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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Press Release We've earned a 2012 Certificate of Excellence award

It's not that everyday we  receive such great news! But TODAY was one of them; unexpectedly? yes.


"TripAdvisor is proud to congratulate The Usonian Inn LLC on earning the prestigious 2012 Certificate of Excellence award. 


Our travelers consistently commend your property with the highest praise, and we recognise your 4 rating as an exceptional achievement. 
Only the very best in the business are awarded a Certificate of Excellence — display yours proudly in a place where your guests can see it."


See the press release attached, our badge is on the WELCOME tab on our Web Page too!



CONTACT: Carolina Dursina                                                                           
BUSINESS NAME The Usonian Inn LLC       
                                     
PHONE NUMBER: 608-588-2323
EMAIL: reservations@usonianinn.com


TRIPADVISOR PR TEAM
mediarelationsta@tripadvisor.com                                                                            
The Usonian Inn LLC                
EARNS 2012 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE


Honored as a Highly Rated lodge as Reviewed by Travelers on the World’s Largest Travel Site
Spring Green – 05.24.2012 – The Usonian Inn LLC today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor®
Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to
establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.
To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.
The Usonian Inn LLC is pleased to receive a “TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Carolina
Dursina/owner, Hotel Operator at The Usonian Inn. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.”
“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travelers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor
travelers a great customer experience.”


About The Usonian Inn LLC
The Usonian Inn is Spring Green's first original Talliesin inspired inn. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
apprentice, J C Caraway, it was built in the 1950’s and provides green accommodations of the 21st century needs. NOW listed on the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places and National Historic Register under the original name - Rest Heaven Motel.
The Usonian Inn, originally named the Rest Haven Motel, was the first Highway lodging between Madison and LaCrosse WI on US Hwy 14. Our Hotel was conceived in 1950, open for business in 1952, refurbished in 1992, and went through a designer makeover in 2008.
The Usonian style, as conceived by Frank Lloyd Wright, is "architecture for everyone," combining readily available materials and straight-forward construction in harmony with the natural settings; nowadays known as green, sustainable concept. We are one of the very few, if not the only, Usonian motels in the world.


About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors.


TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 19 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 69 million unique monthly visitors**. TripAdvisor's travel media brands 
include www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com,
www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com,
www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com,
www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com,
www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.


*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, January 2012
**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Inc. and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, January 2012
©2012 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE TripAdvisor

Friday, May 18, 2012

A Special place like no Other - Spring Green, WI

Although a smaller size village - Spring Green is charming and rich in history as is on Architectural design buildings and unique style, very effervescent!

The World famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright name this village his hometown. 

There is always so much going on here; music, food, and outdoor activities by Wisconsin River and State parks are going to keep you busy for a while; and there are many more man made and natural attractions.
Entertainment is at its best with local breweries, and several music bands, it is hard at times to know 
which event to attend!

Annual Art Fair event, the quilt and the car show bring to the area people from across the Nation. Then, the international tourism is drawn in by Taliesin East, House on the Rock, and outdoor sports, golf courses, water activities like canoeing, paddling, fishing and boating. 


The boutiques, specialty craft shops, book stores and Cafes have their charm and wealth of items you rarely find anywhere else. 

Our Outdoor Shakespeare Theater known as APT (American Players Theater) and the River Valley Players is performing plays summer and winter. 

Fall is a beautiful season to visit for color leaves change and Apple Festival in the vicinity; Fall Art Tour is where artists have open house for tourists to see their work place. 
Don't forget the Country Christmas Celebration in early December and the Craft and Arts show for gifts for the special ones in your life.


One of the Historic Places in town is  The Usonian Inn Motel, our porperty - a great architectural, historical significant marker and open year round. 


For the outdoor obsessed there is the Frank Lloyd Wright bicycle trails and cross country skiing trails in the area as well.

No wonder that Spring Green is known as the place where Art and Nature meet!

NOTE: for more info check here:  www.springgreen.com/

Friday, April 6, 2012

Anniversary Items collection

A brief history note and pictures


"The Usonian Inn LLC, originally named the Rest Haven Motel
was the first Highway lodging between Madison and LaCrosse WI on US Hwy 14. Our Hotel was conceived in 1950, open for business in 1952, refurbished in 1992, and went through a designer makeover in 2008.

