Green Tips from UMaine - Great site

The Ogunquit Conservation Commission just emailed a website to us for green tips:

http://extension.umaine.edu/energy/conservation.htm 

There great links and everything is organized very well so you can find more about specific ideas such as windows, insulation and solar.

A really cool process is an energy audit (alright, we are a bit geeky about green so maybe not really cool, but just cool) - you learn lot about what you are doing right and what could really help you out. With so many green projects (should I put in a water heater or windows first?), an audit can help prioritize where to spend a little money and save a lot. We are not just suggesting - we walked the talk and we've had an energy audit just last fall at the resort. It's a good 'report card' and you can have a wonderful time learning what works best for you.

Half Price Gift Certificates for Old Village Inn - Guest Favorite!

http://www.tasteoftheseacoast.com/Taste-Deals/Taste-Deals.html

 

Spotted that the Old Village Inn (OVI for those in the know) was Taste Magazine's latest for half price gift certificates - Get $50 for only $25.

Many of you love the OVI so be sure to call quickly - there is a limited supply with the special.

Hmmm . . quick math says that if you came midweek with a print n clip coupon and one of these gift certificates, two nights with dinner would be around $120 for two. Nice. Gotta love a deal these days.

Countdown to Mardi Gras in Ogunquit - Feb 20-22

Mardi Gras is officially on Feb. 24th with Ash Wednesday falling on Feb 25th. So why not cut loose a little bit the whole weekend before? This must be the idea behind the activities in Ogunquit from Feb 20 thru Feb 22.

There are a lot of deals (we have our Carnival Coin Coupon going in February) - and we are pretty sure that most of them will not require anything 'flashy'. If you have a fun suggestion for Mardi Gras - leave us a comment. If you've ever been a Mardi Gras King or Queen - or have pictures with the Hat Sisters (check out this great Carnival Parada 2008 pic http://www.iamprovincetown.com/events/carnival08/63.htm) - send 'em!

It's here - New furniture!

Today is a big day at our Ogunquit hotel - and not just because we should get 14 inches of snow (yikes).

Today our new Main Building furniture arrives! The first phase is under way - and soon, the rooms will be all new. Here's a few pictures of the team and the project underway.

Hope you can come see everything when we're done!

 

 

   

 

Maybe it's the economy - Debit vs Credit Cards

Every now and then, we get guests very confused on how their debit card works. Lately, there seems to be even more confusion. Maybe it's the economy, maybe the fine print was ignored - who knows. But it's really important to understand. Credit cards are not debit cards. And like most hotels we ask for a credit card at check in. Not a debit card. In fact we have a sign explaining this right at check in.

Here's why we ask for a credit card - we expect that you will be able to pay for the balance of your stay and any incidentals (we are a resort and there are lots of ways to add things to your room charges - pub, spa, room service, gifts, etc). We'd like to know before a guest check in that payment will be received because those who cannot pay for the stay have a way of leaving in the middle of the night - like walking out on a restaurant tab. Our staff works hard - it isn't unfair to expect to be paid for their efforts the value of the stay and whatever phone calls, spa treatments, room service, etc has been purchased.

Here's why we have a sign about debit cards - they do not work like a credit card. If a debit card is presented, your bank will hold your funds. Why? because that is what a debit card is connected to. Not your credit line with MasterCard or Visa, but your bank account. So the balance of stay and incidentals authorization - plus whatever your bank may choose to add for safety on such transactions - will be frozen. If you do not have enough funds, there is definitely a possibility that you could overdraft - but your bank expects you to be responsible when using the card (this is all in the fine print when you get one.) Think about that from the bank's point of view - your bank is covering your stay with us because you cannot pay. It's not fun for anyone - you, us or the bank. That is why we ask for a credit card - so your bank account is not affected.

If you find yourself using a debit card, know exactly how it works and what it means to present that card to a business. Because once the card is authorized (which by the way, is not a charge - it's a hold. They are different), the bank's terms on release kick in - which (fine print) can be up to 14 business days. And they will not talk to us about any favors releasing something early or adjusting overdrafts fees(federal regulations on banking - they can only talk to the account holder and, fine print, they are holding you responsible for using your card. Besides, why would you want your banktalking to anyone about your account information? That's just not a good idea. And whenever we try for particularly insistent guest, the bank already knows who they are - they have a history of such issues and are flagged. Yikes - not the list to be on these days).

We've googled a few articles about debit vs credit, but in the end, we will ask for a credit card, we do expect the services to be paid for and if a debit card is presented, please use responsibly so everyone can enjoy the vacation.

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/00/001218d.cfm

http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070327104618AA8V0vJ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debit_card

http://www.reviewcentre.com/faq180.html

http://www.nclnet.org/debitbro.htm

http://www.nclnet.org/debitbro.htm

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_differences_between_credit_card_and_debit_card

Winter Storm Rate Active Jan 27 & 28

 

A quick blog that our Winter Storm rooms rates to guests visiting the Southern Maine area and local families that may be in need during the storm are in effect tonight and tomorrow based on the current forecast of severe weather (if you've seen this storm on TV, you've already started battening downs the hatches and stocking up on cocoa).

For those that need to be closer to work (or need to work thru the storm), those that are elderly or find themselves in need of a warm, safe place to ride out the storm – We want to offer an option that is convenient and reasonable. People shouldn’t risk safety during the worst of our New England weather.

 

So when the doppler radar looks like a fireworks show and Kevin Mannix has his storm sweaters on, we offer our Winter Rate. Give us a call if you need to. After all, jumping in the pool beats shoveling snow.

Winter Storm Rate Active Jan 27 & 28

 

A quick blog that our Winter Storm rooms rates to guests visiting the Southern Maine area and local families that may be in need during the storm are in effect tonight and tomorrow based on the current forecast of severe weather (if you've seen this storm on TV, you've already started battening downs the hatches and stocking up on cocoa).

 

For those that need to be closer to work (or need to work thru the storm), those that are elderly or find themselves in need of a warm, safe place to ride out the storm – We want to offer an option that is convenient and reasonable. People shouldn’t risk safety during the worst of our New England weather.

 

So when the doppler radar looks like a fireworks show and Kevin Mannix has his storm sweaters on, we offer our Winter Rate. Give us a call if you need to. After all, jumping in the pool beats shoveling snow.

Couples Update - Contestant Spotting

Out and about - we spotted one of the top 5 for the Green Wedding Giveaway. Joelle and Jonathan were in York promoting his tea in the natural food section of the local grocery market. Jonathan owns White Heron Tea.

Since most of the couples are local, we'll keep you posted if we spot anyone else out and about being green. Just about 3 weeks remain until the winner is annouced - talk about a sweet Valentine's Day surprise!! Be sure to vote (we know it's hard to choose)!!

Couples Update - Contestant Spotting

Out and about - we spotted one of the top 5 for the Green Wedding Giveaway. Joelle and Jonathan were in York promoting his tea in the natural food section of the local grocery market. Jonathan owns White Heron Tea.

Since most of the couples are local, we'll keep you posted if we spot anyone else out and about being green. Just about 3 weeks remain until the winner is annouced - talk about a sweet Valentine's Day surprise!! Be sure to vote (we know it's hard to choose)!!

Kiss Kiss - We've got something to tell!

Our stay rewards spa special has been extended!

Your Body Works has just extended the free Jane Iredale lip gloss with any one hour treatment through February. That means you can get a bonus when you're here for Valentine's or an extra treat when you sneak off for one hour during February school vacation (hey, that's why the game room and tv room are here).

They are calling it the 'keep those kissing lips soft' promo for sweet heart's day. How fun!