ServiceStories-January31,2012

This week's stories!

Well it looks like six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and scampered back into his burrow. That’s just fine with us, it may be cold outside but we are toasty warm inside enjoying the relaxing waterfalls of the Roman Spa. There is still time to treat your sweetie to the ultimate romantic escape with our Valentine’s Day Package.

• Jeremey was bringing linens down to laundry when he noticed a guest who was having difficultywith the fitness vending machine. The machine was jammed and she really wanted a gatorade. Jeremey went back up to the office and got the vending machine keys and fixed the jam in the machine. The guest was delighted as she was able to get the drink she wanted instead of just her money back.
• One of our guest's was discussing our environmental polices with Janet. She commended the resort on its achievements but was a little disappointed with the size of the recycling receptacle in her room. Janet apologized to the guest and told her that she would make sure for her next stay that a larger receptacle was placed in her room. Janet then recorded this on her paperwork for the day so the guest's preference could be added to their profile and the guest would receive a larger receptacle each stay.
• There is nothing worse then missing the begining of a movie and trying to figure out what was missed in those first few moments of the story. Kyle was starting the movie for guests in the theater room, one of the guests had forgotten his hearing aids back in his room and returned to his room to get them. As they were the only guests in the theater room, he delayed the movie so that they would not miss the beginning and stayed to make sure that the volume was comfortable for the guests.
• There is nothing like a hot cup of coffee with your morning crossword puzzle. Tracy noticed that one of our repeat guests was due to arrive. Knowing that the guest enjoyed the lobby each morning and her crossword puzzle with a cup of hot coffee, she placed a coffee mug with assorted coffee and hot chocolate for her to enjoy with her crossword puzzles.

"Rule 1: The customer is always right. Rule 2: If the customer is ever wrong, re-read Rule 1"  - Stew Leonard, CEO Stew Leonard's

Thank you for letting us share this week's service stories with you. Each week we hope our little differences help bring a smile to your face - remember, service is not dead. It just took a vacation to Maine!

ServiceStories-October3,2011

This week's stories!

Gordy has bewitched Ogunquit! He's a towering 15ft and 1200lbs this year and ready to welcome you to Fall in Ogunquit. Haven't been before? Don't miss out! Ghostly tours, scarecrow contest, the famous Bed Race (see video here of the Meadowmere's run last year), High Heel Dash, apples, cider, concerts, costumes - Oh, my!

• Cheers! Many a guest checks in with bags, snacks, swimsuits and perhaps a bottle of wine . . . or in this case many bottles. Turns out this guest had several family members joining us at the Meadowmere and were celebrating a special occasion in Ogunquit. Janet spotted this couple as they were arriving and offered to help them to their room. In addition she asked if she may get them wine and tumbler glasses for their refreshments. The guest was very happy and accepted. Upon her return with the glasses, Janet also included a bucket of ice to save him the trip.
• While making a reservation, Sheila sensed that perhaps the woman was elderly - However she had booked a room that would require stairs to access. Sheila politely gave this detail on the room location and the guest immediately appreciated knowing this - she had just had some concerns with her knees. Sheila then said to keep in mind that we are happy to help with luggage should she like upon arrival. The guest appreciated the offer and thanked Sheila.
• A daughter was traveling with her family and her father and had arranged for two rooms to be near each other. We were happy to accommodate the request - However, it came to light upon arrival that her father would not be able to do stairs. Sheila looked into the system and found a way to relocate the father to the first level. After settling in the gentlemen told her he was so thrilled - he would have had to stay in the room most of the time because he can't do stairs more than once a day. But now, he can enjoy this time with his family.

"Merely satisfying customers will not be enough to earn their loyalty. Instead, they must experience exceptional service worthy of their repeat business and referral. Understand the factors that drive this customer revolution."  - Rick Tate

Thank you for letting us share this week's service stories with you. Each week we hope our little differences help bring a smile to your face - remember, service is not dead. It just took a vacation to Maine!

2011 Green Wedding Winners Wed in Ogunquit Maine!

Under sunny skies on a picture perfect Ogunquit Maine summer day, surrounded by friends and family representing three continents, Amy Watson of Wiscasset, Maine and Douglas Figueredo of Rio de Jeinero, Brazil, exchanged vows at Clay Hill Farm on Sunday, July 10th. The Grand Prize winners of Clay Hill Farm’s third annual Green Wedding Giveaway, Amy and Douglas attracted votes from 63 countries in their five-week contest campaign this past spring, to spread the contest message of green connectedness and encourage environmental awareness. Two cultures came together for the wedding at Clay Hill Farm, to celebrate a great love and the beauty of nature. While Amy read her vows from a Blackberry having forgotten her notes, Douglas’s long time friend translated in Portuguese. The green irony of saving paper by reading vows from a phone raised a chuckle from both sides of the gazebo aisle.

