This week’s stories!

Know the song Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come again another day? Well what’s to do when it won’t stop snowing! We’re hoping for warm days and cool nights – because it’s Maple Syrup season in Maine. If you haven’t been to Ogunquit for our Maine Maple weekend, you’re in for a yummy treat. Sugar shacks open with tastings and artisan goods on the 4th Sunday in March. And those delicious little maple sugar candies. It’s the best way to welcome spring to Maine!

• One of the little known factoids about the Meadowmere is that our coffee is Maine made. We provide local coffee as part of our green programs here at the hotel and many of our visitors to Ogunquit enjoy that. Getting one’s morning sunshine is important and we have plenty on hand. In fact, on the weekends, we make extra and serve it in the West Meadow Pub. One morning Tracy was working at the desk when a bleary eyed early riser wandered thru the lobby. The guest then came to the desk and gruffly asked where was the coffee??? Tracy explained that fresh coffee was available in the Pub, directly across from the lobby. The guest turned, peer thru the window at the snow and promptly grumbled about getting shoes. It was then that Tracy noticed not only was this guest barely awake – she was still in her PJ’s and barefoot! Tracy had the guest wait there while she went across and got 2 cups of coffee (for good measure), cream and sugar – and our early morning riser stumbled back to bed a happier camper.
• It was during the evening hours when Stu received a call from a guest in a fireplace suite. It seemed that despite many attempts; they could not get the fireplace to work. Stu immediately apologize and sent up help. When Matt arrived he also struggled and something did not seem right. He asked the guest to give him a moment and reported back to Stu that the fireplace needed maintenance. Now, it being evening, Stu knew it may take awhile to correct the problem. He called the guest and invited them into the Pub for complimentary wine while he worked on the problem for them. An hour later, Stu had called in maintenance and the fireplace was warm, cozy and waiting for the guest upon their return.

“Customer satisfaction is worthless. Customer loyalty is priceless.” – Jeffrey Gitomer

Thank you for letting us share this week’s service stories with you. Each week we hope our little differences help bring a smile to you face – remember, service is not dead. It just took a vacation to Maine!