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.

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

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

Own a piece of architectural history -Historic Usonian Inn

Own a Historic Land marker, a Frank Lloyd Wright Signature Style building!

Historic Inn for sale - The Usonian Inn LLC (Spring Green, United States). Commercial. Madison City, WI Classified ads. Buy and sell today!

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

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. 

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"

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 "

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 

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!

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!

Information that matters - Online Booking

Brought to you By WEBERVATION, our online reservation system is available to our customers,  and offers people from around the world accessibility 24/7.

ONLINE booking helps us to keep track of our Availability calendar and maintain it timely and accurate.

Since we introduced our "Webervation" - online booking System,  we personally,  had to learn everything the program has to offer and make it easy for you to navigate.

There is a simple form to use to complete the "ONLINE" booking.

You will also have just the right amount of information to read and learn about our Policy and make yourself aware of our Green Guidelines we practice at our establishment.

- How to find us

Google, Yahoo, Bing, Yelp, Merchantcircle, any search brouser

You can reach us by phone or e-mail at:  reservations@usonianinn.com

or on line at http://www.usonianinn.com.

- How to use the on line system to reserve your room with us

 If you happened to have sent us an e-mail, you will get an Automatic Reply from us with our info and the link for online booking, - use it!

From our web page: http://www.usonianinn.com, you will find our link to book on line under Room and Rates, also called "Online Reservations and Rates." 

This link will show you availability and rates (standard rates listed are for 2 occupants using a queen size bed),  that varry from weekday to weekends.

When you get the system notification on your booking, watch out - the sender is Reservation@webervation.com - do not trash the message before you receive the confirmation email from us. (reservations@usonianinn.com)

If you booked online successfully, got your first notification email message and do not hear back from us within 24 hours with a new CONFIRMATION email, CALL US!

- Information that matters

We might be asking you to use the online system for several reasons:

    * We MIGHT NOT BE Available for the phone

    * Having people at the desk will take priority

    * we could've stepped away from the desk for housekeeping reason/others

    * communicating accurate information to us for your booking is vital

    * important reading for you to do when going through the form

- How can you help

We will answer any questions any time - during our Business hours,  7:30AM - 10:00PM.

If you have to leave a message, KNOW that we ARE HERE and we WILL GET BACK to you in as soon as we are able. If something is URGENT, - which I doubt it, - state so!

- The Benefits

If you will stay with us more then once, you should know that booking a future reservation, with us is already saving you time.

Once we have you in our system, the second time you call we'll be able to find your data and use it for the next booking.

*****All we need each time, is your credit card information;  the system does NOT ALLOW us to retain your card data after we produce the check out report!*****

The Interior Design - starting phase

There is always only so much a proprietor can do; this life, a hotel owner life is full of surprises, interruption,  multitasking,  start more projects at once, take reservations, make phone calls...

One of the so called "Small Project" for the past winter was to work on the Interior Design; changing a few things and bringing some colors to the room was partially though about for different reasons.

The old had to go to make room for the new; we started with the beds' covers

We already concluded that the reading chairs were a too light color and the wear was already showing too much.

With the help of a skilled good friend, I was able to obtain a much better looking reading chairs that will not show as much or easy the stains ans still be comfortable and fitting in.

This of course is taking time and yet we made the room like having new furniture and being a new place all together.


It is a matter of days now to bring  this project to an end. We will follow with a different post when that is accomplished.

Traveling to Spring Green - there are so many reasons

April 2010 - The News paper (WI State Journal) interview on print see the interview here
Find our interview on p26-27

One big project coming to an end!

 So far so good; after a week of trouble, and trouble shooting, - we determine that things can be done;  not properly from the beginning, just running around the circle for a few days, talking to 5-7 different technicians.

Your ultimate viewing experience should be here with us!

All you get is bites and pieces from everyone; each know some of the stuff that needs to tell you, others, they can wow you - it takes a moment for you to know that they know their stuff!

In conclusion, after 10 days - we have manage to have this hospitality commercial TV grade, set-up and running, just 8 of them - 2 need to be replaced because as simple as it is and sounds, cloning didn't do any good to us!
Well, was I better of  buying regular TVs, I still don't think so!


For now - HAPPY VIEWING everyone!

A DAY LIKE NO OTHER

I've lived through different season, travel different paths going through many states, and I can recall  - Wyoming, and for a good reason! Driving in Wyoming wasn't fun at all; it was a hot summer and we had to drive at night, and it happened that our AC broke in the car after a tire hit our Toyota Previa,  my lovely car at the time, - and with all windows down, we hardly made it through....

It was windy, I mean really windy - the kind we never experience before; the winds blew all night long,  a very hot windy storm.

