, but do you know the exact number? (Smarty pants!)
.

From my bil, the statistician:
In statistics, ε denotes the 'error term' in many formulas. It has no set
value. The hope is that ε is small but it doesn't necessarily have to be
small.
Example: If you drew a line that predicted the height of American women
based on their age - and then placed a dot on the chart that represented
your height and age - the distance between your dot and the line would be
the error term ε.

 

[IronGate]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.
.

Why wouldn't the guest be honest? What do they have to lose?
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.
.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.

Honest answer....
I can be extremely shy and private. (It's odd, because many people will tell you that I'm outgoing, but I won't even order a pizza on the telephone).
You would have lost me a long time before you could have called back.... I wouldn't have given you my name or phone number unless I was booking. I would have done what most people do, I would have told you that I wasn't sure and I would call back, and if you called me, I would have never booked with you, assuming that you were extremely rude to call me back.
So, I assume that they found something that suited them better. If they say they will call back I tell them that they can book on the website directly with $10 off. I know they won't call me back. They almost never do.
And no, I would NEVER call someone back based on their caller-ID either.
I wonder if this is just cultural, though. I mean we have US guests who often ask personal questions like relationships... (are you brothers?) a question that would shock most Canadians as just too personal.
.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.

Honest answer....
I can be extremely shy and private. (It's odd, because many people will tell you that I'm outgoing, but I won't even order a pizza on the telephone).
You would have lost me a long time before you could have called back.... I wouldn't have given you my name or phone number unless I was booking. I would have done what most people do, I would have told you that I wasn't sure and I would call back, and if you called me, I would have never booked with you, assuming that you were extremely rude to call me back.
So, I assume that they found something that suited them better. If they say they will call back I tell them that they can book on the website directly with $10 off. I know they won't call me back. They almost never do.
And no, I would NEVER call someone back based on their caller-ID either.
I wonder if this is just cultural, though. I mean we have US guests who often ask personal questions like relationships... (are you brothers?) a question that would shock most Canadians as just too personal.

I'm the same way, right down to the pizza-ordering. I don't think I'm Canadian.

 

[Joey Camb]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.
.

Why wouldn't the guest be honest? What do they have to lose?
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.
.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.

Honest answer....
I can be extremely shy and private. (It's odd, because many people will tell you that I'm outgoing, but I won't even order a pizza on the telephone).
You would have lost me a long time before you could have called back.... I wouldn't have given you my name or phone number unless I was booking. I would have done what most people do, I would have told you that I wasn't sure and I would call back, and if you called me, I would have never booked with you, assuming that you were extremely rude to call me back.
So, I assume that they found something that suited them better. If they say they will call back I tell them that they can book on the website directly with $10 off. I know they won't call me back. They almost never do.
And no, I would NEVER call someone back based on their caller-ID either.
I wonder if this is just cultural, though. I mean we have US guests who often ask personal questions like relationships... (are you brothers?) a question that would shock most Canadians as just too personal.
.

in the UK it is the norm to make an excuse i wouldn't call them back especially with the compeition here id be waisting my time as they have probably found something cheaper. however in my town if it is cheaper than me (the majority of the places prices are the same as mine within a few dollars or higher) then it is an awful place and that is the reason it is cheaper. the standards are high here and then there are about 6 places that are awful if you get one that is a lot cheaper then there is a reason for it! im always trying to train people you get what you pay for! mind you i always think those particular places train people to book properly from now on lol

 

[JBloggs]

Cutlural and regional can be totally different within in each country as well, you know even the old "country mouse vs city mouse"
We have had overseas guests who feel it is okay to ask how much we paid for our place in front of a room full of guests at that, maybe because they live overseas and think it is okay. They also discuss things many Americans won't, but then American discuss things depending on THE PERSON that many others would not.
E, as for asking if you are brothers, I am asked on a daily basis "are those your children?" Why? Because they have darker hair than I do. And yet my father (now white-grey) had very dark brown hair, as does DH's Father in New Zealand. I have had many guests ask these very words to the girls "Where did you get that dark hair?" and we have a PAT ANSWER they reply "God gave it to me." Some people say whatever is on their mind without thinking.
There are a few on the forum who mentioned they DO call people back on missed calls from caller ID. EEEEEEK! I would not appreciate that, in fact I signed up for some website on line and decided it was a crock and had them call three times today, I did not give my name, my phone number or business name, fyi, but they worked hard to find me. GO AWAY MARKETERS!
Within our community we have southerners and northerners. Northerners would ne'er be bold enough to ask about your family and children as southerners would outright, and yet Southerners would ne'r be bold enough to ask about your job, policitcal views or any of that. It is a fine line here, when we have south meets north and west meets east and then toss in some Germans, Brits, Russians into the mix. It makes it all interesting, "Variety is the spice of an innkeepers life!" I stand by that quote! I live by that quote!