Having won an all-inclusive wedding ceremony and catered Reception at Clay Hill Farm for up to 75 guests, Amy and Douglas enjoyed the talents of countless wedding professionals who generously donated their products and services to the Green Wedding Giveaway project. Included in the Grand Prize were wedding Florals, Photography, Videography, Trolley transport, Cake, Live cocktail music, DJ Services, Favors, Bridal accessories, Personal Ice Sculpture, Bridal Hair & Make-up, Formalwear, Spa Services, Rehearsal Luncheon, Accommodations at the Meadowmere Resort, and a Mexican Honeymoon.

Part of the messaging of the Green Wedding Giveaway is that couples do not have to sacrifice a single dream to make a difference in the world. “I feel like I’m dreaming”, said Figueredo re-capping the day on camera just before leaving the Reception. “Thank you to all who made this possible for us. Muito Obrigado a todos que tornou possível que nos.”

Clay Hill Farm’s annual Green Wedding Giveaway contest encourages couples to explore the parallel between a commitment to each other and a commitment to the Earth. Amy and Douglas’s video entry highlighted how their commitment to each other, and to a higher purpose, the environment, allowed them to overcome the challenge of living on separate continents. They waved each other’s native flags outside on their wedding day as a symbol of two cultures uniting in love, surrounded by the sights and sounds of natural beauty. Commenting on the Green Wedding Giveaway contest’s trademark slogan, We are all green in some way, so pick your shade and shout it to the world, the Grand Prize couple answered simply in unison, ‘We did.’

ServiceStories-June 7,2011

This week's stories! 

It’s time for World Ocean Weekend! What could be better then visiting the beautiful coast of Maine and learning how to conserve its beauty for generations to come? While Mother Nature is in our thoughts this weekend, don’t forget about Dad next weekend; give him the weekend he deserves with our Tee and Sea Package. Ogunquit is the place to be in June!

• Grandparents are special and vacations with them are always memorable. Merlene was cleaning  one of our family suites when she was approached by one of our guests in the hallway; he inquired when his room would be cleaned as he wanted to put his grand-kids down for a nap. She immediately went to his room to clean the stayover. While she was cleaning she noticed that the kids had some toys and stuffed animals throughout the room. She arranged the toys and placed
  
    the stuffed animals on the beds so that they grand-kids could enjoy their naps, the guest stayed with us four evenings and Merlene cleaned and tidied their room the same way each day. At check out the guest told us they had never received such wonderful attention to detail from housekeeping and how impressed they were.
• David was working at the front desk when a guest inquired about where she could purchase a bottle of water. He directed the guest to the closest vending machine located in the lobby. Unfortunately the lobby vending machine was out of water. David noticed that the guest had a hard time walking and was using a cane to get around, knowing that the next closest vending machine was located in the fitness center he offered to go and get the water for her.
• Janet was stocking her cart for the day when she overheard a loud crash come from one of the rooms in her hallway. Janet immediately went to the room to see if everything was ok. Guest had broken their make up compact, and cut their finger. She got the guest a band-aid and then cleaned up the broken glass and assured the guest she would not have seven years bad luck.  

"Loyal customers, they don’t just come back, they don’t simply recommend you, they insist that their friends do business with you" - Chip Bell, Founder Chip Bell Group

Thank you for letting us share this week's service stories with you. Each week we hope our little differences help bring a smile to your face - remember, service is not dead. It just took a vacation to Maine!

 

ServiceStories-May24,2011

This week's stories! 

World Ocean Weekend is approaching! What a great time to visit Ogunquit and learn about how to keep our oceans and beaches beautiful for future generations. World Ocean Weekend also marks the official start of our Om and Foam Surfing Package. Come and join us and learn how you can be a part of the Green Movement.

• Stuart received a call at the front desk shortly after checking in two of our repeat guests. The guest was looking for accommodations within the Main building but had reserved a room in our Country Squire. Upon reviewing our guest’s previous reservations he noticed that they had experienced car troubles as well as other disappointments during their previous stay. Wanting to give our guests the best possible vacation and knowing that our availability was limited he quickly adjusted the guest’s reservation and complimentary upgraded their reservation to the Main building. The guests were very pleased and were able to enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway.
• Guests forgot to remove the do not disturb sign from their door during the day and therefore did   not receive housekeeping service for the day. When guest returned from exploring Ogunquit they called the front desk and spoke with David. He promptly went up with a fresh set of towels for the guest and also tidied up their room.
• Janet was glancing over arrivals for the day when she noticed a guest arriving who was celebrating their birthday. She placed a birthday card and rose soap in their room so they could enjoy their Jacuzzi tub with the fragrance of roses.
• Kayla was cleaning a stay over room, she had chatted earlier with the guest and discovered that they could use some additional amenity items in their room; she provided extras soaps and shampoos for the guest. Upon the guest’s return Kayla was in the same hallway she chatted with the guest again about their vacation and the guest mentioned that they were interested in different room types for their next stay at the resort. She escorted them around the property and showed them a few different accommodations for next time. Guest was so pleased that they   booked their next stay before checking out. 
• No one likes to do the dishes, especially when on vacation. While Elaine was cleaning a stay over room, she noticed that the guests had some wine glasses that needed cleaning. Elaine cleaned the glasses for the guest so that when they returned to their room they were able to enjoy their wine and relax.

