Even though this post was made through our SmokiesRentDirect blog, chances are you are probably reading it on Facebook. Depending on who you listen to, Facebook is the number one Website - certainly in the US and probably in the world. It seems to have surpassed Google. One estimate I read recently said that 25% of all Internet clicks are on Facebook.
So we're trying to do more with Facebook. For that to happen, we really need your help. Will you please consider doing these three things on Facebook:
-"Like" us, so you can keep up with all the news through Facebook.
-Suggest our "SmokiesRentDirect" page to all your friends, so they can also like us.
-If you have stayed in Smoky Mountain Tower or All Decked Out, please post some photos to our Wall or share your favorite memories from the trip.
Thanks for helping us get the word out!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What do guests think?
If you've stayed at either of our Gatlinburg cabins, you know that we typically send a follow-up email asking our guests to fill out a survey about what they liked, as well as what we can improve. We also ask them to submit a review to a couple of our advertising Web sites.
We, too, are "guests." For some of our vacations, we go online and find a suitable vacation rental. Guest reviews play a big part in helping us decide on a particular property. So we know how important these reviews are to property owners.
If you don't mind a little bragging, I want to share with you a review that was just submitted by a guest who stayed at Smoky Mountain Tower about a week ago:
We had a great time in the mountains. The cabin was wonderful and the weather was super. We have stayed at Smoky Mountain Tower before and it is perfect for our family. There are things for the kids to do, plenty of space and great views. It was clean, well stocked and ready to go. I recommend Dave any time someone asks about a place in Gatlinburg. Thanks Dave!
In addition to the online reviews, we periodically publish comments left in the guest books at both our cabins. You can find them on our Web sites. In fact, I'll make it easy for you - just click on the cabin name below and it will take you right to the testimonials page.
All Decked Out
Smoky Mountain Tower
We are continually trying to improve your experience at our cabins and these comments help us very much. Several of the changes we're making right now at All Decked Out came from guests' suggestions.
Please keep the comments coming - either here, at our various advertising sites, or in our guest books!
We, too, are "guests." For some of our vacations, we go online and find a suitable vacation rental. Guest reviews play a big part in helping us decide on a particular property. So we know how important these reviews are to property owners.
If you don't mind a little bragging, I want to share with you a review that was just submitted by a guest who stayed at Smoky Mountain Tower about a week ago:
We had a great time in the mountains. The cabin was wonderful and the weather was super. We have stayed at Smoky Mountain Tower before and it is perfect for our family. There are things for the kids to do, plenty of space and great views. It was clean, well stocked and ready to go. I recommend Dave any time someone asks about a place in Gatlinburg. Thanks Dave!
In addition to the online reviews, we periodically publish comments left in the guest books at both our cabins. You can find them on our Web sites. In fact, I'll make it easy for you - just click on the cabin name below and it will take you right to the testimonials page.
All Decked Out
Smoky Mountain Tower
We are continually trying to improve your experience at our cabins and these comments help us very much. Several of the changes we're making right now at All Decked Out came from guests' suggestions.
Please keep the comments coming - either here, at our various advertising sites, or in our guest books!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
PLEASE don't be disappointed
Here we are, only 13 days into 2011, and we have already had to tell folks that the dates they want are not available.
Here are some numbers that will show you what is happening with our reservations:
For example, almost half the nights in April and more than 2/3 of the nights in June are already booked at Smoky Mountain Tower. At All Decked Out, half the nights in July are already booked.
The point is - DON'T WAIT! I know it's tough to plan ahead, but we don't want you to be disappointed because you can't get your preferred dates. Last year, we had to turn away more than 70 guest groups because they waited too long and we were already booked on the dates they wanted.
Of course, if you've been reading this blog for the last couple of weeks, you know there is another reason to make your reservation now. The prices ARE going up. We have now set the change date as February 15. But any reservations made before that date - for any open dates in 2011 - will be accepted at the current price.
