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 –

Thanksgiving Game - Lodging Newsletter October 31, 2025

Published: 10/31/25 Topics: Comments: 0

Twenty years ago, I found myself in a 3-day, adult-child basketball game on a college campus in Spokane, Washington. With my own then too young to attend, I tagged along with my brother and his children. Little did I know what I had gotten myself into, or how that would lead to other games conducted by National Basketball Camps. (NBCcamps.com) 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.)

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

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.)

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

Ozzy Osbourne Vacation Rentals - Lodging Newsletter July 31, 2025

By Wm. May
Published: 08/26/25 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

You don’t have to be a John Michael Osbourne fan to know who the name Ozzy refers to.

Never far from the headlines, even those who feel symphonic music is far superior, must admit they know of him and his music. After a life filled with countless substances and shenanigans, he later intrigued viewers who watched him, his wife Sharon and two of their children frolic around their mansion acting like (somewhat) like normal people.

There have been many bands in Ozzy’s genre, but everyone agrees he was first. In every generation there have been musicians who grab the attention of young listeners. But as Ozzy’s original fans aged, new groups of adolescents (In particular males) found him, embraced his music and found an emotional attachment that may be hard for us older folks to appreciate.

Sadly, Ozzy passed away on July 22nd, 2025 at the age of 66. A legion of fans mourned.

So why would a newsletter like this one lead with a story about the Prince of Darkness? Simply because he was, by intention or not, a master marketer. He had many different stage personas including:

The Madman
The Great Ozz
The Prince of Darkness
The Godfather of Heavy Metal
The Wizard of Ozz

It is unlikely that Ozzy owned a vacation rental home. But if he did, it surely would have been in his unique "Prince of Darkness" motif. Oddly enough, this points out an idea that some vacation rental home owners have latched on to.

No not heavy metal - but heavily memorable concepts. There are rentals with cowboy themes, others with boat themes, 101 Dalmatians rooms, Disney characters, jungle wall paper and much, much more.

Ever since people started traveling for leisure and becoming "Tourists" they have longed for something new, unique and unusual to separate them from the mold. Concept homes offer that to a growing audience. They generate fawning reviews and great content for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other channels where standing apart from the crowd is the challenge. But it is also the opportunity to generate more customers.

Although I am not a heavy metal devotee myself, it hurts me to say that those of us who are (shall we say) follically challenged, damn the guy who had better hair on the day he died than most other men have on their 16th birthday.

Rest in peace, Ozzy. I would have liked the chance to know you.

Lodging Newsletter by William May

June 31, 2025 - Ozzy’s Vacation Rental

Last month’s newsletter listed ways other managers lose bookings (and we don’t). This month is a list of how property owners lose bookings.

Hand Me Downs - Using cast offs (even good ones) from your primary home is a way to alert guests that you don’t care enough to keep furniture, fixtures, or equipment up to date. Doing so is cheaper than buying new, but you lose bookings and far more income.

Upgrades - Successful homes get more use and more use means more upgrades over time. Last year’s amenities may work, but keeping up appliances, table wares, TV’s and all other aspects of the home is required. Penny pinching costs more than it saves.

Ring Cameras - For primary residences, security cameras may be fine. But the advance of cams that confront arriving guests in the face make them feel spied upon and impersonal. Using the alert to speak to guests will scare the buggers out of them. They may speak nicely to you, but will savage the property in reviews that scare off future bookings.

Criminal - Lodging property guests have "an expectation of privacy" and it has been in the news where property owners find themselves in court defending their peeping tom equipment. There have been stories of property owners being thrown in jail when a guest reports (and probably exaggerates) how they were surveilled. Door bell cameras are not worth the risk.

Exterminators - Even in popular markets, second homes are not occupied every day of the year. That is a perfect opportunity for mice, bugs, and even bats to invade. Owners who avoid the cost of regular inspections lose out when just a single tiny ant appears. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Paying for regular inspections is being prepared.

Improper Rates - Even taught in high school math classes, pricing is primarily based on supply and demand. For decades, there were more guests than rentals. Today, especially since the post-Covid surge, as vacation homes proliferate, the market defines what guests will pay. Dictating rates to the manager will dictate lower income for the property.

Risky Amenities - Offerings like bikes, kayaks, or other seemingly attractive amenities sounds good. Such things are attractive in photos, but they require constant care and maintenance. And cost more to maintain than the few extra bookings.

