We email the guests very specific directions. We have noticed that GPS doesn't always work in the mountains...not just for our property but in general. So we include VERY specific directions in our arrival packet information.
Thank you for the suggestion, we tried requiring a deposit for a while as well but it didn't really solve the problem of our calendar being blocked for sometimes a long period of time and then a last minute cancellation. Is the deposit you require refundable if they cancel? When do you charge the final payment after the 7 day nonrefundable period or do you collect that upon arrival?
Well, your situation is somewhat different. One of peak seasons is during the fall and winter months so that would make a big difference. The cool mountain nights people want at least a gas fireplace if not the real thing. We turn off the gas logs during summer months so they aren't used then either. But I would be careful about advertising that you have one if they are not allowed to use it -- that is what would cause a bad review.
The general advice is to treat your guests as you would want to be treated.Try to find a way to exceed their expectations...that doesn't have to be anything expensive but do some little thing that they don't expect -- that makes you stand out from the crowd and will help earn repeat customers.
We have a log cabin which has a fireplace. We were very uneasy about having it but have not had any issues. I believe that we would either have to remove the fireplace or allow guests to use it....otherwise we would get very negative comments.
We email the guests very specific directions. We have noticed that GPS doesn't always work in the mountains...not just for our property but in general. So we include VERY specific directions in our arrival packet information.
Thank you for the suggestion, we tried requiring a deposit for a while as well but it didn't really solve the problem of our calendar being blocked for sometimes a long period of time and then a last minute cancellation. Is the deposit you require refundable if they cancel? When do you charge the final payment after the 7 day nonrefundable period or do you collect that upon arrival?
Well, your situation is somewhat different. One of peak seasons is during the fall and winter months so that would make a big difference. The cool mountain nights people want at least a gas fireplace if not the real thing. We turn off the gas logs during summer months so they aren't used then either. But I would be careful about advertising that you have one if they are not allowed to use it -- that is what would cause a bad review.
The general advice is to treat your guests as you would want to be treated.Try to find a way to exceed their expectations...that doesn't have to be anything expensive but do some little thing that they don't expect -- that makes you stand out from the crowd and will help earn repeat customers.
We have a log cabin which has a fireplace. We were very uneasy about having it but have not had any issues. I believe that we would either have to remove the fireplace or allow guests to use it....otherwise we would get very negative comments.