Today, we had the weirdest weather ever; we had our share of windy days in the past, however, TODAY - it was very unforgettable;

WKOWTV reported "Wind gusts peaked between about 40 and 45 miles an hour this afternoon; although, Monroe reported a 51 mph wind gust at 4 pm!  The wind, though, will quickly diminish after sunset. ......... Have a good evening!Last update by Chief Meteorologist Bob Lindmeier at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5th."

These area mentioned above are in our immediate vicinity !

So, I will be attaching some pictures here dust storm pictures

and then i took some more pictures with the sunset and more clouds:

the sky after the dust storm 

Spring Green Nature Preserve

Discover our Wisconsin Desert right in our backyard!

Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

So little known and yet, so beautiful!  PDF map available

Nature Preserve - Spring Green - Wisconsin

The TV challenge continues

It is the first time we purchased TVs for the hotel (and I hope the last) as a commercial grade, and now we are finally  - yeah, finally after 5 days getting the piece of info we should've had from the beginning;

When boxes arrived, it looked like they were original sealed and we were expecting to just plug them in, hook them with the HD DirecTV receiver and the set up would be a piece of cake as well;  not so fast!

In other words, we tried to set up programing and all that but we didn't have the "green remote" as they call it, all boxes came with "guest remote" that will not serve us with what we needed to get all this started....and finished

Just wasted 5 days trying to figure out what's wrong and no one told us before what we really need;  WOW - someone decided to overnight the "green remote" to  the business.


We really had to finish this project "by yesterday!" because the drapes project still will have to be finished.


Why the TV took priority? They all sit in a room know that I will be needing this weekend, otherwise I will have to move someone from a room to the other for her 2 night stay and that is not FUN!

So, tomorrow we are on a marathon to finish up installing all TV in all rooms and setting the programing up!

The process of getting the HD TV flat panel

We usually shop around for a while to get the best product and the best price!....
Simply put, we are not lowering our standards on furnishing our place with non quality products.

Once we reached our decision on what the product will be, it was easy to place the order and wait for the delivery time.

OK, just to let you know what to expect, these are our new TV  - Full resolution HD,  flat panel;

We are certain this will enhance your viewing experience and we are trilled to have you come back!

As of previously stated Room 5 sill remain the "Historic Room" and the TV servicing in that room is not being upgraded with a new unit; also to give you a full picture of this room be informed that the bathroom has not been remodeled.

 More to come!

FAST CHECK IN Process - Save time when checking in with us

Thinking of your time, we realized that we can help you saving some when reserving your room on line.

In a hurry? need to catch a play? rushing between plays to check in to your room?

Got to make it to your dinner reservation?

We are pleased to announce a very new way of saving time with the check in process.

Introducing "Fast Check in" form now available with on line reservation!

Grab a copy of your e-mail confirmation you receive from us and sing it when you check in; the best way to make it in "FAST" will be to let us know you want to participate and we can authorize your credit card before you come in and all you need to do is present your credit card and sign your sleep with us!

On the bottom page of you reservation confirmation, you will see this 

We'll use this form when you check in

(if you want a "fast check-in" fill in form, print and sing on your arrival)

Vehicle Make -Model & Year -License Plate-License State

Customer Signature/Date

Use it to get in FAST!

GREAT NEWS Emerging!!!

As far as it goes, we all like to catch a deal when we go shopping, when we book a flight and also when we reserve a hotel room.

We considered for the past season to offer a small discount to the members of AAA, AARP,  and to those that are paying cash - WITH 2 NIGHTS STAY ONLY;  reservation system requires for us to have a credit card on file.

Reaching that decision we introduced a WEEKEND Offer starting this season!

Find more info on property's policy!

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

Celebrating our 4th Season in Business!

It's been a trial time and a fun time, with challenges to face, we stayed focused on our goals and made it so far!

Sometimes it's hard to look back to remember the mess, the hectic schedule and all other factors that we had to deal with; what counts is the result!

A successful story!


Find us on Facebook and read more!

 ***** ***** *****

Spring - an amazing SEASON!

We are back from a short vacation where we spent time with family and childhood friends; we are fully recharged and ready to be your host for a great season ahead;

It seems like the weather is beautiful already; we are enjoying temperatures in the low 60's and plenty of sunshine!

We appreciate your business and hope to make your experience a great one!

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

NOTE to our CUSTOMERS

It is important at this time for you to make sure you read our Calendar of Events! 

The link is on our blog page on the right hand!

