Escape to Wisconsin Campaign!

Although we had some early heat waves in March in Wisconsin, then closer to normal temperatures during the month of April and May, we are fortunate to be on the cooler side and enjoy the climate as normal; strange weather twists iare taking over the nation, and we are experiencing EXTREME weather patterns everywhere from South to North and so is the West and the East.

What's happening in our neighbors yard! see ABC video on Yahoo.
http://news.yahoo.com/video#video=29660993

We got it so good yet!
The 7 days outlook seems to be gorgeous and bringing us the much needed rain relief!
http://www.wkow.com/weather


Plan right and Travel to Wisconsin this season!
IT's summer, bring on the FUN to Wisconsin!

Find our Historic property's info on google listing or on our web page, get to explore the area before you are here!

We have an app for your mobile device and offer online booking as well.

What to Expect - Part I

What could YOU expect from our property


************************************
Physical location and the building

• conveniently located on the North side of Spring Green village
• situated on a park like setting
• walking distance from downtown, shopping area and restaurants, nature conservancy
• near state parks, close driving distance
• simplistic architecture, USONIAN style (if not familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright's style, this is a different design then your usual buildings)
• building sits on the N side of Hwy 14 and the intersection of county Road 23 South;
• office situated in the middle of the building, has 5 rooms on the West wing, left to the office (rooms 1-5), and 6 rooms on the East wing, on the Right side of the office (rooms 6-11)
• renovated - bathrooms designer makeover, recently accomplished
• green sustainable property
• patio furniture
• simplistic furnished but with taste
• country settings/rural area
• bicycle trails start from our property edge to take you to your destination

************************************

Personnel

• great personnel on duty 7:30AM - 10PM (exceptions on Saturdays/Sundays when we close earlier as time )

• prompt service

1. emails are looked at and replied to, a few times a day - at least by the end of each day
2. phone messages - we call you back as soon as we are free to do so; if we are not able to answer your on the spot, leave a message - 
3. if secondary line rings please feel free to leave a message, we will be treating those with the same promptitude

• we treat you with respect, and wish you have a great, relaxing, restful experience with us
• room service by request
• wake up calls
• special arrangements for late check in
• we do reserve the right to have meals and close the office for lunch or brakes

**************************************

Online access services

• we've gone MOBILE!
• you can access our page 24/7 - easy ways to navigate ( read more then just the WELCOME page to find answers to  MANY of your questions)
• provided - pictures from our property- photo gallery with interior/exterior and surrounding area, (off "Contact Us" tab on our web side pages)

• interactive bar 

1. for questions, email, to set up meeting time for a return call or more
2. online reservations access (see schedule and rates), online booking is FREE
3. notifications and last minute updates
4. FIND us/LIKE us on Facebook or follow us twitter

• FREE WI-FI
• rooms have coffee makers, refrigerators and microwave, operable window for cross ventilation

• Online offers

• there are some offers almost on every page, read, search , find and take advantage when booking online (Space provided on the Form to list the offer you found) or by phone

• property policy - a PDF format, under Room and Rate/Amenities page
• access to our gift shop items, see sample, customizable item shop

**********************************

MISC

• a non-smoking and pet Free environment
• DirecTV noncommercial movies, sports packages
• Policy/Rules  "Rules are made NOT to be broken; accept the fact that we mean what we say and we need you to respect what is written."
• We are a Family Owned & Operated Small Business! (for more info, click on the link) 

**********************************

Accolades

• Tripadvisor cert of exclence.pdf

• Travel Green Wisconsin press release
• The Usonian Inn on the local news - WKOWTV (ABC)
• Press Release Article on your Green Accommodation
• Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places
• National Register of the Historic Places

Like our business Facebook page for many more good tips! 

Warmly, Carolina

What does it mean? - This is a Family Owned & Operated Small Business!

"This is a Family Owned & Operated Small Business"


If you see this note in a lodging property web page, read on, you might want to know!


What does it mean?


It could have several meanings... and or all listed bellow

• we are smaller properties operated by self employed family members (only - most likely)

• We are not a chain name hotel/motel

• we work with limited personnel on duty (obvious reasons)

• schedule may vary - if not set time for lunch, we would still close the office briefly to have meals

• don't be surprise to find the office closed with a note on the door        (accept the fact that the note might be hand written - I don't see          anything wrong with that)

• if close briefly for lunch hours that doesn't make it a rule for an everyday matter at the same time

• don't always believe that we can bargain rates just because we are independent, we still need to make a living

• We guarantee anyone a room to be ready for rental at 3PM; we make exceptions but we are not obligated to check anyone in earlier

• check online system for availability and rates, it's just a click away! we pay for this Virtual assistant to free up some time to give full attention to those checking in or those on premises that need our assistance 
• ***there are so many free amenities to you or programs at your disposal - however, WE have to pay for those.

• Rules are made NOT to be broken; accept the fact that we mean what we say and we need you to respect what is written.

        We do appreciate your participation all together...

1. allow yourself enough time in the morning to check out on time
2. don't clean out your car of garbage you collected your entire trip at such small places
3. don't use hotel properties to fill in for what you missed packing for your camping trip, outdoor adventures, etc... 
4. participate in recycling if property requires

• We would love you to have a great time and enjoy your stay with us!

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

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/

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!

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

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!

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!                                                  

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.