 

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless” - Mother Teresa

Thank you for letting us share this week's service stories with you. Each week we hope our little differences help bring a smile to your face - remember, service is not dead. It just took a vacation to Maine!

ServiceStories-April4,2011

This week's stories! 

How about that April Fool's joke? Oh Mother Nature, you're such a joker with that 6inches of snow! She of course said, just kidding and sent us 50 degree weather. Which is perfect for the upcoming school vacation and Patriot's Day festival. There's also EcoDay April 16 at Laudholm Farm and Earth Day Celebration at Clay Hill Farm April 22. As an Environmental Leader, we love all the 'green' efforts all around us. When you visit, come explore local artisans, breweries, local source food and the 'backyard' of Ogunquit - Mt. Agamenticus, the estuaries, Beach Plum Farm, land trusts and river kayaking. Spring is a great time to explore beyond the beach!

• Our Luxury Suites are a favorite with the in room Jacuzzi and fireplace on a suites floor. Many guests share that it is the best of both worlds - like a cozy B&B room with resort amenities just outside the door. Each room is a little bit unique to add to this B&B feel. Tracy happily checked in a guest to one such suite and when they arrived in room, they promptly called down. The set up was not exactly like the picture on the website. Tracy said she would be happy to show them all of the options available at the time and they could pick the suite. She headed up to the suites level and the guest choose the best fit from what was open. They were thrilled to have a personal escort and immediately understood that each suite is a touch different - like a cozy B&B.
• One of the challenges to staying a hotel is that it's not exactly like home. In fact, it is almost certainly not the same heating system. Often people have questions and we are happy to help. Tracy received one such call from a gentleman and walked him through how to make changed in the room temperature. Not a minute later, the wife was at the desk with the same question. Sensing that the couple may be confusing the directions, she took the time to visit in room and demonstrate the heat. Turns out - they were playing with the air conditioner all along!

"The quality of our work depends on the quality of our people." - Unknown

Thank you for letting us share this week's service stories with you. Each week we hope our little differences help bring a smile to you face - remember, service is not dead. It just took a vacation to Maine!

2011 Green Wedding Giveaway returns to Ogunquit Maine!

 
Green Wedding Giveaway^® 2011 Furthers a Commitment to Giving Back.

Clay Hill Farm’s annual Green Wedding Giveaway; the contest that encourages couples to explore the parallel between a commitment to each other and a commitment to the Earth, revs up the community give-back, ups the ante and changes the rules in year three! “Taking what we have learned from the past two years, the Green Wedding Giveaway 2011 will raise the bar for green-living inspiration and community involvement,” said Jennifer Lewis-McShera, founder of Clay Hill Farm’s Green Wedding Giveaway and CHF’s Eco-Reach^TM environmental outreach initiative.

You don’t have to sacrifice your dream to make a difference in the world is one of the contest theme’s this year, as couples celebrate green connectedness and vie for a complete, all-inclusive, summer daytime ceremony & Reception at Clay Hill Farm on July 10, 2011. But this year, spreading the contest message of green connectedness and giving back to the community, will earn all three finalists in the Green Wedding Giveaway 2011, a Clay Hill Farm green wedding package! When you celebrate the Earth, everybody wins.

Green Wedding Giveaway 2011 contestants are asked to submit a 3-5 minute video and a one page essay demonstrating their understanding of the contest message outlined on the contest website; www.greenweddinggiveaway.com  We are all green in some way, so pick your shade and shout it to the world! Entries are accepted through January 30^th, 2011. Creativity and inspirational content will weigh heavily on the independent judges’ decision in choosing the finalists, and the subsequent Grand Prize recipients. Relying on the inter-personal power of video to document each couples’ creative campaign and wedding journey, this year’s Green Wedding Giveaway will further engage the public to help celebrate the real people that make a difference in our communities

