My life as an innkeeper is never dull. Most of the time my work is very rewarding. The average guest is very nice and respectful. And every day I see or hear something that makes me go:
Being an innkeeper has challenges for sure, but there’s an amusing side as well. And an even larger amazing component that most people probably don’t even think about.
Back in August, I posted about people not sleeping between the sheets. https://jansenschmidt.wordpress.com/2016/08/29/between-the-sheets-or-not/ I still ponder that when I encounter it. Not sure what’s up with that or where this trend came from, but it happens. (Yes, I make that face above).
There are other things as well that cause me to make that bewildered face. Here’s a short list:
I’m amazed at how many people travel with alcohol! Isn’t it against the law to travel with an open liquor container in your car? I’m pretty sure the answer to that is yes and yet probably close to 90 percent of our guests tote in some kind of bottle of something alcoholic. I’m not talking the mini bar size either, I’m talking a big bottle of booze. And, they usually consume said alcohol within a few minutes of their arrival. That amazes me. I’ve never traveled with alcohol. Ever. I mean, who wants to cart around the extra weight?
I am amused – and this happens a LOT – when people tell me how delicious the breakfast is yet don’t take more than 2 or 3 bites. Really? Can’t be that delicious. I know there are a lot of folks who don’t eat breakfast, but raving about food one does not eat is strange to me. I know it’s not the food because the majority of folks gobble it up.
And, even more amusing is, how many people stay at a bed and breakfast but don’t eat breakfast. Hmmm. You know it’s included in the price right? And the price of your room reflects the cost of your food. So . . . ? Oh sure there’s a multitude of good reasons why folks choose bed and breakfasts over hotels, but it’s just a little odd to me that you’re paying for something you’re not using. And who doesn’t eat breakfast? Especially when someone else cooks it?!?
I am amazed at how many people move furniture around. I guess if you don’t think a nightstand should reside next to the bed it’s okay to just move it somewhere else – like in the corner. Or outside in the hallway. Chairs are easily moved and I get that one; lamps not so much. Call me crazy, but the lamps sit on the nightstands next to the beds at my inn. And, they’re usually located, oh say, next to an electrical outlet. One guest even moved a very heavy bureau. Not sure why, but . . . there you go. I guess guests need to get their feng shui in order or something.
It amuses me how many people make the bed. I don’t just mean pulling the covers up, I mean, actually, tucking sheets and puffing pillows and . . . you know, making the bed. Some people make it better than me and I make beds for a living. Perhaps I should start offering jobs to these folks. I never make the bed when I’m staying in a B & B or hotel, especially on the day I’m checking out. I might pull up the covers but I never make the bed. This seems odd to me. I guess some mommas musta raised their kids right.
So, there you have it, this week’s list of amazing and amusing innkeeper finds. What amazes you during your normal day-to-day lives? Any interesting quirky behavior you want to share? Do you make your bed every day? Do you move furniture around at hotels?
Word of the Day: Campanulate
Fun fact about me: I love breakfast, especially for dinner.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, March 2017. Photos courtesy Google Images.
One of the perks of going away is not feeling guilty for not making the bed! And yes, hubby usually packs extra booze with him (although I don’t think he drinks it all right away). I don’t believe I’ve ever moved furniture around, either. I mean, it’s vacation, right? Why go to that extra work? People are strange…which makes the world a more interesting place. Have a great week!
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Yes people are strange and that does make life interesting. Just this past weekend a couple brought an opened bottle of Bailey’s Irish Creme to the breakfast table for their coffee. They sat it on the table in front of everyone else and poured it into their coffee. Whatever.
Thanks for stopping by and if you ever come to Vicksburg you won’t have to worry about making the bed at my establishment.
Have a wonderful week.
Patricia
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If I ever stay there, you can rest assured I won’t make up my bed or rearrange your furniture (unless I need to for reading light). And I NEVER pass up breakfast, especially if everything is undercooked. Crisp bacon or hard eggs, I might have to pass on. And, BTW, the mugs I haul in will have coffee and water in them – not booze. Not a prohibitionist, just don’t want any.
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I forgot to mention, I’d appreciate some campanulate flowers in the room.
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I’ll see if I can’t arrange to have your room in proper order when you arrive.
Patricia
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You won’t have to haul in water or coffee, David, I have both for you. You’ll probably have to remind me to undercook your food, but I’d be happy to oblige. I look forward to your visit.
Patricia
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Those people who eat three bites of breakfast then say it’s wonderful are probably not breakfast eaters, but want to be nice because they appreciate your effort–and it IS really good.
I’m one of those who stays at hotels where they have breakfast, then don’t go half the time–mainly because breakfast is over by the time I make it out of bed! So that may be an explanation for your guests too. Never stayed in a B&B, but for me the draw would be the charm and historic atmosphere. Breakfast, if it’s served late enough, would be a bonus!
OTOH, it would never occur to me to move furniture…
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She’d have trouble pleasing you and me both, Jennette. I like to eat breakfast around 6:00 or soon after.
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Sorry Dave – going with Jennette on this one. I’d much rather serve at 10:00 than 6:00. I am NOT an early riser.
Now, if you were my only guest, I’d make an exception, because that’s the kind of super innkeeper I am.
Patricia
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Jennette – if (hopefully when) you visit my inn I’ll serve a late breakfast just for you and I’ll have some Mountain Dew and other yummy treats ready when you are. We definitely have history and charm available all the time.
Yeah, the moving furniture is weird. Oh well, as my mother used to say: “It takes all kinds.”
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.
Patricia
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Moving furniture? All the time! But only things like chairs or coffee tables. This is usually when I travel with my husband and there is only one luggage stand. Where do we put the second bag?
And this is when I get creative…
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I can certainly understand moving a chair or small thing, like a lamp (to accommodate a sleep aid machine or such), but putting furniture out in the hallway is not safe for other guests. I really wish folks would ask me for assistance. I’d be glad to help. We try to find places to store luggage and such as the need arises.
It’s always nice to see you here at The Edge of Eternity. I notice you’ve got a new blog going as well. I hope it’s rewarding for you.
Patricia
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Loved your stories. I can’t imagine moving furniture in someone else’s home, B&B or not. It makes me wonder what they did in the bedroom?? 🙂
We didn’t make the bed when we left the B&B’s we stayed in, but sure did enjoy those breakfasts. Thanks for sharing some of the highlights of your guests.
I’m glad to get back to reading your posts. I always enjoy them a lot. Hugs!
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Thanks Miss Paisley. I hope things are well for you up there in snowy Wisconsin. I sure miss our talks on Saturday mornings. Good to see you and I’m glad you’re able to swing by once in a while. It makes me smile.
Take care. Have a wonderful week.
Patricia
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Quirky guests make for funny blog posts! Moving furniture around in a hotel room kind of blows my mind. And people who make the bed. Surely they know you’re going to change the sheets for new guests. I guess you’re right about some mommas musta raised their kids right!
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We do get some quirky folks through here. Most people are really nice, very respectful and “normal.” But we do get the occasional “challenging” person who thinks the world revolves around them and we should change all of our usual procedures and practices to accommodate them. Things like serving breakfast at 11:00 (1 hour after check out) or allowing them to check in at noon (4 hours before check-in) or letting them pick what they want for breakfast (because I love being a short order cook).
Here’s what I’ve learned: Every guest brings joy to this house; some when they arrive, some when they depart.
Thanks for visiting Lynn. I hope things are good in your mixed up crazy world. Hubby doing better?
Patricia
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