Not only does he run a site that handles most of the common questions and requests about my apartment building, but now he’s running a contest to get ideas to improve the guest suites.
To help us develop some ideas, we’re asking for your help, and will provide a draw of all the residents who reply. The first prize will be one free night in the guest suite of your choice, subject to availability. Second prize will be a new keyfob. One entry limited per 501 Resident. Deadline for submission is September 15th, 2004.
Got any good ideas? Make a comment and let me know. Win a free night in my building. Well, win me a free night in my building. I might be inclined to share. Err…not in a dirty way. Unless you’re hot. Well, you get what I mean. Let’s hope for second place and the key fob, shall we?
DarrenBarefoot.com 
A small cupboard where guests can hang their clothing.
A bench to put suitcases on to lift them off the floor.
A more comfortable chair to sit on.
A hook or two behind the bathroom doors.
Hooks behind the main door.
A coat rack for coats, especially in winter when they become damp.
Please supply adequate (clean cloths)and cleaning supplies so that we can clean and refresh the bathrooms.
If funds permit, adequate reading lights would be a bonus and they could be mounted on the wall so that the light is able to be swivelled and angled.
Go for the glam!
– free high speed access
– The Westin Room (http://www.westin-hotelsathome.com/default.htm)
– 300 (or more) threadcount sheets
– feather bed & pillows
– down comforter
– terry cloth towels and robes
– blackout curtains for those who stay out late
– complimentary bottled water
– restaurant and entertainment recommendations
– recommended cabs and other services
– “best kept secrets” / “must see” list
Put a flyer under the doors of all units, so that both owners and renters know about the guest rooms. In many buildings, renters just aren’t aware of all the amenities. Their landlord may not have taken the time to show the guest suites. And, because strata minutes and other details are sometimes mailed directly to absentee owners, renters may not ever hear about the rooms.
I’m surprised that your occupancy rate is so low, though. When I lived at the Venus on West Georgia, you had to book the guest suites and party room far in advance. And the guest suites, party room, and ballroom were $65 per night, far higher than at the 501.
If you have a lot of US/International owners in your building, they may only be around for part of the year…their empty units are what Douglas Coupland calls “Vancouver See-throughs”. Maybe you need to vary rates throughout the year, so that you can cross-subsidize. You could charge an extra $10 for holidays or summer rentals, for example. Given that other buildings charge $65, even $55 is a bargain.
Tourism information about Vancouver with a couple of free passes or discount coupons.
A Segway for your use while staying!
Allow pets. OR, if not, then some kind of mace spray to keep small dogs away from your legs while strolling Yaletown.
Really warm, cozy blankets for cuddling up under during the damp winter.