Week 17 of 2010
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This May, don’t miss the Herb & Garden Faire at the Landis Valley Museum! Enjoy perusing the wares of over 85 vendors, featuring many products ranging from seeds and plants, to herbal teas and seasonings, to local arts and crafts. Stop by Landis Valley’s own Heirloom Seed Project Marketplace. The Heirloom Seed Project preserves the varieties of vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants that were important in the early PA German community. The Herb & Garden Faire will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 7 and 8, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $8.
Anytime you’re in Lancaster, take a peak back in time at the early, rural PA German culture at the Landis Valley Museum. There is something for everyone, including hands-on activities for the kids, and it can be enjoyed in all seasons. Regular hours are Monday – Saturday, 9am-5pm and Sunday 12N-5pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for youth (3-11). For more information, visit www.landisvalleymuseum.org
To complete your Lancaster County experience, book your hotel stay at the Manheim Country Inn & Suites, surrounded by beautiful farmland, just a few miles north of downtown Lancaster. Call 717-665-5440 or 877-720-1202, or go online at www.countryinns.com/manheimpa
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Your Tuesday Travel Tip for April 27th 2010:
Checking your Room Type Guarantee vs. Room Preference.
Lately with more and more travelers choosing to book online we are seeing some confusion in the difference between “Guaranteed Room Types” and “Room Preferences”. The online booking sites will not always be able to guarantee traveler’s room type but they will put down the traveler’s room type preference. Many travelers unknowingly assume this is a guarantee for their room type. While all hotels will try and match all of the room requests to the preferences, it can become difficult during the peak seasons and those guests who are not guaranteed will sometimes end up with rooms types they did not request.
What can sometimes compound the issue is that many rates through the online booking systems are advanced purchase rooms which are nonrefundable bookings. While this will get travelers a lower rate, there is little to no flexibility if you need to change your reservation dates.
For many travelers, room type may not matter as long as they have a bed to sleep in. There are circumstances, though, where room type is VERY important for the travels. Parents traveling with 2 children would become very disappointed to find at check in that they only had one king bed rather then the two queen beds. Or a guest requesting a king bed for their anniversary would be a little upset to find two double beds at check in.
So what can travlers do?
1. If you are booking online read through the confirmation completely and make sure your room type is guaranteed, and if the reservation is non-refundable make sure everything is correct before you submit the payment button.
2. If you are confused at all about the reservation call the hotel directly and ask to speak with one of their “In House” reservation staff. They will be able to help you directly with any concerns you may have.
We as hoteliers never want a guest to check-in and be disappointedwith their room or the customer service they receive. With peak season being right around the corner we are expecting to see more online bookings and this issue may arise more often. So while the hotels will do what they can to make sure travelers are getting what they desire at check-in, travelers can also take it into their own hands to make sure their stays are as stress free and enjoyable as possible!
Until next Tuesday, good travels and safe returns.
~Jason W. Deeds
We are proud to be honored as one of three finalists in the category of “Community Service” for Pennsylvania’s Spirit of Hospitality Awards being held by the Pennsylvania’s Tourism and Lodging Association.
Our Community Service project is one close to our hearts. Every year our team raises money for the Lancaster Relay for Life in order to help find a cure for cancer. Nearly everyone is touched by cancer either themselves or someone they know. Last year our team reached the silver status by raising more then $3,000.00 in funds.
Follow the link below for some great pictures of our team in action.