News Press Release

We, once again put some effort in and made the news with great achievements; here is the pres release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     CONTACT: Carolina Dursina at 608-588-2323

THE USONIAN INN LLC
COMPLETES AH&LA GREEN GUIDELINES CHALLENGE FOR HOTELS
Hoteliers Challenged to Use Association Guidelines to Benchmark
Eco-friendly Operations and ROI

Spring Green WI, 53588, February 12, 2010 — THE USONIAN INN LLC successfully completed the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Green Guidelines Challenge, in which more than 200 hotels across the country tracked and, in many cases, improved their green business operations via AH&LA’s 11

Minimum Green Guidelines, released in November 2008 by the association’s Green Task Force.  With the aid of a tracking tool provided by AH&LA, THE USONIAN INN LLC communicated its results via an online Green Guidelines Challenge survey, as well as shared the hotel’s success stories and best practices.

The challenge asked hotels to measure occupancy statistics, monetary and energy expenditures, and return on investment (ROI) from specific green practices, and THE USONIAN INN LLC excelled in the areas of environmental performances, towel and linen reuse program and replacing all toilets that flush 1.6 gal/use. 

Based on existing environmental certification programs, including Green Seal, Green Globe, Green Key, and LEED, along with various state certification programs, the 11 Minimum Green Guidelines define ways to give hotel owners and operators opportunities to reduce operating costs and environmental impacts through reduced utility consumption, recycling programs, employee training, and supply chain management. The guidelines also allow hotels to improve their fiscal performance by tracking ROI against their general statistics.

THE USONIAN INN LLC received a certificate of completion in recognition of the hotel’s efforts. The hotel is continuing to maximize its green efforts by examining the additional 58 guidelines AH&LA has put forth and integrating new policies and practices into our operations. 

“By completing the challenge, THE USONIAN INN LLC, can be identified as an eco-friendly establishment, based on these important industry guidelines,” said GENERAL MANAGER. “We’re proud of our accomplishments and look forward to finding better ways to serve our guests – and the planet.” 

THE USONIAN INN LLC - Spring Green WI, 53588, February, 2010
Contact Carolina Dursina at 608-588-2323 or reservations@usonianinn.com

Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom-line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.

Letting the Old go Making room for the New

We are coloring our rooms, somehow.

The new bed covers are here and they look cheerful. A little color - or, i should say, rather a plain color on the bed makes the room look so much better, even roomier.

It was a fun experience to be changing the Old with something New, better and improved. 

It was a great feeling to be able to donate to a charity all the old stuff and at least make it of use for some people in need.

See more pictures here


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

After all, hotels don't create travel; they serve it

The hotel industry is facing severe business challenges; how we react to those will determine how quickly we can return to some balance and profit growth.

As I learned more about the industry, I wrote this article and I hope you find it helpful!

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We could use your Help

We very much appreciate your business; along these few years I've been around, I see many of you, my customers returning to our place, - and all we hope is that you enjoy coming to our establishment not only to participate at the attractions in the area, but have a comfortable stay with us and relax with a glass of wine on the premises.

We worked hard and try to maintain the property in a great shape.

• Since 2007, when we took ownership of the property, we implemented some environmental friendly solutions in all aspects possible to make our lodging distinguished. We've watched our business and the concept of green hospitality grow to where it is today with nimble and responsive innovation. We couldn't have done it without our customers support and understanding during the makeover!

• We would like to thank you for choosing The Usonian Inn LLC as your green travel lodging, thank you for having stayed with us in the past and we hope you enjoyed our services.

•  We have several projects we are working on and on our ongoing efforts we decided to ask for your help! We could use your help!
  

We all hope you have a prosperous 2010 and build many memories from around the area when staying with us!

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News for 2010 - Policy changes

We are trying our best to operate our business smoothly and make your stay remarkable;

In  the mean time, we are learning how to pass on the information we like you to learn about the property's changes/updates.

The Good News:

• There will be a 3% OFF to the returning customers; with secondary booking for the same season. (book twice this season and the second time you will receive the discount)

• Customers paying cash will receive a 2% OFF the room rate.

The Other News:

• When purchasing a Gift Certificate with us, there will be a 3% Credit Card transaction fee; Gift Certificates can be wither e-mailed to you account or send to you with USPS.

• When walk in without reservation, we accept a cash form of pay, however, - we will still require a credit card that we'll keep in file for 7 days. Along with that we would like to obtain a copy of your drivers license.
  

• expect that we will run our business based on Our green guidelines

• make yourself familiar with our schedule - This is a Family Owned & Operated Small Business! -  hours of operation are listed on our web pages and are 7:30 AM - 10 PM

• No Items from the Rooms Are to be Removed for Outdoor use or OFF Premises at any time!

• Your credit card will be charged on your arrival,  you should inform us immediately if you wish to pay cash. 

• By changing the credit card on file to a different credit card, you will be charged a 4% credit card processing fee. 

• Personal checks accepted, WI State ONLY!

• we offer seasonal discounts and they are listed under "room and rates" on our webervation system as Last Minute Special; when booking use that link to take advantage of the discounted rate.