Returning B&B House Guests

We love it when someone, who has been here previously, returns to The Grand Kerr House for another stay.  It means that, for one reason or another, they liked their first visit enough to come see us again.  Now that we are into our third season, we are starting to see familiar faces and, to be honest, we tend to take that personally.

With help from our modern technology, we are notified by our reservation system when someone is a returning guest.  Using our old school technology (i.e. index cards that we manually complete for each visitor), we will refresh our memory regarding something notable about their last stay and what we learned about them- their employment, their hobbies, their family, whatever.  What did they have for breakfast and did they love it or leave it.  Any suggestions they may have made for home improvements and/or guest enjoyment.  That way we can greet guests with a sincere "Welcome Back!" and a little familiarity.

Familiarity can often be a good thing and sometimes it is not...

We need to remind ourselves that guests are not returning to just see US!  Surprising, but true, we have not become their newest BFF (let's be honest, that could be a bit creepy) and guests may be returning with a need for time alone - either on their own or with their travel companion.  Each return visitor must be considered on their own merit, some may ask us to join them for a drink and others may be appalled if we invite ourselves for a drink.   We have found that's its best to allow the guest to take the lead and we try to gladly follow along.

Speaking of travel companions, more than once I have assumed it's a returning couple when, in fact, it's someone returning with a different partner.  That can be very embarrassing for everyone.  I have learned to not fill out registration forms with the second guest name prior to check-in  But, if you are the returning better half, there is nothing wrong with giving us a call ahead of time to let us know that you are traveling with someone else - you can even enter the name of the second guest on your reservation (which is always appreciated!)  That can prevent a lot of awkward moments.

Occasionally there is a returning guest that we are not so happy to see again  We had one couple that came to stay and, for whatever reason, they stained the sheets with heavy oils on their first two visits.  This was discerning but otherwise they were enjoyable guests.  Having noted the darkened sheets on their card, we made up their bed with "their" sheets on their third visit.  These guests have not returned since, maybe they were embarrassed or angered.  In hindsight, perhaps we should have handled the situation differently but having to replace sheets after each guest visit can become a costly investment.  Should they return, I may just pick up a less expensive set of sheets for their next stay.

Sometimes we have guests that we immediately click with and, when they check out, there are hugs and promises to see each other again.  And, although I believe they are sincere at the moment, they are gone never to return.  I think about them occasionally and wonder how things are going - did their daughter marry the the boyfriend they were here to meet with for the first time, did they sale their house and move to the home of their dreams, are they still happily married, have they  fully recovered.

People often ask why we run this B&B that takes up our weekends and prevents us from traveling or being spontaneous or even relaxing and I always say "It's because of the guests!".  Everyone has a story and every story is wonderful.  We are touched by our guests and hope that we have been able to send them away with memories that they occasionally recall with joy and contentment.  We are so lucky to meet so many along the way and, maybe someday, we may meet again!