The Usonian style, as conceived by Frank Lloyd Wright, is "architecture for everyone," combining readily available materials and straight-forward construction in harmony with the natural settings; nowadays known as green, sustainable concept. We are one of the very few, if not the only, Usonian motels in the world."

"***Now the Hotel was listed - under the original name of Rest Haven Motel and registered on the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places and on the National Register of the Historic Places as well. ***"
(From the business web page)


It's been a life time since the building was established here; immediately after construction it made history and for more then one reason.

Designed by one of the most famous architect of the world Frank Lloyd Wright's apprentice - J.C. Caraway - a prairie style, the building was a landmark for many on the road.


Also, it was the first Lodging on the US Highway 14 on a big stretch between Madison and La Crosse, Wisconsin. The distance amounts to 127 miles.


The building went from being called Rest Haven Motel to a more appropriate name to reflect the design influence and the origin or the style - was renamed The Usonian Inn.



When we took ownership of the property all we can think about was - green, sustainable, environmentally friendly; we needed some substantial finances and with hard work, we were able to replace windows with a great R value/double pane system. It's not easy to make a historic place green; we had the inn listed on Travel Green Wisconsin and featured on ABC news, our WKOWTV channel 27 

Here are some of the before renovation pictures

Since the property got an upgrade, the much needed - one of a kind - designer makeover; Bathrooms have been remodeled/upgraded also we made room for new flat panel TV sets




Even more significant things happened and one of them is that in 2005 was listed on the Sauk County Registrar of Historic places;  with more paper, patience and fees we we able to accomplish a greater nomination -so the property was listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places


The establishment changed many hands of ownership a few times but now it's our time to celebrate!
60 years in business; what a great time for us to be here and enjoy these type of achievements! 






We would like to invite you to be part of our joyful time and try to preserve history with us.

We like to present our anniversary items and we hope you enjoy some items from our memorabilia collection! Visit our Design on line page on facebook; to see our full collection click here


Thank you for being  part of our business journey!


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A few Important Updates

Spring by the Inn is beautiful - Tourist submitted photo
Spring is here, no doubt about it! We love the weather being in the 76s and 70s even and we are welcoming you to a Fresh rich season of Celebration and more fun in the area. 


Stay in touch and get ready for more exciting news on our next post. (that will be on our business best Seasonal Offer) - see and example here 



Many Businesses already have a "spring" start with different events; see more listed on our Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page!


First Friday of the month is still a strong motif for people to visit our unique community, reach in architectural landmarks, and a great variety of artists, and special shopping, cafes and more.
  • New business in town is Lexington Fitness, they also offer a 1 (one) day pass to our travelers that need to stretch while in town! (soon to have a new website)
We made a few updates on our web site:
  • Along with that our  Inn's Policy has been reviewed and there is a link on our Amenities/Room page now available for you to read with a click of the mouse!
  • We are working on our Special Offer for our 60th Anniversary since the operation of the business started.
  • Please review our Welcome/Home web page for Special of the Week  OFFER.
  • We are trying to update our Facebook business page with the area Business Events as well.

Spring by the Inn, very green indeed

Monday, July 4, 2011

Your reviews on our business

"Life is a journey" - we all hear this so often; a journey is experience, a journey  full of events OR we can also say that Life is a Journey!


Part of my campaign is to capture reviews from those that stayed with us, we hope that all build some great memories with us and look forward to having you come back again.


We put together a "Check out report"  - listing a few links where you can post your reviews;
we appreciate your time and encourage to help us get the word out about our environmentally friendly efforts and the ongoing process of sustainability.


This is the body of the e-mail message we sent when we send out the "Check-out report!"


TODAY'S ANALOGY: a REVIEW = in value, a great tip or,
in other words, we appreciate a Review as much us our housekeeping appreciates a tip on the night stand! 
(I know there is room for interpretation; all I want to say is don't worry if you didn't tip my housekeeping, I'll be much happier or equally the same with a great Review. it's just a different WAY of tipping!)


"Thank you for staying with us, we hope your experience helped you build great memories and you are planing to return!

Please take a minute and rate us, let us know about your experience at our establishment. We thank you in advance for that.


For those with on
Facebook, please find us at:Facebook page

Also you can use our guest book - no need to sign or open an account, - of our web page link -  


use
Trip Advisor here


Find us on Yahoo also 


Use Google, Kayak, Yelp, Insider Pages and many more sites where our property is listed.

