ServiceStories-January10,2012

This week's stories!

Winter is here! There is something magical about the ground all covered in snow. Come and join us for Martin Luther King weekend and enjoy all Ogunquit has to offer in every season. Don't forget that Valentine's day is coming up, what a better way to treat your sweetheart then to a romantic escape to the Meadowmere, check out our Valentine's Day Package.

• Jack received a call late one night from a young man who needed a little encouragement in popping the big question. The young man had called to inquire what extra items he could order for his room such as flowers or chocolates. The guest was given the possible in room gift selections and decided not to add any additional items to his stay. After their conversation Jack upgraded the guest to a Deluxe room with King bed and gas Fireplace to help set the mood for their special moment.
•  I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Janet noticed a guest who had her hands full with pints of ice cream. She retrieved a bag for the guest so that she could comfortably carry her desert back to her room. 
• Sheila was checking in a guest who had received a gift certificate as a holiday gift. They were originally interested in booking a standard room with two double beds. She suggested that they upgrade their accommodations and splurge on themselves as we had a king with fireplace and their gift certificate would cover most of the cost. Sheila continued with their reservation for the king with fireplace but unfortunately the room was only available for one of the nights of their stay. She suggested instead a room in the same locations with two queen size beds, the guests were happy with her suggestions and look forward to staying in our king fireplace rooms on their next visit. 

"To my customer. I may not have the answer, but I'll find it. I may not have the time, but I'll make it"  - 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 your face - remember, service is not dead. It just took a vacation to Maine!

ServiceStories-November15,2011

This week's stories!

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and we have many things to be thankful for this year, including all of you. Still haven’t made plans for Turkey Day, why not spend it with us and our Thanksgiving Gobbler Package. Santa is making his list and checking it twice and we hope that we were nice this year, we have been busy at work with preparations for the upcoming holiday season and we can’t wait for the all the decorations and twinkle lights to be in place for the Christmas By the Sea Festival, we hope to see you there!

• Weddings are filled with memories that the happy couple will cherish forever. There are some very important factors to the big day, one of these happens to be the wedding cake. It is tradition that ont he first anniversary the happy couple will eat the topper of their wedding cake.
  Matt & Dan were closing up the resort when they noticed a newly wed couple returning from their reception and carrying their cake, they offered their assistance and helped carry the cake for the guests. The following day Janet noticed the same couple departing from their Honeymoon Suite. She congratulated them and noticed that they did not have a box to transport their wedding cake home. She found a proper box and gave it the guests so that they could transport their cake home in one piece and enjoy on their first anniversary.

• Our Movie Room is a favorite among many of our guests. Stuart had just begun the scheduled movie when he received a call from a guest inquiring about the schedule. The guest had thought a different movie was to be shown. Stuart returned to the Movie Room and changed the showing for the guest as they were the only guests present for the movie.

"If you get everybody in the company involved in customer service, not only are they 'feeling the customer' but they're also getting a feeling for what's not working."  - Penny Handscomb

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-October11,2011

This week's stories!

OgunquitFestis next weekend! With the cooler weather this fall come and warm up with a hot cup of apple cider and enjoy that all festivities that Ogunquit has to offer. There is sure to be something for everyone from the high heel dash to pumpkin decorating and Catacombs. Come and watch the Meadowmere team defend their title for fastest bed in this year's bridge to beach bed race. Don't forget Ogunquit Restaurant week October 30th through November 3rd, yummy!

 

• Wardrobe malfunctions always happen at the most inopportune time. While getting ready for a wedding one of our guests was having difficulty with her dress. Sophia was working in our Main building when she overheard the guest inquiring with other wedding party guests if they had a pin. She looked through her purse and was able to find a pin for the guest to use. The only problem was that the guest needed two pins to make the adjustments to her dress. Sophia was on the search, she was able to find the guest another pin and saved the day! The guest was so happy that she gave her a big hug and thanked her for her help.
• Elfreda was finished her work for the day and returning home when she noticed a guest in the entrance way who seemed lost. She approached the guest and inquired if she could be of assistance. The guest was lost and unable to find her room. To top things off it was raining and the guest seemed apprehensive to venture out into the inclement weather and get soggy. She verified the guest's room number and escorted the guest with her umbrella to her room. She also took the time to show the guest where the breakfast would be served the next morning.
• A father was traveling with his two little girls and was unable to locate his room. Timmeea was finished with her work for the day and noticed the frazzled father in the parking lot. She inquired if she could be of any help, the guest admitted that he was having difficulty finding his room. She showed the guest where his room was located and advised him where to park and where the  elevator was located.

"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!

ServiceStories-September27,2011

This week's stories!

Pumpkins and Cider and Fall, oh my! Fall into all that Ogunquit has to offer, from fine dining to casual walks along the Marginal Way, there is sure to be something to relax and renew as mother nature reveals her beautiful colors. Don't forget about Columbus Day Weekend October 7th thru the 10th or OgunquitFest October 21st thru 23rd.

