Travel blogging from the other side

I just discovered a very cool blog called ConfessInns: The Inkeeper Chronicles

The profile states:

"You are cordially invited to learn what really goes on behind the scenes of your ‘perfect stay’ and how a hotel really works. Meet the ever changing cast of characters that frequent The Inn, get to know their stories and pick-up some secret travel tips you won’t get from the friendly concierge… or anyone else."

The stories are well-written and very entertaining. And it's a nice reminder that when you stay at a hotel, you are dealing with real people who have to put up with your incessant demand for towels, your bizarre wake-up call times, and your dirty sheets. These folks aren't, like you, on vacation. My motto is be polite, tip well, and mind that karmic bank account.

--Diane

Important travel lesson learned the hard way #1: Do your research

When I was a carefree young graduate student, the thought of planning a trip in advance seemed ridiculously square. It went against the whole free-spirited aura I was trying to cultivate. As a result, I had lots of bad travel experiences. On the upside, bad travel experiences make for good stories. So sit back and let me squeeze you a bit of lemonade from the lemons life has handed me.

My husband, Rob, used to travel to Payson, Arizona for 10 days every August for work. Most years I would drive up there for a weekend and get a hotel room nearby. I would spend the days hiking the utterly gorgeous Mogollon Rim country, and spend the evenings hanging out with my sweetie.

One year, way back when I was in grad school, I invited my friend Kris to accompany me on this journey. We made the hour-and-a-half drive up from Tempe, spent the afternoon hiking, and met up with Rob when he was finished with work. We all drove into town, figuring we’d just pop in to one of the many motels along Payson’s main drag and get a room for the night.

Wrong.