 

[Generic]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.
.

Why wouldn't the guest be honest? What do they have to lose?
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.
.

To lose, nothing. But most people are too shy or are afraid of hurting your feelings. How many people call you on the phone and tell you that they will get back to you... and never do? I just tell them to book online, they don't have to make fake excuses to a browser.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.
.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.

Honest answer....
I can be extremely shy and private. (It's odd, because many people will tell you that I'm outgoing, but I won't even order a pizza on the telephone).
You would have lost me a long time before you could have called back.... I wouldn't have given you my name or phone number unless I was booking. I would have done what most people do, I would have told you that I wasn't sure and I would call back, and if you called me, I would have never booked with you, assuming that you were extremely rude to call me back.
So, I assume that they found something that suited them better. If they say they will call back I tell them that they can book on the website directly with $10 off. I know they won't call me back. They almost never do.
And no, I would NEVER call someone back based on their caller-ID either.
I wonder if this is just cultural, though. I mean we have US guests who often ask personal questions like relationships... (are you brothers?) a question that would shock most Canadians as just too personal.
.

I take names and phone numbers when they say they will get back with me. And then I call them the next day. Most say 'thanks, we made other plans' and that's that. That's the part I'd like to pursue. They have already rejected me, why not find out why. Maybe I can fix it.

Honest answer....
I can be extremely shy and private. (It's odd, because many people will tell you that I'm outgoing, but I won't even order a pizza on the telephone).
You would have lost me a long time before you could have called back.... I wouldn't have given you my name or phone number unless I was booking. I would have done what most people do, I would have told you that I wasn't sure and I would call back, and if you called me, I would have never booked with you, assuming that you were extremely rude to call me back.
So, I assume that they found something that suited them better. If they say they will call back I tell them that they can book on the website directly with $10 off. I know they won't call me back. They almost never do.
And no, I would NEVER call someone back based on their caller-ID either.
I wonder if this is just cultural, though. I mean we have US guests who often ask personal questions like relationships... (are you brothers?) a question that would shock most Canadians as just too personal.

I'm the same way, right down to the pizza-ordering. I don't think I'm Canadian.
.

I'm the same way, right down to the pizza-ordering. I don't think I'm Canadian.

So maybe it's not a Canadian thing.
Internet pizza ordering... made for you and me!

 

[Generic]

Cutlural and regional can be totally different within in each country as well, you know even the old "country mouse vs city mouse"
We have had overseas guests who feel it is okay to ask how much we paid for our place in front of a room full of guests at that, maybe because they live overseas and think it is okay. They also discuss things many Americans won't, but then American discuss things depending on THE PERSON that many others would not.
E, as for asking if you are brothers, I am asked on a daily basis "are those your children?" Why? Because they have darker hair than I do. And yet my father (now white-grey) had very dark brown hair, as does DH's Father in New Zealand. I have had many guests ask these very words to the girls "Where did you get that dark hair?" and we have a PAT ANSWER they reply "God gave it to me." Some people say whatever is on their mind without thinking.
There are a few on the forum who mentioned they DO call people back on missed calls from caller ID. EEEEEEK! I would not appreciate that, in fact I signed up for some website on line and decided it was a crock and had them call three times today, I did not give my name, my phone number or business name, fyi, but they worked hard to find me. GO AWAY MARKETERS!
Within our community we have southerners and northerners. Northerners would ne'er be bold enough to ask about your family and children as southerners would outright, and yet Southerners would ne'r be bold enough to ask about your job, policitcal views or any of that. It is a fine line here, when we have south meets north and west meets east and then toss in some Germans, Brits, Russians into the mix. It makes it all interesting, "Variety is the spice of an innkeepers life!" I stand by that quote! I live by that quote!.

The brothers thing is almost exclusively from Americans. The Europeans aren't so naive.
I honestly dread it, now. I just don't know how to answer it without embarassing them or myself. I know, I shouldn't feel embarassed, it's not my problem, but I still feel embarassed for them.

