Bill's Bountiful Blog

May I keep you posted on my thoughts, ideas, observations, and silliness?. Am I serious? Is it relevant?. Does anyone care? Probably not much.

But in today's age of everyone has something to say, why not me? And who can blame me for jumping into to the pool? For speaking up For laying it out?

"Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one." - Thomas Wiley, Journalist


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Pineapple Express - Lodging Newsletter November 30, 2025

Published: 11/30/25 Topics: Guest Behavior, Lodging Newsletter, Weather Comments: 0

The Junior High School I attended was in a very wide and large river valley, not that we really understood that as children. The building was newer (at the time) and the floor plan was laid out in a giant "E" shape with each leg of the letter being a grade - 7th, 8th and 9th. When the wide tidal type river experienced heavy flows of water, especially when the tide was in, water backed up into the neighborhoods. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP –

Don’t Just Sit There - Lodging Newsletter September 30, 2025

Published: 09/30/25 Topics: AirBnB, Booking.com, Expedia, Guest Behavior, Lodging Newsletter, Radio, Television, VRBO.com Comments: 0

The phrase "Don’t just stand there. Do something!" is often associated with the 19th-century character. the White Rabbit, from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.  
 
For two decades, consumer vacation rental adoption has continued to climb, not withstanding the interruptions by 9-11, the 2008 real estate depression, and then Covid. Growth can be shown on a graph as a steady increase, but factors jostling vacation rentals have also increased. 
 
The advent of online travel agencies (OTAs), like VRBO, AirBnB, Booking.com and others, certainly disrupted things, sometimes for the better, but not always  The increase in consumer demand, resulted in an increase in homes offering their place for rental. That means more competition. Plus, Cities, Counties and States have stepped in to restrict property rental rights and, of course, charge taxes and fees, and impose unnecessary regulations.
 
All of the above does not mean that property owners are to avoid short term rentals. To the contrary, the niche is still a great way to buy a home you love, where you love, and outfit it as you love.
 
It does mean that property owners and managers are now tasked with hundreds of new duties, tasks, and requirements. Once the home is safe and sound for visitors, the new big step, is how and where to advertise. Plus, the marketing requirements of rates, onsite services, customer service and guest results.
 
We borrowed the word "Full Stack" from the software industry, where is means an engineer who has a complete, 100% command of all technology needed to build great applications. It explains what we do and how we do it. Very few other managers are Full Stack.
 
But with the industry now flat in many (but not all) destinations, property owners need a manager who says, "Don’t just stand there. Do something!" This newsletter is about what we are doing (and what others are not) to gain maximum bookings and income for property owner clients.
 

Lodging Newsletter by William May
September 30, 2025 - Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something.
 
For decades we have explored, adopted, tested, and innovated successful new marketing techniques to grow vacation rental income. Although we are a small personalized service, here are things we innovated, usually first:
 
Advertise on all Major OTAs and hundreds of other websites.
Local Branding websites for each destination.
Full booking website for every home.
Perfected High Dynamic Range (HDR) web-optimized photos.
Mastered panoramic and 3D tours online.
High quality in home and in community sales materials.
Significant Search Engine Optimization.
First (and still the only) to create watercolor floor plans.
Applying hotel-like yield management research and techniques.
Invest in staff who stay here decades to give stability.
Constant staff training and collaboration.
Cross advertising and selling between markets.
Include local merchants, shops and restaurants to gain readership.
Answer phones, emails, and chats long hours every day of the year.
Collect reviews from all websites to analyze, appreciate, and respond.
Local & regional tourism websites to gain bookings.
Electronic signatures on every site for easy booking.
 
In most industries that hustle would be plenty. But in light of the current economy, if your manager doesn’t do all those things, you lose. Plus, we add new initiatives that those other managers can’t even dream of.
 
Radio - Partnering with stations for direct response bookings.
Forwarding - Automating reviews to cleaners, managers, and reservation staff.
Proctoring - Directing good reviewers to Google, etc. to repost.
Canvassing - Telephoning prior guests regularly.
Orphans - Inviting before and after guests to pick up extra dates.
Boosting  - Personally inviting guests back to the rental they loved.
Interviewing - Creating blogs from appreciative guests and emailing them to the world.
Outreaching - Regular meeting and greeting all businesses in the area.
 
These new ideas are made efficient with technology, but they spring from leaders with decades of advertising problem solving. No one else has that. So if your managers is doing most of the things in the first list above - good. You’ll make bookings and profit. But if you want more for your property, it’s time to, as the White Rabbit says: 
 
"Don’t just stand there. Do something."  (Call us today.)

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Blog #: 1045 – 09/30/25

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – We have one mission - to train and support the top lodging managers offering a variety of Resorts & Vacation Rental homes. Our support services provide world-class marketing, advertising, reservations, administration, accounting and training. All combined along with onsite local managers and staff. – VortexVIP.com

Guests Say the Darndest Things - Lodging Newsletter August 31, 2025

Published: 08/31/25 Topics: AirBnB, Booking.com, Expedia, Guest Behavior, Lodging Newsletter, Radio, Television, VRBO.com Comments: 0

Guest say the darndest things
From 1959 to 1969, host Art Linkletter’s TV show, "Kids Say the Darndest Things", was a staple on CBS television. It was based on his previous radio series with the same name.
 