The entry requirements and the judging process are all-NEW for 2011, as the three finalists selected will be asked to create an event, program or campaign that gives back to their community in a 5-week span. The three finalists of the Green Wedding Giveaway 2011 will be making a difference in the world, and their campaign will live on.
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Clay Hill Farm’s Green Wedding Giveaway 2011 is the headlining event in their annual Eco-Reach^TM initiatives to raise environmental awareness. Clay Hill Farm is an award-winning restaurant and wedding venue on 11 private acres in Cape Neddick/York, Maine. The first restaurant in the country to be certified as a natural wildlife habitat and bird sanctuary, Clay Hill Farm is also a state Environmental Leader. Celebrating green initiatives in all shades, Clay Hill Farm believes that showcasing the collective small steps of real people committing to reducing environmental impact, can lead to big change in our local and global community. www.clayhillfarm.com. For more information, please contact Jennifer Lewis-McShera: 207-252-1444. clayhillgreen@gmail.com

Ogunquit Great Pumpkin Contest 2010 Winner!

Congratulations to Nicole Hutt of Gardner, MA - Our 2010 Great Pumpkin Winner! With the closest guess of 98 pounds, our great pumpkin weighed in at 99 pounds. And the prize? A free night's stay! (*Pumpkin not included)

A few other notables for this year's contest:

There were a total of 245 guesses during October. Our hotel holds this contest every year in Ogunquit.

Smallest Guess: 7 pounds by William from South Hadley, MA

Largest Guess: 2,350 pounds by Robert from Brookfield, CT

 
Most adorable entry: Amy from Bristol, RI had the cutest guess ballot - she was so busy trying to write her name and spell Bristol, that her phone number is listed as 130 pounds.

Most distant entry: With a guess of 82.5 pounds (so close!), Anita from Santa Rosa, CA had the guess the greatest distance to travel to guess - She came 3, 179 miles to Ogunquit (so far!)

Thanks to everyone who guessed - See you next fall!

Ogunquit October Deals - Enjoy Fall in Maine!

This year, foliage season looks like fireworks - the colors are amazing! Even, better, farmer's markets, festivals and Zach's Corn Maze are here to enjoy.

Best picks: Harvestfest October 15-17 and OgunquitFest 22-24. Lots of fall fun for the family, beautiful sights of Marginal Way and of course, Maine's famous seafood, Lobsta!

This October, we've got some specials for you to enjoy. Click for your print n clip deals for October. And remember to try our homemade cider and take a picture in front of Gordy for the scrapbook!

Moose Around in Maine

Since we are coming upon Moosin' season, we thought we would put together a few facts about our large friends. Moose are more common for Mainers north of Ogunquit, but every now and then, we'll see antlers down this way. In fact, Long Sands Beach in York had a moose swimming among the beachgoers this year! Check out the youtube video - one hot and hairy beach babe!

So here are some fun facts about Moose in Maine!

• Moose is the largest member of the deer family - yep, Bambi's cousin
• Moose are herbivores (hmmm, so if you don't want to eat those veggies)
• The Moose is the official State Animal of Maine. Hey that's why we're Maine-iacs
• Only the Bull Moose has antler. And that's no bull.
• Moose can measure up to 7.5 feet tall. Hey NBA, how's that for ups!
• A Bull Moose can grow to weigh up to 1,400 lbs. Definitely not pet material!
• A newborn usually weighs about 33lbs and will reach up to 400lbs by their first winter. Thanks goodness it doesn't need new shoes too!
• Moose have very good sense of hearing and smell, but they can't see very well. Blind as a   . . . moose?!?
• Antlers can grow to be up to 5 feet long. There's no getting around that - so be sure to stay out of the way!
• The long legs of a Moose allow them to run up to 35 mph. That's one of the fastest land animals - out run by the horse (45mph) and the cheetah (75mph). Neither are native to Moose teritory so moose can out run most anything in its path.
• A Moose can swim up to 6mph. Wonder what Michael Phelps thinks of that . . .
• Moose live in cool climate forests near water. Most definitely not a Maine snowbird.
• Moose eat grass, leaves, aquatic weeds and twigs. They are the nut and berries type. Very earthy crunchy.
• Predators of Moose are man and grizzly bears. One hunts them and infringes on their habitat. One hunts them and thinks wow, that's a big lunch.
• Moose are active throughout the day. Likes: sunrise walks, sunset walks, moon walks. Dislikes: long naps and traffic. So be carefull driving in moose season day or night!
• The best time to see a Moose is at dawn or dusk. It really is the best lighting for my features, do these antlers make my head look big?

Think of Moose like big game. Imagine you are on a Maine safari. Stay in the car and take great pics on the iphone. You can always get up close and personal with Lenny, a life size chocolate moose in Scarborough - which is a much sweeter way to enjoy your Maine vacation!