Thanks for reading my last posting. More importantly thank those of you who came up to Lake Tahoe in June to take advantage of our value packages and special offers. We are delighted by your positive response to the improvements we made to the Inn this past spring.
Sorry, we are sold out over the 4th of July weekend. However, thanks to you Johnny & Jane come latelys space and special value deals remain available for many periods throughout the balance of the summer. As you may have read, airline pricing is now escalating. Those of you flying in may wish to consider booking flights sooner rather than later. Remember San Francisco International is roughly a four-hour drive to Tahoe. Reno/Tahoe Airport is only an hour and a half away. Sacramento Airport is about a two-hour drive. Highways are scenic and excellent in all directions.
Early last month we benefited from a series of afternoon showers that has turned the Tahoe Basin (and our grounds) greener than usual for this time of year. Allow some time for hiking during your next Tahoe visit. It is an activity that is good for you, beautiful and like many of our outdoor activities it’s free.
We have replenished our supply of lawn games and are just completing a new Club Room. This space has board games, cards and books for our guest’s complimentary use during their stay. Let us know what else you feel we should add to this space. Our Tahoe Bowl has turned up its new air condition system to offer the “coolest” in family fun.
Hope to see you soon! In any event have a great summer.
Best Regards,
Dan
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Summer 2009 - A Travel Buyer's Dream!
Just read an article titled as above. It’s very true, there are more deals out there than you can shake a “confirmation” at. By all means check them out. Take care to separate the so-called “deals” from True Travel Values.
Lodging establishments for instance are very capital and labor intensive. Inn by the Lake enjoyed a good winter season however; business has definitely been slower than usual, throughout Lake Tahoe, during the spring shoulder season. What did we do during this down time? Obviously, I did not update my Blog. We did update our facilities completing our three-year cycle of painting the interiors of our 100 guest units. Hope you will like our new contemporary Tahoe color scheme! We also updated areas like our bi-level spa, which can only be tended too during low occupancy periods. Our housekeeping & maintenance staffs were kept employed and busy executing spring heavy cleaning programs.
The point I am trying to make is that Inn by the Lake, while cost conscious, realizes the need to invest in our program of repairs, maintenance and capital improvements. We do our best to support and maintain, our greatest asset, the Inn by the Lake Team, through year round employment. The business reason for this is simple. The guest experience must meet or exceed expectations if we are to maintain and enhance our market share. There, now you know our secret to success!
Taking True Value a step further, Inn by the Lake is offering attractively priced packages and room discounts during this years prime summer season. Quite candidly, weekends are filling up as usual. Regardless, until May 31st we are offering a 15% off Early Booking Special on some Friday & Saturday nights. Currently, we have ample space available during the week. Traditionally, mid-week pricing (Sunday through Thursday) is approximately 20% less than weekend rates. We are presently offering a 25% discount off mid-week summer Seasonal pricing, subject to availability.
Packages include Bed & Breakfast, Family Value and an Emerald Bay Cruise. Click on our Specials & Package button to check availability and for more information. Should you prefer call 1-800 877-1466 to speak with one of our on-site knowledgeable team members 24/7.
In further support of Inn by the Lake’s value proposition, we offer FREE - wireless Internet access, lobby computer station, lake view fitness room, 2-hour use of bikes, BBQs and picnic areas. Safeway is a block away should you wish to fill the mini-refrigerator available in your room. We also have microwaves in each or our rooms. Beautiful lake and mountain views are also FREE from many parts of our spacious, attractively landscaped grounds.
Come up and see for yourself.
Best Regards,
Dan
Lodging establishments for instance are very capital and labor intensive. Inn by the Lake enjoyed a good winter season however; business has definitely been slower than usual, throughout Lake Tahoe, during the spring shoulder season. What did we do during this down time? Obviously, I did not update my Blog. We did update our facilities completing our three-year cycle of painting the interiors of our 100 guest units. Hope you will like our new contemporary Tahoe color scheme! We also updated areas like our bi-level spa, which can only be tended too during low occupancy periods. Our housekeeping & maintenance staffs were kept employed and busy executing spring heavy cleaning programs.
