I refrain from my last greeting: ’Howdy Doody’. On reflection, I realise it made me sound like the Cathy Bates character ‘Annie Wilkes’ in the film Misery… And, to those guests who perhaps saw me stomping through the garden muttering to myself on a bad day, and are now quietly musing that that is, indeed, who I reminded them of, please don’t write in.
”It’s Too Hot…”
… said a hot and bothered guest on departure yesterday. I had to stop myself from rushing to grab the Visitors’ Book so that those words could be immortalised for all eternity!
What a wonderful week it’s been… the park was filling up at 8am with die-hard, bikini-clad sunworshippers, barbequers, cricket teams… fantastic. Ohhh, Summer Breeze – makes me feel fine… everyone was smiling, spirits were raised, and we all reflected on the whole summer remaining in this lovely warm haze… here’s hoping.
FlipKey and TripAdvisor
The international review site FlipKey (linked to TripAdvisor) is now listing ‘vacation rentals’ – or, to UK readers ’self-catering’ properties. And, we got listed as soon as it was up and running. We wanted to demonstrate that we are totally open to people writing on an acknowledged international review site about our apartments.
A Big Thank You…
… to all of those guests who have reviewed us – we are incredibly touched, and pleased to know that you rated Pilrig House, and us, so highly.
No doubt we can expect some criticism – that would only be natural – but, we do hope prospective guests take reassurance from reading others’ comments and feelings about staying here. We don’t rest on our laurels - and always strive to provide the same level of welcome and assistance to all our guests!
Going Green
We are meeting with the Green Assessor in a few weeks’ time - had to delay the previous visit as all our apartments were booked solid, and access is necessary - so, watch this space.
Payment by Credit Card
Again – delays on this front. The company supplying this facility decided to completely change its computer systems, just as we were ready to launch – so, this should be available in the next few weeks – apologies for the wait.
Other Guests’ Tips
A while back, we introduced the concept of guests leaving their tips for other guests. It has been really worthwhile, and thrown up quite a few ideas and suggestions that opened our eyes as owners, too, as to what was important to guests.
Here are a few of the tips that have been submitted:
- Prebook your tour of Mary King’s Close - there is high demand and you may not get to see it if you just turn up on the day!
- Rabbies Tours of the Highlands are good as they run smaller coaches so their tours are more personal, and flexible, on the day.
- Buy an Edinburgh Pass in advance of your stay – it will save you so much money on entrance fees!
- Pack light – especially if moving from place to place.
- Hire your car locally once here – Debbie and Philip can help with this – is cheaper. And, some of the local firms do hire on the basis of dropping off your car in Inverness, for example.
Our Website Designer – Look Him Up – He’s Just Gone Freelance!
Colin Abercrombie – our wonderful website designer really is THE business – empathetic, totally professional, charming, patient, outstandingly good at what he does – and with great design flair. So, if you are considering having a website created/relaunched, or rebranding, do take a look at his website and contact him. His fees are more than reasonable…
Guests’ Photo Page on our Website..
We think it would be great to include a photo page on our website – not of our ugly mugs, but of our guests… we are often sent the most lovely holiday photos from ex-guests – and, think it more than merits making space for these on our site. So, by the end of the year, hopefully we will have the makings of an album that you can enjoy.
The Thistle Awards 2009 – ‘The Extra Mile’ category (for small businesses)
Oh dear – have left our entry far too late this year and am swithering as to whether to withdraw until 2010 so as to have time to submit a halfway decent application. Nine days to go – will keep you posted as to whether the wee small hours were enough.
With Leith Festival this weekend, full bookings for the next 2 months – bar a few days here and there – it’s all go now for a busy summer.
So, will say goodbye for now. Hope you’re all enjoying the sunshine where you are too.
Debbie (and Philip)