Hot Tub - There is an exception. Modern hot tubs, carefully maintained by professional managers do attract guests. Hot tubs are said to be the most requested amenity worldwide, including in the tropics (go figure) and should increase rental income each year, up to double the installation cost. That means a 200% return on hot tub investment, for years.

Required - Skip these amenities, if you dare. Vacation homes must have internet, of course, but they still need basic cable TV, and in areas where mobile service is funky, a telephone. These ingredients, if missing, can "wreck" the stay for guests. Having a streaming TV service is fine, but it does not yet replace cable, if, of course, you want great reviews.

Landlord - Not every homeowner can or should be a vacation rental landlord. The experience is not what most owners imagine. This may not happen, but be prepared - someday a guest will criticize the home you love, the area where it’s located, the weather, the neighbors, the manager, the cleaner or your personal taste.

Author: Wm. May
Blog #: 1038 – 08/26/25

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

Jewelry Store Mentors - Lodging Newsletter June 30, 2025

By Wm. May
Published: 06/30/25 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Seasonality dominates the lodging industry. But there are business categories that have greater ups and downs. Take the retail jewelry market, for an example, where stores make 30% of their annual income in just the four-week Christmas holiday season. It’s make it or break it. Store owners like to say - Jewelry is the only object you may keep your entire life, not furniture, or houses, or cars. Jewelry fits the bill even if you can’t afford the bill. Right now, you might have the watch grandpa gave you, the bracelet your husband bought for you, or that engagement ring. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP –

Tale of Two Countries - Lodging Newsletter May 31, 2025

By Wm. May
Published: 05/31/25 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

This is nothing new. It happens every election cycle. When consumers are scared, they sit on their wallets. Travel is one of the first things to be cut. Everyone must eat, but no one must go on vacation immediately. But this time there is more. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Actual Intelligence AI - Lodging Newsletter January 31, 2025

By William May
Published: 05/04/25 Topics: Comments: 0

It is the news topic du jour. The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to have the tech world salivating. But has it gone too far? Is it real? Or is it hype and hysteria? The answer is yes, yes and yes. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Management by Aloha at the Merrie Monarch Festival

By Wm. May
Published: 04/30/25 Topics: Dance, Hawaii, Music Comments: 0

David Kalalaua, the last king of the Hawai’i, known as "The Merrie Monarch", is cherished for his convivial personality and for entertaining guests with his singing and ukulele playing. At his coronation, the hula (dance), which had been banned since the arrival of Christian missionaries, again becamje a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture.

For that reemergence, he is revered everywhere in Hawaii.

In Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, a phenomenon takes place each year, called the "Merrie Monarch Festival." The weeklong event must be seen to be understood. Residents from all the islands can watch the festivities, broadcast statewide all week, starting at 6pm and running until well after midnight.

If unfamiliar with Hawaiian culture, you may giggle to learn that there is a World Championship, an Olympics, a Super Bowl, and World Cup of the ancient art of Hula. But your smirk would disappear if you attend, because the festival is what tourism and travel have always been about - sharing culture, joy and the ways of others.

After decades of begging, finally, last month Hawaiian Gods smiled upon us, as we secured tickets to the festival now in its 62nd year. Held in Edith Kanaka’ole stadium, 4,000 attendees sit on bleachers to watch exquisite Halaus (schools) perform with grace and precision that world class ballets find hard to match.

Thursday, 13 women danced Kihiko (ancient style accompanied by chanting and drums) and later in ’Auana (modern with guitars, piano, bass and singing). It took 6 hours. Friday, men’s and women’s schools danced Kihiko.

Saturday, they danced Auana until just after midnight, when the 30 Kula Hula’s (Teachers) were introduced to thunderous applause and smiles.

Music played as the awards were presented, and then the teachers, many in their 60s and 70s, broke into spontaneous dance as 4,000 fans rose to their feet. And clapped and hooted.

Where in the world would you see 4,000 cheer so long to see people of grandparent ages dance? There is no place like Hawaii.

Lodging Newsletter by William May
April 30, 2025 - Management by Aloha

A long held business concept is called "Management by Objective" (MBO) where leaders and staff outline goals, strategies, and tactics and then work toward meeting those objectives.