The point I am trying to make is that Inn by the Lake, while cost conscious, realizes the need to invest in our program of repairs, maintenance and capital improvements. We do our best to support and maintain, our greatest asset, the Inn by the Lake Team, through year round employment. The business reason for this is simple. The guest experience must meet or exceed expectations if we are to maintain and enhance our market share. There, now you know our secret to success!
Taking True Value a step further, Inn by the Lake is offering attractively priced packages and room discounts during this years prime summer season. Quite candidly, weekends are filling up as usual. Regardless, until May 31st we are offering a 15% off Early Booking Special on some Friday & Saturday nights. Currently, we have ample space available during the week. Traditionally, mid-week pricing (Sunday through Thursday) is approximately 20% less than weekend rates. We are presently offering a 25% discount off mid-week summer Seasonal pricing, subject to availability.
Packages include Bed & Breakfast, Family Value and an Emerald Bay Cruise. Click on our Specials & Package button to check availability and for more information. Should you prefer call 1-800 877-1466 to speak with one of our on-site knowledgeable team members 24/7.
In further support of Inn by the Lake’s value proposition, we offer FREE - wireless Internet access, lobby computer station, lake view fitness room, 2-hour use of bikes, BBQs and picnic areas. Safeway is a block away should you wish to fill the mini-refrigerator available in your room. We also have microwaves in each or our rooms. Beautiful lake and mountain views are also FREE from many parts of our spacious, attractively landscaped grounds.
Come up and see for yourself.
Best Regards,
Dan
Friday, December 12, 2008
We Are Ready for the Holidays. Are You?
Tahoe and Inn by the Lake in particular are ready for your visit this Holiday Season. Are you one of the many who has delayed making travel arrangements? We forgive you! However, suggest you get with it and click on reservations or call our 800 number. Our holiday season rates remain unchanged from last year and special promotions are available, even during prime season. Availability is limited and diminishing with each passing day.
The first major storm of the season is coming tonight and forecasted over the next five days to greatly enhance ski conditions. Tahoe’s major ski resorts made presentations at yesterday’s Lodging Association meeting and are offering some of the best deals in memory. Collectively, they have spent millions during the off-season enhancing the visitor experience. Specifics may be accessed via their web sites. The Inn receives special reseller pricing on lift tickets from certain resorts. We will be passing on these full discounts to guests of Inn by the Lake. Ski resort links are available by clicking on Winter Fun & Games on our home page. Check out the web cams for real time conditions.
October and November were not very busy months for visitors to Tahoe. I don’t watch much TV but heard rumors about a difficult economy or something like that. We did have to economize but took special pains to reduce costs where it would not impact guests. We kept our maintenance staff at full strength and augmented our painting and heavy cleaning efforts with members of our housekeeping team. The end result is that Inn by the Lake has never looked better. You have to see it for yourself!
Our bowling center continues to reign as Tahoe’s favorite family fun center. Take time to bowl a few games of 9 pin, which is fun for the whole family. Tahoe Bowl’s new web site should be up and running this week. For those of you who are unaware, the city’s Recreation Center is across the street and a block away from the Inn. The in-door Ice Arena is also a big hit with families.
We are delighted to announce the addition of Bear Beach Café to the array of amenities available at Inn by the Lake. This new lake view full service family restaurant will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We hope to open prior to the end of this month. Stay tuned for additional information.
Whether you spend your Holiday Season in Lake Tahoe (at the Inn of course) or at home, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Joyous Season. May the New Year bring you less stress, good health and much happiness!
Best Regards,
Dan
The first major storm of the season is coming tonight and forecasted over the next five days to greatly enhance ski conditions. Tahoe’s major ski resorts made presentations at yesterday’s Lodging Association meeting and are offering some of the best deals in memory. Collectively, they have spent millions during the off-season enhancing the visitor experience. Specifics may be accessed via their web sites. The Inn receives special reseller pricing on lift tickets from certain resorts. We will be passing on these full discounts to guests of Inn by the Lake. Ski resort links are available by clicking on Winter Fun & Games on our home page. Check out the web cams for real time conditions.
October and November were not very busy months for visitors to Tahoe. I don’t watch much TV but heard rumors about a difficult economy or something like that. We did have to economize but took special pains to reduce costs where it would not impact guests. We kept our maintenance staff at full strength and augmented our painting and heavy cleaning efforts with members of our housekeeping team. The end result is that Inn by the Lake has never looked better. You have to see it for yourself!