 

[IronGate]

Cutlural and regional can be totally different within in each country as well, you know even the old "country mouse vs city mouse"
We have had overseas guests who feel it is okay to ask how much we paid for our place in front of a room full of guests at that, maybe because they live overseas and think it is okay. They also discuss things many Americans won't, but then American discuss things depending on THE PERSON that many others would not.
E, as for asking if you are brothers, I am asked on a daily basis "are those your children?" Why? Because they have darker hair than I do. And yet my father (now white-grey) had very dark brown hair, as does DH's Father in New Zealand. I have had many guests ask these very words to the girls "Where did you get that dark hair?" and we have a PAT ANSWER they reply "God gave it to me." Some people say whatever is on their mind without thinking.
There are a few on the forum who mentioned they DO call people back on missed calls from caller ID. EEEEEEK! I would not appreciate that, in fact I signed up for some website on line and decided it was a crock and had them call three times today, I did not give my name, my phone number or business name, fyi, but they worked hard to find me. GO AWAY MARKETERS!
Within our community we have southerners and northerners. Northerners would ne'er be bold enough to ask about your family and children as southerners would outright, and yet Southerners would ne'r be bold enough to ask about your job, policitcal views or any of that. It is a fine line here, when we have south meets north and west meets east and then toss in some Germans, Brits, Russians into the mix. It makes it all interesting, "Variety is the spice of an innkeepers life!" I stand by that quote! I live by that quote!.

The brothers thing is almost exclusively from Americans. The Europeans aren't so naive.
I honestly dread it, now. I just don't know how to answer it without embarassing them or myself. I know, I shouldn't feel embarassed, it's not my problem, but I still feel embarassed for them.
.

The brothers thing is almost exclusively from Americans. The Europeans aren't so naive.
I honestly dread it, now. I just don't know how to answer it without embarassing them or myself. I know, I shouldn't feel embarassed, it's not my problem, but I still feel embarassed for them.

"No."

 

[Generic]

Cutlural and regional can be totally different within in each country as well, you know even the old "country mouse vs city mouse"
We have had overseas guests who feel it is okay to ask how much we paid for our place in front of a room full of guests at that, maybe because they live overseas and think it is okay. They also discuss things many Americans won't, but then American discuss things depending on THE PERSON that many others would not.
E, as for asking if you are brothers, I am asked on a daily basis "are those your children?" Why? Because they have darker hair than I do. And yet my father (now white-grey) had very dark brown hair, as does DH's Father in New Zealand. I have had many guests ask these very words to the girls "Where did you get that dark hair?" and we have a PAT ANSWER they reply "God gave it to me." Some people say whatever is on their mind without thinking.
There are a few on the forum who mentioned they DO call people back on missed calls from caller ID. EEEEEEK! I would not appreciate that, in fact I signed up for some website on line and decided it was a crock and had them call three times today, I did not give my name, my phone number or business name, fyi, but they worked hard to find me. GO AWAY MARKETERS!
Within our community we have southerners and northerners. Northerners would ne'er be bold enough to ask about your family and children as southerners would outright, and yet Southerners would ne'r be bold enough to ask about your job, policitcal views or any of that. It is a fine line here, when we have south meets north and west meets east and then toss in some Germans, Brits, Russians into the mix. It makes it all interesting, "Variety is the spice of an innkeepers life!" I stand by that quote! I live by that quote!.

The brothers thing is almost exclusively from Americans. The Europeans aren't so naive.
I honestly dread it, now. I just don't know how to answer it without embarassing them or myself. I know, I shouldn't feel embarassed, it's not my problem, but I still feel embarassed for them.
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The brothers thing is almost exclusively from Americans. The Europeans aren't so naive.
I honestly dread it, now. I just don't know how to answer it without embarassing them or myself. I know, I shouldn't feel embarassed, it's not my problem, but I still feel embarassed for them.

"No."
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The brothers thing is almost exclusively from Americans. The Europeans aren't so naive.
I honestly dread it, now. I just don't know how to answer it without embarassing them or myself. I know, I shouldn't feel embarassed, it's not my problem, but I still feel embarassed for them.

"No."

Too easy... because they continue until the point of where I have to spell it out. And frankly, by that time, I want to actually describe sexual positions to them.

 

[bnbtraveler]

Especially as newer innkeepers, it is wise to question why. Are they canceling because we make it too easy for them? Is it impacting the way I want to do business? If I had a cancellation fee, would it make a difference? What if I charged a deposit? Are people making reservations and canceling because the "competition" offers something more/less than I do? These are all valid questions to help understand your market and how you fit in to it. It helps you refine your policies.
When I have cancellations now, I don't ask why, and it's because I've asked and answered those questions in the first couple years of business..

maybe it's as simple as they found something that they liked better.
do you think that guests will honestly share why they canceled if they are asked about it?
i would just say that i changed my mind.
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Why wouldn't the guest be honest? What do they have to lose?
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I think Eric Blair said it very well.
They don't have to give a reason after all.