But long ago, a University of Hawaii professor proposed that that Hawaii could do better by utilizing what he called "Management by Aloha." He said that if you want sunshine there are thousands of destinations worldwide . If you want white sand, there are even more. But if you want to the experience a thing called "Aloha" that can only be found in Hawaii.

In counseling hotels and tourism groups, he suggested allowing staff to bring guitars and ukuleles to work, where visitors could hear those lovely voices and be overwhelmed. He encouraged kitchen workers to surf with visitors. He required scheduling flexibility, because so many employees work two jobs to pay the bills. Those things and more would allow the aloha of staff to shine through.

The financial results were stellar, but the hotels also gained the love and affection of staff and visitors, which has carried on for years.

Hawaii is not perfect and there are certainly challenges. Although the word "Aloha" is used widely by people who have never been there, and in commercials by corporations, there is true compassion and a deep down appreciation for the land, the ocean, the forest and for other human beings. They are trying harder than others to be pono (good).

After having taken large groups of business associates on Hawaiian trips for years, the same group of people were taken to the Caribbean island of Aruba. The attendees marveled at the beauty of Aruba, the sun, the beach, and the lodging.

At dinner one night, in an expensive, swanky restaurant, one of the attendees was asked, "How does Aruba compare to Hawaii?" After thinking the woman said, "Well everyone is so nice here in Aruba, just as they are in Hawaii. But in Hawaii, no one taught them to be nice. They just are."

For every lodging and tourism manager there is much to learn from Hawaii. In Rosa Say’s book, "Managing with Aloha: Bringing Hawai’i’s Universal Values to the Art of Business", there are key points about "Management by Aloha":

Aloha (Unconditional Love and Respect)
Ho’ohana (The Value of Worthwhile Work)
’Imi Ola (The Value of Seeking Your Best Life)
Ho’omau (The Value of Perseverance and Persistence)
Ohana (Extended Family)
Alaka’i (The Value of Leadership)
’Ike Loa (The Value of Learning)

The "Big Island Grill in Kailua-Kona Hawaii, is not in the center of visitors’ accommodations, catering mostly to locals. As a family of tourists were about to leave after a hearty lunch, the server insisted they take extra free ice tea drinks to go. As the diners approached the door, the restaurant owner beamed and delivered one of the best sales closing statements ever - "Will we see you again?" - making the visitors feel like Ohana (family).

Author: Wm. May
Blog #: 1039 – 04/30/25

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

Management by Aloha - Lodging Newsletter April 30, 2025

By Wm. May
Published: 04/30/25 Topics: Hawaii, Lodging Management, Lodging Newsletter, Vacation Rental Management Comments: 2

A long held business concept is called "Management by Objective"; (MBO) where leaders and staff outline goals, strategies, and tactics and then work toward meeting those objectives. But Management by Aloha is something entirely different. The Merrie Monarch Festivals has mastered this art. Read more Read 2 comments

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Redux: can we laugh yet? - Lodging Newsletter March 31, 2025

By William May
Published: 03/31/25 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

So this newsletter is a flash-back to the April 2020 newsletter that suggested it was time for some humor. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Mysterious Advertising - Lodging Newsletter February 28, 2025

By William May
Published: 02/28/25 Topics: Comments: 0

A property owner wondered, how come her listing sometimes appears easily on AirBnB and sometimes does not? Why can’t they just put me on the top so we both make money? Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Discovering the Coastal Treasure: Razor Clams on the Pacific Coast

By Anonymous RazorCLammer
Published: 02/15/25 Topics: Cooking, Fishing, Razor Clams Comments: 0

Razor Clamming on the Washington Coast Read more

Sponsor: Hi-Tide Resort – You can't get any closer to the beach than this. Comfy, cozy, modern condos at Hi-Tide-Resort on Moclips Beach WA State.

Good Manners & Questions - Lodging Newsletter December 15, 2024

Published: 12/31/24 Topics: Comments: 0

In the television mini-series "Lonesome Dove" the two lead characters elderly former Texas rangers often encounter bad people who display bad behavior, maybe if more questions had been asked, that could have been avoided. Just like in business. Read more

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! - Lodging Newsletter December 31, 2024

By Wm. May
Published: 12/31/24 Topics: Comments: 0

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Holly Jolly Hi-Tide Resort & New Years?