Our bowling center continues to reign as Tahoe’s favorite family fun center. Take time to bowl a few games of 9 pin, which is fun for the whole family. Tahoe Bowl’s new web site should be up and running this week. For those of you who are unaware, the city’s Recreation Center is across the street and a block away from the Inn. The in-door Ice Arena is also a big hit with families.
We are delighted to announce the addition of Bear Beach Café to the array of amenities available at Inn by the Lake. This new lake view full service family restaurant will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We hope to open prior to the end of this month. Stay tuned for additional information.
Whether you spend your Holiday Season in Lake Tahoe (at the Inn of course) or at home, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Joyous Season. May the New Year bring you less stress, good health and much happiness!
Best Regards,
Dan
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My Favorite Season - Is It Autumn or Fall?
Not sure of the exact difference between these two seasonal designations. This year it is definitely Fall. We had a cold snap to include a light snowfall this past weekend. This set in motion a rapid seasonal change. Leaves have turned and pine needles fall to blanket nightly our six plus acres.
Inspired by Mark (once a local resident) Twain’s classic Tom Sawyer, we’re considering offering an outdoor fitness package called pick up needles. Spend a few hours following our grounds person around bagging needles and you will be ready for ski season!
Can’t ignore what has happened on Wall Street and elsewhere around the World. However, gazing into the deep blue of Lake Tahoe tends to clear the senses and provides a more positive perspective. Yes, like many industries, travel is down and deals abound. Check our early booking and other specials on this website. Call our 800 number for further details.
Weather.com predicts Tahoe temperatures as far as 10 days out with a fair amount of accuracy. Looking ahead this season, daytime temperatures will frequently range in the 70’s and cool down into the 30’s at night. Check out what suits you and come up to see us during this less crowded and yet beautiful time of year.
Incidentally, if you have not experienced Thanksgiving in Tahoe, space remains available at Inn by the Lake. Special menus are offered at several neighboring restaurants or reserve one of our deluxe suites with a fully equipped kitchen. We will be continuing our tradition of placing pumpkin pies in each of our guest units for your enjoyment.
Inspired by Mark (once a local resident) Twain’s classic Tom Sawyer, we’re considering offering an outdoor fitness package called pick up needles. Spend a few hours following our grounds person around bagging needles and you will be ready for ski season!
Can’t ignore what has happened on Wall Street and elsewhere around the World. However, gazing into the deep blue of Lake Tahoe tends to clear the senses and provides a more positive perspective. Yes, like many industries, travel is down and deals abound. Check our early booking and other specials on this website. Call our 800 number for further details.
Weather.com predicts Tahoe temperatures as far as 10 days out with a fair amount of accuracy. Looking ahead this season, daytime temperatures will frequently range in the 70’s and cool down into the 30’s at night. Check out what suits you and come up to see us during this less crowded and yet beautiful time of year.
Incidentally, if you have not experienced Thanksgiving in Tahoe, space remains available at Inn by the Lake. Special menus are offered at several neighboring restaurants or reserve one of our deluxe suites with a fully equipped kitchen. We will be continuing our tradition of placing pumpkin pies in each of our guest units for your enjoyment.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Online Travel Reviews - read between the lines...
Earlier this month some of the smoke from California fires placed a haze over the Tahoe Basin. Conditions have been back to normal this past week and the skies are as deep blue as the Lake! Speaking of clearing matters up, I would like to share some thoughts on online travel reviews by our fellow travelers. They are GREAT!
That is to say, when travelers post them and not “others” interested in promoting a particular property or travel service. One of the reasons I think they are great is that a single lodging property or resort can’t be all things to all people. Legitimate user reviews go beyond the Inn’s photos and verbiage and typically speak more to the users actual “experience.” What excites one traveler, may turn-off another visitor. Case in point, I was interested in staying in a well-regarded boutique hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. Checking it out on TripAdvisor.com, a posting gave “rave” reviews including how “cool” it was to be able to hear the group performing in the lounge until 2:00 AM in their room. Not quite the experience I had envisioned.
Getting back to bogus consumer postings, I make the following suggestions:
My father always told me “Don’t believe anything you hear and nothing that you read.” I always considered this one of my Dad’s most profound thoughts until I learned it came from Abraham Lincoln.