Every business person who speaks with customers knows that the general public can say some doozie things. Retailers can’t remember every person who comes to the cash register, but they can certainly remember those who ask too much, demand too much, and sometimes pay too little.
 
The vacation rental and lodging industry is no different. If you want to make a meeting of hospitality people cry from laughing, just get them started on their stories. Most are funny, some are silly, and occasionally even a little sad.
 
Having a customer become irritated may be undesirable if a property fails in some way - a freezer that won’t freeze, and key that won’t turn, a hot tub that is warm. What is not decipherable is when they lose their tempers over things on one could anticipate.
 
Although the advent of online advertising services such as Expedia, Booking.com, VRBO, AirBnB and many other "channels" increase occupancy and profit for property owners, they also encourage consumers to demand more. Guests on AirBnB are 500% more likely to be difficult than if they booked on VRBO. They are 700% riskier than if they booked directly with the management firm. 
 
This newsletter is not to complain about those guests. It is to thank the dozens of hard working staff who must deal with the 5% of guests who are finicky, while finding joy in the wonderful thank yous they get from 95% of the public who love what they do.
 
Every day the attitude must be uplifting, helpful, and even overly kind to every person they come in contact with. There must be smiles and slow explanations, non-stop assistance, and downright kindness in all we do.  
 
It’s not easy. But one small reward helps. When we look back at the darndest things guests say, we get to smile and, after further thought and reflection, we get to see that difficult guests are just another way we service the property and property owners.
 

Here are a few anecdotes that would have made even Art Linkletter wrinkle his nose.
 
Lodging Newsletter by William May
August 31, 2025 - Guests Say the Darndest Things
 
To book thousands and thousands of nights for vacation rental houses, condos and rooms, staff member are always on the phone answering questions, providing clarity and taking bookings.  We must remember the hoards of people we are making happy with wonderful vacations and holidays. But we also remember the arcane, bizarre, and just plain crazy words some people say. (Along with answers we would think, but not say loud.)
 
Q: Can we use the neighbor’s boat? How would they even know? (We would tell them.)
Q: I am not putting my female parts into a hot tub after my children use it. (Nice kids.)
Q: Why does the lake go up and down twice a day? (Can you spell O-C-E-A-N?)
Q: The dates I wanted are booked. Can you cancel the other people? (We like them better.)
Q: Can I bring a trailer with 10 more people to use the bathroom? (Mr. Septic will not like that.)
Q: Why is there a pet cleaning fee? My dog doesn’t pee that much. (Did you measure it?)
Q: I had to rearrange all the furniture to be feng shui. You’ll love it. (No, we won’t.)
Q: Am I allowed to use the water? (Yes and electricity, too. Kinda like magic.)
Q: Is there a nearby store where I can buy a large bra? (Bras R Us.)
Q: For max occupants do you count young people AND old people? (None over 100.)
Q: How thick is the toilet paper? (Do you have something special in mind?)
Q: Can you block all political news on the TV? (Would if we could.)
Q: Why is there no garbage disposal in the bath tub? (I have no kind answer.)
Q: Can you ship me the devices I left in the bedroom? (Only if we don’t have to touch them.)
Q: Can you guarantee it will be snowing? (In summer years, we can.)
Q: Can I bring guns for target practice? (Book that room at the jail.)
Q: Does your Internet provider allow porn? (That is more than we want to think about.)
Q: Don’t tell my wife I am renting with my girlfriend. (There are extra charges for infidelity.)
Q: Do you have a bed bigger than a King. My wife is coming with me. (You have us confused.)
Q: Can you tell me where I can get a lap dance? (Ah ah ah, no.)
Q: I see checkout is 11AM. Can I leave earlier?  (No, you must stay every minute.)
Q: Can you pick me up at the airport? It’s only 3 hours away. (Rush hour, or?)
Q: I arrived late, do I get a discount? (Try that at McDonalds.)
Q: If the listings says no dogs, does that mean no pit bulls? (No bulls of any kind.)
Q: If I stay three times do I get one free? (One what?)
Q: Can you guarantee it won’t be raining? (Yes, if there are no clouds.)
Q: Can you arrange for a porta potty for my uncle. (Not that uncle.)
Q: Can the bathroom be locked from the inside so my kids don’t come in? (Odd children.)
Q: I am only 51, but can I get the senior discount anyway? (Do you look old?)
Q: My dog is not a service animal, can I just say it is? (How nice of you to ask, no.)
Q: Do you provide free jello mix?  (What flavor? No.)
Q: Can you introduce me to friends while I am there? (We’ll be your friend.)
Q: Do you guarantee the toilet seat will be comfortable for a long sit? (Spelling?)
Q: Does the door lock? (Yes.) Does the refrigerator lock? Does the TV lock? (No.)
Q: Can I get a discount if I book last-minute? (Sure, it it’s only for one minute.)
Q: Can you put a framed picture of Sylvester Stallone on the night stand? (Is it for your wife?)
Q: When we depart can we take all the soaps and paper products home? (If you are that poor.)
Q: Is that garage tall enough to put my travel trailer in? (Sorry, no trailers allowed.)
Q: Can you meet me when I arrive at 1AM, to explain where to eat? (Too early for breakfast.)  
Q: Can you waive the fee if I clean up before I depart? (Promises, promises, promises.)
Q: Where do bears go in the woods? (Please rephrase that.)
 