• It isn't always about singin' in the rain, Jeremey was bringing linens down to laundry on the golf cart  when he noticed a guest who was standing on the landing outside and looking discontentedly towards the rain pouring down. Jeremey greeted the guest and inquired if he could be of assistance. The guest responded that he was contemplating making his way next door, as he was meeting his party members at Jonathan's for dinner. He offered the guest a ride in the golf cart over to Jonathan's so that the guest did not get soaked and could enjoy his dinner in comfort.
• Who needs a luggage cart when you have love! Timeea was cleaning rooms in the Main Building when she noticed a couple carrying their luggage to their vehicle. She greeted the guests and offered to assist them with their luggage.  The guest declined and made a joke in passing, that is why she is keeping him, and thanked her again for offering assistance. 
• Tracy had assisted and briefly spoke with the mother of the groom of one of our wedding block  stays. She was happy to help when they arrived and had a few last minute details to complete, she also sent up blueberry jam and a card to her room as well as a congratulatory card to the newly weds.
• Sheila received a call from a guest shortly after they checked in, the guest was disappointed in her accommodations and thought that her room would be larger. Guest had booked on-line and thought that a larger luxury suite had been booked. She personally showed them other accommodations and made arrangement for assistance with their luggage. Her personal attention and time saved the day and the guest had a wonderful and relaxing stay.

"Every company's greatest assets are its customers, because without customers there is no company."          - Michael LeBoeuf, Author of: How to Win Customers and Keep Them for Life

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-August17,2011

This week's stories! 

The nights are getting cooler but the days are still hot and Ogunquit Beach is the hot spot! There is still time to take a family trip to Ogunquit before the kiddos go back to school. Don't forget about next week's Sidewalk Art Show and Sale on August 25th, the premier of Ogunquit's up and coming artists.

• Your wedding day is an important milestone in your life and you will never forget where you  spent  your special day and most couples return to the same place they honeymooned each year.Tracy made our guests honeymoon a little more memorable. While she was reviewing arrivals for the day she noticed a couple who was getting married that very day. She placed a wild flower bouquet, and a congratulatory card in their room for their arrival.  
• Janet was cleaning a stay over room when she noticed that the disposable razor they had on the counter was broken. Not wanting our guest to try and shave with a broken razor she replaced the broken razor with several new razors, one for each day of the guests stay.
• There are so many great dining options in Ogunquit that it can be hard to make a decision on where to eat. Janet suggested MC Perkins in Perkins Cove, she showed  them a menu and gave them directions. She also left an Ogunquit dining guide when cleaning their room so the guest could look for dining options for the remainder of their stay. The next day Janet conversed with the guest again and asked them how their dinner at MCs was, guest was so pleased with her recommendations and the thoughtfulness of the the dining guide. The guest's ate like kings during their stay!

"We see our customers as invited guest to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better" - Jeff Bezos, CEO Amazon.com

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-July26,2011

This week's stories! 

July is Jumpin! Summer is flying by, it's been such a busy season with so many great things to see and do, we can't wait for August and all the fun it will bring too. It's time to pack up the car and take a trip up to Maine, Ogunquit has lots to offer for all members of the family from fun in sun to relaxing evening strolls in Perkins Cove. Come see why Ogunquit is a favorite vacation destination!

• Summer means weddings, it is such a pleasure and honor to be the destination for lovebirds.   Janet understands just how important the special day is for the happy couple. She was cleaning rooms when she noticed the photographer snapping shots of the groom to be and his groomsmen. She moved all of the linen and the maid's cart to the other end of the hallway so that the photographer could take photos of the groom getting ready for his wedding day.
• Everyone wants to be poolside in the summer, especially during last week's heat wave. Janet was returning from her break when she noticed a guest who had their hands full with poolside necessities. She assisted the guest with their belongings and made sure the guest had everything they needed to enjoy their fun in the sun.   
• Katie was working at the front desk when a couple walked in looking for accommodations. She  showed them a few different room types and gave them a personal tour of the resort and it's amenities. The guests were so pleased with all the resort had to offer and the extra time Katie took to show them around they decided to stay with us for four nights.

 

"Friendly makes sales - and friendly generates repeat business" Jeffrey Gitomer

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-May16,2011

This week's stories! 

Memorial Day is almost here! With warmer weather on the way we can’t wait to enjoy some sun and fun at the outdoor pool, walks along the Marginal Way, and what would the kick off to the summer season be without a boiled lobster dinner from Jonathan’s. We just love Ogunquit it May, what a perfect time to enjoy Maine!  