Your time is much appreciated.

We hate spam as much as you do.
We do NOT share or sell your e-mail it to anyone."



Again, thank you for reading this post and mostly for your participation!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Making Business decisions that help!

Yes, NOW we accept American Express Credit Cards!

When we did some changes to our card processing system, we decided that it will be worth trying to accept American Express.

Little I knew that the card is offering so many incentive to the cardholders, that  whoever has one is trying to take advantage of the travel miles Plus or Reward Points - I do not have an American Express card but, see for yourself here!

Since we made that decision, I am able to capture more business or more business travelers.

Thank you everyone for bringing your business to our eco-friendly establishment!                                                  

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

On Your Side - Part II



Other TRAVEL TIPS


Verify and clarify. Call to verify your reservations and arrangements. Get the details  
behind vague promises that you’ll be staying at a “five star” resort or sailing on a  
luxury” cruise ship. When you have the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the airlines, car rental companies, and hotels you’ll be using, confirm all arrangements for yourself.  
See our Inn's policy

Put it on paper. Get the details of your vacation in writing. Get a copy of the company’s cancellation and refund policies, and ask “What if...?” Consider whether some form of travel cancellation insurance may be appropriate.


Use a credit card to make your purchase. If you don’t get what you paid for, you may be able to dispute the charges with your credit card company. However, don’t give your account number to any business until you’ve verified that it is reputable.

Avoid a travel club flub. Ask questions before joining a travel club. Sometimes, a “free trial” membership can result in unauthorized charges on your credit card. Find out what you’ll get for your money and how you can cancel.

Won a “free” vacation? Not so fast. Scam artists may tell you you’ve won a “free” vacation, but then claim to need your credit card number for “verification.” Tell them to take a hike. If the promotion is legit, you never need to pay for a prize.

TravelWisconsin.com Travel Item - Usonian Inn LLC, The

Find our fine Lodging property listed here; ONE of a few in Sauk County!

TravelWisconsin.com Travel Item - Usonian Inn LLC, The

Monday, June 6, 2011

How to Prepare Your Property for Sale


In order to have a successful sale and excellent showings or viewing for the property you should address maintenance and a clutter free house
How to Prepare Your Property for Sale

Saturday, June 4, 2011

On Your Side - Part I

Credit or charge card blocking
(As known as "on hold amount")



You should be aware of the
newest practice in making a 
reservation—credit or charge 


card “blocking.” “Blocking” is not 
a practice inititated by the 
lodging industry but is the only

way charge card companies will  
ensure payment at check-out. 



The clerk contacts your credit card company to give an estimated total. If the transaction
is approved, your available credit is reduced by that estimated amount. That is a 
“block.”

Be aware that if you use a different card or cash to pay your final bill, the company 
that issued the card you used to check in might hold the block for up to 15 days after you’ve
checked out.


That’s because it was not notified of the final charge and didn’t know you paid another way. This becomes a problem if you are near your credit limit. It is not only embarrassing to have your card declined, but if you have an emergency purchase to make you may not have enough available credit. 


To avoid this, use the same card at departure to pay your bill or be sure to ask the clerk to remove the “block” from the first card you used when you leave.


Please be aware that the only reason we are asking for an e-mail account is that you and us will have a written confirmation and our policy highlights will be outlined in the correspondence. 


See our Inn's policy 


For WI state: 

For more information
For more information, or to file a
complaint, contact the Bureau of
Consumer Protection at:
(800) 422-7128
2811 Agriculture Drive
PO Box 8911
Madison WI 53708-8911
(608) 224-4976
FAX: (608) 224-4939
TTY: (608) 224-5058
E-MAIL:
DATCPHotline@Wisconsin.gov
WEBSITE:
www.datcp.state.wi.us




Thursday, June 2, 2011

Greening our Historic Inn

Thank you for joining the growing number of travelers who seek green accommodations. In 2009, The Usonian Inn became the 1st motel in Spring Green area recognized by Travel Green WI for implementing a substantial number of sustainable practices.

Our goal is to offer appealing lodging at a great value, provide a healthy environment and protect our beautiful WI River Valley region.