By Ron Lee
Published: 12/16/24 Topics: Comments: 0

Santa just announced he will be flying in from the ocean directly over Hi-Tide Resort on Moclips Beach Washington. So rent one of the condos just 100 feet from the sand. Rent 2 nights and get 3. Rent 3 nights and get 5. Rent 4 nights and get 7. All in our peaceful location and if you want a fancy dinner and shops, Seabrook town is just 5 minutes away … Read more

Sponsor: Hi-Tide Resort – There is nothing really like it on the Coast of Washington State. 32 beautiful Condominimums directly out on the beach Nestled next to the Moclips River. Become one of our long-returning guests who love this place as much as we do – Hi-tide-resort.com

Give Thanks for Pumpkin Pie & Ice Cream Too

By Ron Lee
Published: 11/01/24 Topics: Cooking, Events, Goldener Inns, Hi-Tide Resort, Inns, Moclips Beach WA, Ocean Shores WA Comments: 0

Really, how could you celebrate thanksgiving and not east on perfect Pumpkin Pie with vanilla ice cream? And what better place than to do it all at Moclips Beach and Hi-Tide-Resort.. Great seasonal rates. Great fun. Great people. You will find the it in your condo refrigerator when you arrive Don’t miss out. Read more

Sponsor: Hi-Tide Resort – There is nothing really like it on the Coast of Washington State. 32 beautiful Condominimums directly out on the beach Nestled next to the Moclips River. Become one of our long-returning guests who love this place as much as we do – Hi-tide-Resort.com

Everything Instant - Lodging Newsletter September 30, 2024

By Wm. May
Published: 09/30/24 Topics: Education, Investment, Lodging Management, Profit, Selling, Vacation Rental Management, Yield Management Comments: 0

In the vacation rental and lodging management business, the list of duties, tasks, and obligations is long and varied. Of course, it is necessary to maintain and clean the physical properties, to assist guests in every way they may need, and to communicate with the property owners. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Frozen Guests - Lodging Newsletter August 31, 2024

By Wm. May
Published: 08/31/24 Topics: Education, Investment, Lodging Management, Profit, Selling, Vacation Rental Management, Yield Management Comments: 0

Even with a degree in advertising, a first career in an advertising agency, and decades of ad management, the study of advertising still confounds me because it is directly tied to consumer psychology. Read more

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Allison & Chase Discover Family Skiing at White Pass!

By Wendy Thomas
Published: 08/06/24 Topics: Dog Friendly, Family, Interview, Mount Rainier WA, Packwood WA, Things To Do, Vacation Comments: 0

Allison, who works in inventory management, and Chase, who is active-duty military, are currently stationed in Port Orchard, Washington. They wanted to take a skiing vacation within Washington State and chose to stay in the Cowlitz Manor house in Packwood Washington.

The vacation rental is managed by Packwood Properties a member of the Vortex VIP group of lodging managers, and we spoke with Allison and Chase for an interview. Their stay was a full house, with Allison, Chase, their two kids, two friends, and their dog, Magnolia.

VIP: What made you choose Packwood and Cowlitz Manor House?

Allison: Chase is an avid skier, and we wanted to take a ski vacation to someplace new. We’d never been there, but he wanted to try the White Pass area, and the house looked beautiful and the location seemed to be amazing. Plus, it had a hot tub.

VIP: Did you use the hot tub at all?

Allison: Oh yes. The kids took skiing lessons, so after spending a day skiing, it was great. We used the gas fire pit upstairs as well, especially when the power went out!

VIP: Oh no! Sorry about that. I hope that turned out to be okay in the end?

Allison: It was. Packwood Properties kept us up to date about when the power would come back on. We had the gas stove inside and the gas fire pit outside, so we were fine until the power came back to the street in the evening.

VIP: What was your favorite thing about the house?

Allison: We loved the front porch facing the river. We spent most of our time there. And, of course, the hot tub after skiing. We used the fire pit quite a bit. Especially with the power out! We liked how close it was to the White Pass Skiing Area, only a half hour drive. The house was big enough for all six people plus Magnolia to spread out. It was beautiful. Just like the pictures showed.

VIP: I hope we’ll be able to host you again in the future.

Allison: It was one of the better Airbnbs we’ve stayed in. We will definitely stay here again, if available!

Author: Wendy Thomas – Cowlitz Manor House, Cowlitz Manor House
Blog #: 0977 – 08/06/24

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