Please! Book as quickly as you can. We really don't want to disappoint you. Remember, our Web site Availability calendars are always up-to-the-minute. The minute somebody makes a reservation, the dates show up in red (not available).
Check availability right now, while you're thinking of it. Just click on the cabin name below to go directly to our calendar:
-Smoky Mountain Tower
-All Decked Out
We hope to see you in Gatlinburg!
Here are some numbers that will show you what is happening with our reservations:
- In 2009, we only had 3 nights booked by the end of 2008.
- In 2010, we had 18 nights booked by the end of 2009.
For example, almost half the nights in April and more than 2/3 of the nights in June are already booked at Smoky Mountain Tower. At All Decked Out, half the nights in July are already booked.
The point is - DON'T WAIT! I know it's tough to plan ahead, but we don't want you to be disappointed because you can't get your preferred dates. Last year, we had to turn away more than 70 guest groups because they waited too long and we were already booked on the dates they wanted.
Of course, if you've been reading this blog for the last couple of weeks, you know there is another reason to make your reservation now. The prices ARE going up. We have now set the change date as February 15. But any reservations made before that date - for any open dates in 2011 - will be accepted at the current price.
Please! Book as quickly as you can. We really don't want to disappoint you. Remember, our Web site Availability calendars are always up-to-the-minute. The minute somebody makes a reservation, the dates show up in red (not available).
Check availability right now, while you're thinking of it. Just click on the cabin name below to go directly to our calendar:
-Smoky Mountain Tower
-All Decked Out
We hope to see you in Gatlinburg!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Air Hockey at All Decked Out - Finally!
We finally got the combination foosball/air hockey table set up at All Decked Out. The foosball has been working great, but we've had trouble finding a "hover" air hockey puck that would work. We now have two that are passable, but not perfect. They're too big to fit into the goal, so we're working to raise up the goal on springs. That will let the puck go into the goal, but will allow the goal to be compressed when guest put the foosball part of the table on top of the air hockey part.
Here's what it looks like with the foosball table in place:
When you lift off the foosball top, this is what's under it.
So the "game" end of the lower level family room at All Decked Out looks like this:
As you can see, we've got plenty of games for your enjoyment - pool, air hockey, foosball, and loads of table games. We hope you'll come soon to enjoy it all.
Here's what it looks like with the foosball table in place:
When you lift off the foosball top, this is what's under it.
So the "game" end of the lower level family room at All Decked Out looks like this:
As you can see, we've got plenty of games for your enjoyment - pool, air hockey, foosball, and loads of table games. We hope you'll come soon to enjoy it all.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Plans for 2011
Since we're five days into the New Year, we want to announce some plans for our Gatlinburg cabins in 2011.
First, the bad news. To help minimize the effect of increases in our costs for both repairs and upkeep, we have to raise our rental rates. So between February 20 and March 1, we will change all the prices on our reservation Web site (IVacationOnLine) to reflect a $10.00 increase in the nightly rates. This will cover all rates except our Holiday rates, which will remain at $179.00 per night.
Here's how it will look:
March 1 to May 26 - old price = $129; new price = $139
May 27 to June 30 - old price = $139; new price = $149
July 1 to Nov 22 - old price = $149; new price = $159
Nov 23-27 - old price = $179; new price = $179
Nov 28 to Dec 15 - old price = $149; new price = $159
Dec 16 to Jan 2, 2012 - old price = $179; new price = $179
Now the good news - and those of you who can plan ahead will really like this! If you make your reservation before we enter the price changes - for any dates this year - you will pay the current (old) price. And because you're a Blog/Facebook reader, we'll even beat that deal by giving you another 10% on all reservations made between now and February 15 - for anytime this year. Just enter the coupon code Blog10 on our reservation site (on the page that opens after you enter your dates). Remember, coupon codes are case-sensitive, so you must enter it exactly as shown.
We will have more to say about some other registration enhancements when we make our "official" announcement about prices. By the way, these prices are still lower than the prices we were charging in 2008 and before.
So if you book your 2011 vacation before February 15 at either Smoky Mountain Tower or All Decked Out, you will save up to 16% off the regular (increased) rates.