  • Please verify that door and all windows are shot when starting the A/C unit.
  • Please place the A/C on Energy Save mode when you plan to be gone for an extended time
  • Inform staff when to change linen and towels (if staying more then 2 nights)
  • Join your fellow travelers in helping recycle - use designated bins in the room
  • As a house practice, when determined that A/C unit is not run properly, we will walk in the room to adjust that.
  • All rooms are NON-SMOKING
  • DO NOT CARRY your cigarette  butts inside the room. 


Saturday, May 21, 2011

My Wisconsin River Slideshow

My Wisconsin River Slideshow: "TripAdvisor™ TripWow ★ My Wisconsin River Slideshow ★ to Spring Green and Muscoda. Stunning free travel slideshows on TripAdvisor"

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Press release



Amongst other news for our property, we were just notified that we received an Award Winning for best business in the Motel category for Spring Green area.


Here is what we received:


"I'm sure that your selection as a 2010 Award Winner is a reflection of the hard work of not only yourself, but of many people that have supported your business and contributed to the subsequent success of your organization. Congratulations on your selection to such an elite group of small businesses. In recognition of your achievement, a special 2010 Best of Spring Green Award has been designed for display at your place of business. 
Sincerely, 
Kelly McCartney
Board of Review
US Commerce Association "

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Looking Ahead



Soon, The Usonian Inn LLC will face a historic moment, in more than one way! We are greatly excited about the possibilities inherent in becoming one of the historic establishments listed on the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places, and very soon on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is a chance to re-emphasize the beauty and importance of an ORGANIC architecture, prairie style Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, by taking a step forward. We look forward to the opportunity to work on preserving the integrity of the building (which we like to call home), and to assist in realizing this vision – becoming a nationally recognized historic place, and be known nationwide.

As a result of some good hours of work involving phone conversations, appointments, meetings, and picture submissions to the right authorities, at this time we have our hopes raised by clear signs that the process of achieving our goal is advancing in the right direction!

We are going forward to becoming a national recognized historic place. We are paying the fees to an accredited Historian to write the report to be presented before Wisconsin Historic Preservation Review Board. And patience with the rest of the process is as good as gold in a bank!


the certificate 

Friday, January 14, 2011

A new Start - A different Season!




Happy New Year!


This is quite an exciting time for our business! I am ready for the new year - for Taliesin Centennial Celebration, for the events in the area and for what we have to share with you for this fresh year start!

We refreshed a little bit our web page; I definitely hope you can easily navigate around and use our online booking system.  Read more on our Usonian Inn Newsletter Winter Edition.
Along with this here is the time to mention that we are opening our Gourmet Coffee Shop in the lobby and maintain the complimentary coffee in the rooms (a list with all specialty coffee we sale, will be provided in the rooms)

As far as social media goes, the focus always seems to be on Facebook or Twitter or even video sites like YouTube. 
We are trying to keep it simple - Facebook is the only additional page we use, we would appreciate you posting your picture from the events you participated at or pictures you took when you stayed with us. 
Also, please feel free to post your reviews on this Social Media, there are always welcomed.

Another exciting matter is approaching our 60th Season in business and we are looking better then ever! Our Online Shop - Usonian Inn Anniversary products is loading with new items every week, easy to order or redesign with your own picture this is a fun encounter - to be shopping with us!

Happy New Year!

Friday, July 16, 2010

What's New this Summer!

The one good thing that is happening right now is that we are busy!....

Thank you to our loyal customers, those who return each year for the famous APT, and those who refer us to their friends; your input is very much appreciated.

A very hectic July kept me away from my blog and communication was a little broken. However, we had weddings to host, Big family reunion for the Jones-Lloyd, and that keeps repeating with more weddings, family parties, The House on the Rock Attraction and so much more that people get involved here when they visit the area.
Ah,...Golfing! that is another great way to spend your time when the weather is so beautiful!
APT and Touchstone facility are bringing in crowds excited about new plays and for some - just for the experience! Nights are pleasantly warm and the clear sky can be spectacular! 


The weather makes it quite adventurous here lately, but, so far, - plays didn't have to be postponed or stop at any time!


T H E      N E W S


Our rooms have been enhanced with a 37" flat screen panel for you viewing pleasure; we have a variety of channels, a list of about 200, with a Full Deffinition HD Satelite transmission through DirecTV .

We are running some special summer OFFERS this summer; check this link for the month of July offer: Mondays & Tuesdays Special




Just come and stay with us this summer; enjoy the room as much and feel free to walk around the property and view our garden arrangements!