Read as many reviews as possible. Consider throwing out the best and the worst.
I recently read that out of the millions of people that visit TripAdvisor.com, less than 2% post comments. Be leery of properties that have 5 star postings each day of the month, week after week.
Some sites provide a summery of posting grades. They usually look like this.
Example:
5 Stars - 25
4 Stars - 20
3 Stars - 15
2 Stars - 5
1 Star - 2
Ran across a local property recently where they had 50 recent 5 Star ratings, a smattering of 3, 4 and 2 grades followed by 39 1 Star rankings. This, I consider questionable.
You know how you can tell the difference between a guest posted photo and a “plant?” If it is of a guestroom interior the guest photo is rarely flattering. Try this at home. Take a picture of your unmade bed in the morning. Would you pay to stay there again?
Hope some of this helps in your future online travel planning. Happy trails!
Best Regards,
Dan
That is to say, when travelers post them and not “others” interested in promoting a particular property or travel service. One of the reasons I think they are great is that a single lodging property or resort can’t be all things to all people. Legitimate user reviews go beyond the Inn’s photos and verbiage and typically speak more to the users actual “experience.” What excites one traveler, may turn-off another visitor. Case in point, I was interested in staying in a well-regarded boutique hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. Checking it out on TripAdvisor.com, a posting gave “rave” reviews including how “cool” it was to be able to hear the group performing in the lounge until 2:00 AM in their room. Not quite the experience I had envisioned.
Getting back to bogus consumer postings, I make the following suggestions:
My father always told me “Don’t believe anything you hear and nothing that you read.” I always considered this one of my Dad’s most profound thoughts until I learned it came from Abraham Lincoln.
Read as many reviews as possible. Consider throwing out the best and the worst.
I recently read that out of the millions of people that visit TripAdvisor.com, less than 2% post comments. Be leery of properties that have 5 star postings each day of the month, week after week.
Some sites provide a summery of posting grades. They usually look like this.
Example:
5 Stars - 25
4 Stars - 20
3 Stars - 15
2 Stars - 5
1 Star - 2
Ran across a local property recently where they had 50 recent 5 Star ratings, a smattering of 3, 4 and 2 grades followed by 39 1 Star rankings. This, I consider questionable.
You know how you can tell the difference between a guest posted photo and a “plant?” If it is of a guestroom interior the guest photo is rarely flattering. Try this at home. Take a picture of your unmade bed in the morning. Would you pay to stay there again?
Hope some of this helps in your future online travel planning. Happy trails!
Best Regards,
Dan
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Don't delay your travel plans too long...
Sorry, Inn by the Lake is sold out over 4th of July. Promises to be a beautiful day at the lake. As many “regulars” know, our front lawn is one of the best vantage points in town to watch the fireworks. We will have chairs and blankets available for guest comfort. Ace, our landscaper, assures us that the lawn sprinkler system will not go off, like last year, in the middle of the display. Rooms remain available over Labor Day weekend when there will be a similar display, plus a soon to be announced special treat!
We have experienced a very short booking window this summer. This is industry terminology for the time frame between reservations being made and guest arrival. Our guess is that this is being caused by outrageous gas prices, worries over the economy and all the other negative “stuff” that are being reported and repeated on the news. Record oil prices seems to have impacted all of us personally and they have taken their toll on Inn by the Lake margins. Unlike other businesses, we do not feel it appropriate or prudent to raise prices. Thus, same room rates as last year prevail, enhanced with some attractive mid-week specials that you may check out on this site.
Visitor traffic from far and wide seems to be down this year. Fortunately, Tahoe and Inn by the Lake in particular qualifies as a “one tank holiday” for our primary Northern California and Nevada markets. So even at $4.19 per gallon the cost of many of your much deserved Tahoe Holiday is up roughly $20 to $40 over last year.
My “travel tip” this posting is to go for it! Whether you head for Tahoe or tin-buk-tu, these are depressing times and we all need a break to recharge. Check out the Internet for the best values. By all means, research the 3rd party sites like Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, etc but make it a point to also go directly to the supplier’s site for more detailed information. Call the 800# and speak to a real person with real knowledge. Read visitor reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor.com and others. Don’t let one review; good or bad overly influence you. Read as many as possible and determine if what is crucial to others is important to you.
Wherever, that full tank of gas takes you, have a restful holiday and a great summer!