• You can certainly get lost in love and that’s exactly what happened to a newly wed couple who joined us for their honeymoon. Jack received a call late one evening from a couple who were lost and looking for the resort. He was able to give them directions, but once the love birds arrived they were still a little confused about how to get to their Honeymoon Suite. He personally escorted the couple to their suite, assisted them with their luggage, and turned on the lights for them. While settling them into their suite Jack was able to answer their questions about the resort and get them on track for a great Honeymoon in Maine!
• While Donna was maintaining morning coffee service in the pub she noticed the wedding party from the weekend celebrating with the newly wed couple. The party was gathered for a farewell breakfast. She provided the group with ice water and fresh coffee. When the group was finished she offered to clean up their tables and discarded their trash and congratulated the couple on their nuptials.
• Kayla was cleaning in one of her stay over rooms, this typically includes replacing towels and toiletries, making the beds, and a few other touchups, wanting to make our guests feel at home she organized their books and snacks and also folded the laundry on the bed. The guest was pleasantly surprised to return from a day of exploring Ogunquit to the personal touch that she had left in their room.
• 
  Sometimes computers don’t always work the way we want them to. Tracy received a call at the front desk from a guest who was having difficulty connecting to our complimentary wireless internet. She assisted the guest over the phone but guest was still having difficulty with the connection, she personally went to guest’s room and walked the guest through connecting to the internet. She also advised guest where to find technical support should the guest need any further assistance. Guest was happy to be able to surf the internet from the comfort of their own room.
• It can be hard to plan your vacation from hundreds of miles away, especially when you are not familiar with your destination location. While Stuart was assisting a guest over the phone with their vacation plans at our resort the guest mentioned that they would be traveling further north along the coast of Maine. Stuart being savvy with not only local attractions but also other locations in throughout Maine he assisted our future guest with accommodation suggestions for the duration of their travel. He called ahead to other resorts in Cape Elizabeth as well as Monhegan Island to complete the total Maine experience. Guest was so pleased with his above and beyond customer service that the guest decided to stay with us for the duration of this stay and confirmed his reservation with us for five nights.

"Care more than others think wise. Risk more than others think safe. Dream more than others think practical. Expect more than others think possible." - Howard Schultz

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!

Maine Weddings Shows - Help Planning a Wedding in Maine

 
Now that the quiet season has arrived in Southern Maine, many a hotel, reception venue, florist, baker and more are off to wedding shows. Brides-to-be are dreaming of the perfect wedding day and searching out the vendors to make their dreams come true. Likely in tow are maid-of-honor, mothers-of-brides, a few fathers-of-brides and the occasionally groom-to-be. Goody bags, champagne and bridal magazines abound. Let the wedding planning begin!

November brings great opportunities to find help planning a wedding in Maine. Madeliene's Event Central hosts shows in South Portland and Portsmouth, both of which are near to Southern Maine. However, sometimes the local shows can provide access to wedding vendors in the specific area you wish to get married. Two such wedding shows are on the same day this year - Sunday, November 14th. Whether you are planning a wedding, a wedding coordinator, planning an anniversary celebration or just feel like a wedding consultant (moms out there know this one), being able to visit two shows in the same day is a jackpot.

The Nonantum Wedding Show is 12-3pm with free admission. Held in Kennebunkport at the Nonantum Resort, there are over 40 vendors, chocolate fountains, music, giveaways and more. The sow is hed in the ballroom and there is free food in the river room. More info can be found at : http://www.nonantumresort.com/weddings/weddingshow.html

Many brides are looking to Ogunquit for their special day. In addition to the Kennebunkport wedding show, the Ogunquit Chamber is hosting Celebrations by the Sea at the Dunaway center on Sunday November 14th from 11am-3pm. Perfect to visit first with the early start. Roughly 30 vendors, there will also be live music, refreshments and bridal gifts with free admission. For more information on the Ogunquit wedding show: http://www.visitogunquit.org/event.php?id=17

If you cannot make November 14th, remember that Southern Maine has great resources for planning your wedding - the Ogunquit Chamber is a ready source of help and we often have complimentary Seacoast Bride Magazines to help our couples find everything for the big day. Plus we are always happy to welcome brides at the Meadowmere and help with planning your wedding blocks and much more.

Happy plannning - enjoy the shows!

David Tutera Gowns at New England Wedding Shows

As a member of Madeleine’s Event Central, New England premier wedding vendor group, the Meadowmere is happy to share with you some exciting news!

At the upcoming November Event Central wedding shows in Plaistow, Portsmouth and Portland, David Tutera’s new line of bridal gowns by Faviana has been selected to be showcased during the show. These gowns will then be exclusively available at 125 Bridal in Plaistow, NH. To preview the collection: http://davidtuterabyfaviana.com/ 

The Meadowmere Resort will be at the Portsmouth and Portland shows this November – please feel free to RSVP to the shows and stop by with any questions. Events are "By Invitation Only" for the bride, and 3 guests. The shows are a wonderful and unique way to your wedding vendors and get ideas.  http://www.madeleineseventcentral.com/madeleines-event-central-by-moonlight

Planning a wedding in Maine? Here are some resources for the Ogunquit area!

Getting a marriage license in Ogunquit Maine  

What you should know about getting married in Maine

Churches and synagogues in Ogunquit Maine area

Wedding accommodations in Ogunquit Maine

Happy planning!