Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Are you going to have a White Christmas?

In case you did not notice, many moons have passed (some of them full ones) since my last Blog posting. Sorry about that, but we have been very busy getting ready for your holiday visit.

Have you read on TripAdvisor that Inn by the Lake now ranks #8 out of 62 Lake Tahoe lodging properties? One motel, hotel and/or Inn can’t be all things to all guests so we recommend reading what guests are saying and then make your choice. Please check out the specific comments and the dialog, which takes place. Click on the link below or paste this link onto your browser.

www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1798615-d209448-Reviews-Inn_by_the_Lake-South_Lake_Tahoe_Lake_Tahoe_California_California.html

We typically utilize the slower fall shoulder period to complete projects, maintenance tasks and heavy cleaning. This year was no exception. In addition, several months ago we had our property surveyed by a Certified Access Specialist to determine if there were any areas where we could improve accessibility. Sure enough, the CASp provided us with a list of recommendations that we have been busy implementing. Built in 1982, Inn by the Lake has a long tradition of accommodating a broad cross section of visitors including those with disabilities.

Recently our family fun center, Tahoe Bowl, was updated with new synthetic lanes. Regrettably, this rather costly improvement has not had a positive impact upon my average score. However, they sure look great and the traveling pros that frequent Tahoe Bowl say very positive things. Tahoe Bowl is the largest south shore private indoor venue featuring Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza, Lane 17 Sports Bar, pool, video games and much more. Scoring on our 16 lanes is fully automated and all you have to do is type in your name.

Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra at Tahoe and Kirkwood all have opened with near record snow fall. More powder is on the way this week. This will make for a fabulous White Christmas!

We hope to see you in Lake Tahoe over the Holiday Season!

Best Regards,
Dan

Thursday, June 17, 2010

We Have the Best....

Regular readers may be surprised by the title of this post. Typically we do not boast, humility is the norm. If you had a nose like mine you would also be modest.

However, the fact is we typically serve the Best Clientele one could ever imagine. Whether it is individual couples, family reunions or business retreats, some of the nicest people pass through our lake view setting. While it is true that they may occasionally arrive on edge or even stressed, a good nights rest and a look outside relieves and refreshes.

Yesterday afternoon we held our Team Member summer kick-off picnic. Rich our Director of Sales, barbequed carne asada and it was great! Families of our staff members enjoyed breaking-in the new lanes in our Tahoe Bowl. Watching one and all have a good time, I was reminded of what a great staff we have. No boast, just fact.

Summer business has picked-up and is pacing ahead of last year. However, like many of you we still feel the impact of the recession and realize that the new normal is to offer great value. Historically, we do not discount during July & August, the busiest months of the year. We want to encourage as many visitors as possible to take that much needed summer break at Inn by the Lake. In addition, we want to keep our Team very busy and fully employed. Thus, you will note on this website that we are offering mid-week (Sunday through Thursday) discounts this summer. Please take advantage of these offers while they last.

We hope to see you in Lake Tahoe soon.
Best Regards,
Dan

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Thank you Mother Nature!

Thank you Mother Nature for turning Lake Tahoe into a winter wonderland this season! Did you see the white lights on the Jeffery Pines that run the length of our lake view frontage? Inn by the Lake won the Best Lights on the Lake Award from our Chamber this year. Storms, while frequent, came at mid-week, were relatively mild but managed to dump plenty of white stuff for visitors and locals to enjoy! Spring has sprung but Heavenly Mountain Resort will be open until April 25th for those families that enjoy great conditions but milder weather.

Inn by the Lake’s spring-cleaning projects are now well underway as Old Man Winter does take his toll on our facilities. As locals know, this is a beautiful time of year to visit the Tahoe Basin. Visitor traffic is typically light in April and May, with this year being no exception. Bargains abound to include significant discounts on the Inn’s already low Value Season room rates and many restaurants are offering two for one and other specials. An insider’s tip, you need not book too far in advance. Check the weather (which is usually great) and feel confident in your ability to reserve with little notice.

Things change in June where our advance reservation counts are running ahead of the same month last year. Currently for a limited time, we are still offering specials during June. So take advantage while space remains available.

July and August will once again be the busiest months of the year, suggest you reserve early. Another tip, the last 10 days of August are not as busy as they once were. Schools going back in session early may be the reason. Benefit from this trend and come up for another visit before summer turns to fall.

Working with local activity partners we will be offering more things to do throughout the year. So keep an eye on our website or subscribe to our e-newsletter to keep current.

Best regards,
Dan

Friday, January 1, 2010

2010 New Year's Resolutions for the INN

New Years Day 2010. We have nearly completed a very successful holiday season with a safe and sane New Years. Successful in that guests, who blessed us with their presence, have had a really fine time in Lake Tahoe. Children squealing as they played in the fresh snow, ski/boarders returning from the slopes red-checked & smiling and those visitors who simply wish to chill appearing very relaxed. Almost makes you forget what a crummy year 2009 was due to the economy.

We subscribe to the theory that the “new normal” will continue to prevail in 2010. Those visitors fortunate enough to travel will be very discerning and value conscious. Our over all goal at Inn by the Lake will be to meet and exceed expectations.

Everyone these days strives to offer value. Especially, those in the travel business. Once again this year we will not be increasing our seasonal rates. In fact, we will continue to offer special discounts on a seasonal basis as demand and the economy dictate. Revenue from the sale of our guest rooms is our primary source of income, while most of the amenities we offer come free of charge. Not only do we plan to increase these complimentary offerings but also we hope to convey more clearly the low cost recreational opportunities that abound in our neighborhood.

We have learned this past year how to be very efficient without compromising the guest experience. While lean in administration, we are extremely fortunate to have a compliment of seasoned front line team members who willingly multitask and cater ever so well to the needs of our guests. While no one runs the risk of getting rich, we will continue to reward and nurture this, our most valuable asset, with competitive wages & benefits (which include health insurance). Perhaps more importantly, we will continue to maintain a pleasant workplace based upon mutual respect.

Inn by the Lake is entering its 28th year of operation. Tahoe Bowl celebrated its 50th anniversary this past year. In Europe these facilities would be considered relatively new. Many in the US might consider our architecture dated, we refer to it as vintage alpine. Fortunately, our buildings and grounds have been consistently upgraded and maintained and offer a level of comfort unsurpassed by the vast majority of our Lake Tahoe competitors. We promise to continue to maintain the highest level of care and will not compromise comfort, convenience, sanitation or security.

In order to maintain attractive pricing and specials, our capital budget will be limited this coming year. Guess we will have to postpone those new flat screen LCD TVs for another year. We will continue to offer expanded cable and HBO on our classic color receivers. If you come to the Lake Tahoe basin, one of nature’s wonders, primarily to watch TV you may wish to reconsider your priorities anyway.

Wishing all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!
Best Regards,
Dan