What else are we doing? The major work will be done at All Decked Out. We are going to repaint all the main areas (the ones that are yellow now), and we HOPE to be able to afford to replace ALL the carpeting! We also want to replace some of the furniture (especially the leather sectional in the main room). And here's where YOU can help. If there are things you think we should do at All Decked Out, NOW is the time to tell us. Just email us - but do it quickly. We're going to start on this work before the month is out.
At Smoky Mountain Tower, we're going to try to open up the award-winning view some more. That depends somewhat on the willingness of our neighbors to let us top off a few trees, but we'll do everything we can. Of course, both cabins will get a thorough cleaning and maintenance check during January and February. That's when we get fire extinguishers tested and we replace all the batteries in smoke alarms, TV remotes, etc.
As always, we value your comments. Again, just email us. And watch for more news later this month or early next month.
First, the bad news. To help minimize the effect of increases in our costs for both repairs and upkeep, we have to raise our rental rates. So between February 20 and March 1, we will change all the prices on our reservation Web site (IVacationOnLine) to reflect a $10.00 increase in the nightly rates. This will cover all rates except our Holiday rates, which will remain at $179.00 per night.
Here's how it will look:
March 1 to May 26 - old price = $129; new price = $139
May 27 to June 30 - old price = $139; new price = $149
July 1 to Nov 22 - old price = $149; new price = $159
Nov 23-27 - old price = $179; new price = $179
Nov 28 to Dec 15 - old price = $149; new price = $159
Dec 16 to Jan 2, 2012 - old price = $179; new price = $179
Now the good news - and those of you who can plan ahead will really like this! If you make your reservation before we enter the price changes - for any dates this year - you will pay the current (old) price. And because you're a Blog/Facebook reader, we'll even beat that deal by giving you another 10% on all reservations made between now and February 15 - for anytime this year. Just enter the coupon code Blog10 on our reservation site (on the page that opens after you enter your dates). Remember, coupon codes are case-sensitive, so you must enter it exactly as shown.
We will have more to say about some other registration enhancements when we make our "official" announcement about prices. By the way, these prices are still lower than the prices we were charging in 2008 and before.
So if you book your 2011 vacation before February 15 at either Smoky Mountain Tower or All Decked Out, you will save up to 16% off the regular (increased) rates.
What else are we doing? The major work will be done at All Decked Out. We are going to repaint all the main areas (the ones that are yellow now), and we HOPE to be able to afford to replace ALL the carpeting! We also want to replace some of the furniture (especially the leather sectional in the main room). And here's where YOU can help. If there are things you think we should do at All Decked Out, NOW is the time to tell us. Just email us - but do it quickly. We're going to start on this work before the month is out.
At Smoky Mountain Tower, we're going to try to open up the award-winning view some more. That depends somewhat on the willingness of our neighbors to let us top off a few trees, but we'll do everything we can. Of course, both cabins will get a thorough cleaning and maintenance check during January and February. That's when we get fire extinguishers tested and we replace all the batteries in smoke alarms, TV remotes, etc.
As always, we value your comments. Again, just email us. And watch for more news later this month or early next month.
Friday, December 31, 2010
The storm is over ... and so is the year!
The Gatlinburg Christmas Snowstorm finally ended, with snowfall somewhere between 11 and 15 inches. I can tell you I shoveled more snow in 3 days than I've shoveled in 20 years! But when the sun finally came out, it was beautiful. Take a look:
All Decked Out was truly "all decked out" with snow.
This is the main floor deck, looking off into the woods behind All Decked Out.
But the prettiest sight was the trees, with all the snow clinging to them.
These pictures were taken Monday afternoon. We actually couldn't leave until Tuesday afternoon, because the roads were still bad. I would have taken more pictures, but we were just too busy getting packed up so our guests (who were supposed to be able to get in Monday night) could arrive Tuesday afternoon.