 
 

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Blog #: 1040 – 08/31/25

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – We have one mission - to train and support the top lodging managers offering a variety of Resorts & Vacation Rental homes. Our support services provide world-class marketing, advertising, reservations, administration, accounting and training. All combined along with onsite local managers and staff. – VortexVIP.com

Working With Leavenworth VIP Getaways

By Wendy Thomas
Published: 04/11/24 Topics: Guest Behavior, Guest Management, Interview, Leavenworth WA, Lodging Management, Vortex VIP Comments: 0

Mike, a retired attorney and the owner of Icicle View Vacation Rental Home in Leavenworth, agreed to sit down with Leavenworth VIP Getaways, a member of the Vortex VIP lodging managers group, for a few minutes this week.

For over 20 years, Mike and his family have owned Icicle View. They’ve spent weekend, holidays, and New Years there. Their daughter’s favorite childhood memories have been at the house, and the entire family has enjoyed seeing the California Quail and Grouse in the backyard. A special event for this family of birdwatchers.  
 
Deer have even taken advantage of the carport to cool off during the summertime.
 
VIP: Mike, thank you for speaking with us today. We’re so glad you are trusting your house to us. What made you buy it 23 years ago?
 
Mike: The location was very important for us. We wanted to be out of town, but have the benefit of town water. We love the views of the hills, the night skies, and the sunrises and sunsets from our quiet hillside.
 
VIP: As a resident, what are your favorite things to do in the Leavenworth area?
 
Mike: Golfing at the Leavenworth Golf Course is one of the hidden gems for golf in Washington State. We love to hike up in the Alpine Wilderness area in the Enchantments by Colchuk Lake. Icicle Ridge Trail is beautiful. We’ve enjoyed cross country skiing here. There are three courses in and around Leavenworth. Leavenworth is halfway between Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge for downhill skiing.  
 
We love going shopping at Apple Annie Antique Gallery in Cashmere, and there’s a diner there we enjoy named Café Jazmin. It’s a 50s themed diner that we enjoy.
 
To enjoy the natural features of the area, we go to Ohme Gardens and overlook Wenatchee, Dry Falls beyond Wenatchee. We love the geology of the area.  
 
Another great way to enjoy the beauty of the area is to rent inner tubes from Adventure River Tubing Leavenworth. You can spend an entire afternoon floating down the Wenatchee River, right by downtown. Some people bring food and drink and have a picnic along the way, or get out and stop for a while, then restart.  
 
VIP: That’s amazing, Mike. Thanks so much for sharing all of that. Sounds like you’ve been loving the area for a while. When did you start putting your house in the vacation rental market?
 
Mike: It was during Covid. July of 2020.  
 
VIP: Did you rent it yourself, or did you use a management company?
 
Mike: We started with Vacasa. But we didn’t like how they handled it. The house wasn’t consistently cleaned, and some of the guests we had were worrisome. There was a fight in the house where there was quite a bit of damage.
 
VIP: That sounds awful! We’re glad we are able to help you!
 
Mike: Bill said we’d have better clients, and you’ve kept your promise. You’ve positioned the house well and marketed so we don’t have any more problematic guests. We want to keep the house in our family for years, so making sure we don’t have guests who ruin it is very important to us.  
 
VIP: How do you like our local manager, Michelle?
 
Mike: She’s good.  We have a dedicated housekeeper who has been with us for years, and she and Michelle have a good working relationship. Michelle is very businesslike, and it’s good. She has been very helpful.
 
VIP:  Thank you so much for speaking with us, Mike. We appreciate you taking time out of your day.  
 
Mike: It was my pleasure.

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Author: Wendy Thomas – Contributor, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0985 – 04/11/24

Why Rules - Lodging Newsletter March 31, 2023

By Wm, May
Published: 03/31/23 Topics: Education, Guest Behavior, Guest Management, Lodging Management, Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Of course, promoting the positives of each vacation rental attracts guests. But giving them an accurate and intricate view of the homes relieves their worries about renting which makes them comfortable, too. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Calculate Compliments Criticism - Lodging Newsletter February 28, 2023

By Wm, May
Published: 02/28/23 Topics: Guest Behavior, Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Of course, promoting the positives of each vacation rental attracts guests. But giving them an accurate and intricate view of the homes relieves their worries about renting which makes them comfortable, too. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

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