Best Regards,
Dan
We have experienced a very short booking window this summer. This is industry terminology for the time frame between reservations being made and guest arrival. Our guess is that this is being caused by outrageous gas prices, worries over the economy and all the other negative “stuff” that are being reported and repeated on the news. Record oil prices seems to have impacted all of us personally and they have taken their toll on Inn by the Lake margins. Unlike other businesses, we do not feel it appropriate or prudent to raise prices. Thus, same room rates as last year prevail, enhanced with some attractive mid-week specials that you may check out on this site.
Visitor traffic from far and wide seems to be down this year. Fortunately, Tahoe and Inn by the Lake in particular qualifies as a “one tank holiday” for our primary Northern California and Nevada markets. So even at $4.19 per gallon the cost of many of your much deserved Tahoe Holiday is up roughly $20 to $40 over last year.
My “travel tip” this posting is to go for it! Whether you head for Tahoe or tin-buk-tu, these are depressing times and we all need a break to recharge. Check out the Internet for the best values. By all means, research the 3rd party sites like Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, etc but make it a point to also go directly to the supplier’s site for more detailed information. Call the 800# and speak to a real person with real knowledge. Read visitor reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor.com and others. Don’t let one review; good or bad overly influence you. Read as many as possible and determine if what is crucial to others is important to you.
Wherever, that full tank of gas takes you, have a restful holiday and a great summer!
Best Regards,
Dan
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Great Time of Year to Visit Tahoe!
Blue skies and mild temperatures make this an ideal time to visit Lake Tahoe. While it is officially still spring it feels like summer around the lake. Only difference being there are fewer visitors this time of year. Wonderful time to visit for those of you who not only enjoy the natural beauty but peace and serenity of the Tahoe Basin.
Our landscaping crew has cleaned up our extensive grounds, turned on our sprinkler systems and will be planting soon. After being buried in several feet of snow, it is amazing how our lawns and gardens spring back to life. Guess that’s why they call it spring! We will hold off until June 1st before planting our more delicate flowers. Up here in the Great Blue, should you plant color before Memorial Day you run the risk of that one last snow flurry doing them in.
My “travel tip” for this posting is to watch the seasons when planning your vacation travel. Like most resorts, Inn by the Lake’s rates are seasonal. Thus, supply and demand are significant factors in pricing. We could sell 3 to 4 times as many rooms over holiday periods, winter weekends and the busy summer months. So, if your travel schedule is flexible take advantage of the lower rates & specials available mid-week, spring and fall.
We realize that high gas prices are of concern to you and the rest of us. Once you arrive at the Inn, take advantage of the city’s very reasonably priced BlueGo shuttle system. The Nifty Thrifty Trolley will also be running to points of interest soon. The Inns central location is conducive to some great hikes. We have placed into service early this year for guest use our small fleet of complimentary bicycles.
Incidentally, we did extend our online special through May 22, 2008. Click on CHECK AVAILIBILITY and then Promotional Rates and you will see what I mean!
Best Regards,
Dan
Our landscaping crew has cleaned up our extensive grounds, turned on our sprinkler systems and will be planting soon. After being buried in several feet of snow, it is amazing how our lawns and gardens spring back to life. Guess that’s why they call it spring! We will hold off until June 1st before planting our more delicate flowers. Up here in the Great Blue, should you plant color before Memorial Day you run the risk of that one last snow flurry doing them in.
My “travel tip” for this posting is to watch the seasons when planning your vacation travel. Like most resorts, Inn by the Lake’s rates are seasonal. Thus, supply and demand are significant factors in pricing. We could sell 3 to 4 times as many rooms over holiday periods, winter weekends and the busy summer months. So, if your travel schedule is flexible take advantage of the lower rates & specials available mid-week, spring and fall.
We realize that high gas prices are of concern to you and the rest of us. Once you arrive at the Inn, take advantage of the city’s very reasonably priced BlueGo shuttle system. The Nifty Thrifty Trolley will also be running to points of interest soon. The Inns central location is conducive to some great hikes. We have placed into service early this year for guest use our small fleet of complimentary bicycles.
Incidentally, we did extend our online special through May 22, 2008. Click on CHECK AVAILIBILITY and then Promotional Rates and you will see what I mean!
Best Regards,
Dan
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