Now the storm is just a memory. And 2010 is about to be the same. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who stayed with us in 2010. As we talk with other owners, it's clear to us that we have the VERY BEST guests! So we hope you will come back to stay with us at Smoky Mountain Tower or All Decked Out in 2011. Please keep watching here for some changes we intend to make - especially at All Decked Out. I'll give you just one little hint of something we got installed on this trip ... air hockey!
And here's one more bit of advice. Make your reservations quickly. Between our two cabins, we already have more than 70 nights booked in 2011. And we're getting inquiries every day. You will especially be glad if you make your reservations before February (hint, hint).
Whatever your plans, we trust that you have a blessed and prosperous New Year. We'll look forward to seeing you soon!
All Decked Out was truly "all decked out" with snow.
This is the main floor deck, looking off into the woods behind All Decked Out.
But the prettiest sight was the trees, with all the snow clinging to them.
These pictures were taken Monday afternoon. We actually couldn't leave until Tuesday afternoon, because the roads were still bad. I would have taken more pictures, but we were just too busy getting packed up so our guests (who were supposed to be able to get in Monday night) could arrive Tuesday afternoon.
Now the storm is just a memory. And 2010 is about to be the same. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who stayed with us in 2010. As we talk with other owners, it's clear to us that we have the VERY BEST guests! So we hope you will come back to stay with us at Smoky Mountain Tower or All Decked Out in 2011. Please keep watching here for some changes we intend to make - especially at All Decked Out. I'll give you just one little hint of something we got installed on this trip ... air hockey!
And here's one more bit of advice. Make your reservations quickly. Between our two cabins, we already have more than 70 nights booked in 2011. And we're getting inquiries every day. You will especially be glad if you make your reservations before February (hint, hint).
Whatever your plans, we trust that you have a blessed and prosperous New Year. We'll look forward to seeing you soon!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
"The Worst Storm Ever..."
That's what our next door neighbor called this snowstorm - and he has lived up here for more than 15 years. In our area of Chalet Village North, it just stopped snowing - after more than 36 straight hours of snow. I just measured our deck railing - take a look:
That's almost 11 inches - and that's after we cleaned the railing off yesterday afternoon, when it was about 4 inches! If that's true, we have almost 15 inches!
Here's a view of All Decked Out this morning (yes, those white dots are snowflakes):
This afternoon, we walked up to Smoky Mountain Tower to clean it because we had guests arriving today and Ingrid could not get up the mountain. Turned out that our guests couldn't get up either, but it's ready for them when they can. Standing in front of Smoky Mountain Tower is our "cleaning crew" - Kathy, Lindsey, Kyle and Phyllis.
While there, I grabbed a quick picture of the "view" toward Ober Gatlinburg.
Uhhhh - it seems the view is "temporarily unavailable." But it will be back when the weather warms up. Meanwhile, we're stuck - guests can't get up and we can't get down. Kathy and the kids may make it out tomorrow afternoon if it clears up. But I think Phyllis and I may be here for another day or two. And I'm not sure how we'll take care of our guests, who have been so understanding. Stay tuned.......
That's almost 11 inches - and that's after we cleaned the railing off yesterday afternoon, when it was about 4 inches! If that's true, we have almost 15 inches!
Here's a view of All Decked Out this morning (yes, those white dots are snowflakes):
This afternoon, we walked up to Smoky Mountain Tower to clean it because we had guests arriving today and Ingrid could not get up the mountain. Turned out that our guests couldn't get up either, but it's ready for them when they can. Standing in front of Smoky Mountain Tower is our "cleaning crew" - Kathy, Lindsey, Kyle and Phyllis.
While there, I grabbed a quick picture of the "view" toward Ober Gatlinburg.
Uhhhh - it seems the view is "temporarily unavailable." But it will be back when the weather warms up. Meanwhile, we're stuck - guests can't get up and we can't get down. Kathy and the kids may make it out tomorrow afternoon if it clears up. But I think Phyllis and I may be here for another day or two. And I'm not sure how we'll take care of our guests, who have been so understanding. Stay tuned.......
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