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Which check in times do you prefer?

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Bushcraft

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 9:21 pm

Award: Laugh Out Loud Moment of the Year, Trip Report 0f the Year (2011)
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:07 pm
Posts: 901
Location: Toti KZN

vgstephens wrote:

we like an early morning drive somewhere in the vicinity of the camp we've stayed overnight at. We then come back to that camp, shower, finish packing, have breakfast then leave.

The 10am checkout gives us more time to do this, and then we just take a leisurely game drive to the next camp, arriving in time to check in at 2pm or after.

The 10am check out makes no difference to the cleaning staff, because they still start work at the same time, unless their hours of employment have changed to 10am to 2pm, which should be the case, because I don’t want cleaning staff at my unit until I’m technically meant to be out, but this is not the case, so why isn’t the 10am – 1pm compromise considered as the cleaning staff still arrive at the same time.

Micetta wrote:

If an unwritten rule would be accepted that keys are given when the accomodation is ready, it would make the queues that OWN are talking about shorter and .....some will be luckier than others :wink:

It would certainly be acceptable. Today you win, tomorrow it is my turn. Certainly better than now!! and also better than check in time like earlier.

Why is it not possible to be a bit more relaxed about those problems, that with a bit of common sense from staff and visitors could easily be resolved. Also if staff would be a bit more ready to change the accomodations assigned, just like they do in hotels all over. "This rooms is not ready, but this other one is, if it is all right with you. If not, you will have to wait" Sometimes I wonder if the staff at reception have ever seen the accomodations and ther position? Back again to my strong point: training, training and training!!!!!!

If things were managed correctly :whistle:

the client would come first, but ...... :whistle:

We have tried to book in an hour early with a sick kid and were told "sorry, come back at 2pm", but I knew the unit number, due to the type of unit and drove to the unit and it was clean and empty at 1pm, so we moved in :whistle:

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Elzet

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 9:27 pm

Senior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:37 pm
Posts: 7747
Location: Daar waar die bobbejane hul borshare kam

Bushcraft wrote:

Boskuns, we have tried to check in with a sick 'Tannie' an hour early at Satara last year, but to no avail. :wall:

Fortunately the Oom saw the bungalow number. :dance:

We were told to come back at 14:00. So we moved in, settled down, and the Oom went to fetch our keys at 14:00. :whistle:

It honestly makes absolutely no sense to have a check-in time of 14:00 in a place like Kruger. No sense at all. :wall:

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“Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don’t.” - Harvey MacKay

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Micetta

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 9:46 pm

Senior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2008 3:56 pm
Posts: 9601
Location: CH - Lugano

If check in times are strictly at 14:00, why are the accomodations not locked? Contradictions all over the place.

A mess.........

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Bushcraft

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 9:52 pm

Award: Laugh Out Loud Moment of the Year, Trip Report 0f the Year (2011)
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:07 pm
Posts: 901
Location: Toti KZN

Micetta wrote:

If check in times are strictly at 14:00, why are the accomodations not locked? Contradictions all over the place.

Cruise to the cleaners and slip them R10 and they will unlock your unit for you :whistle:

at 12pm

You would if I put you in a car with my clan for 8 hours :whistle:

There seems to be a trend in the direction of a perceived competence, but it’s leaning towards arrogance for me, as the product draws people irrespective of how it’s managed, but that can only last for a limited period

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Micetta

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 10:27 pm

Senior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2008 3:56 pm
Posts: 9601
Location: CH - Lugano

No doubet, probably even 200 :lol:

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Elzet

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2011 12:17 pm

Senior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:37 pm
Posts: 7747
Location: Daar waar die bobbejane hul borshare kam

In my previous job, I had to travel all over South Africa, resulting in consequent hotel stay (four to five stars). To miss morning congestion, I always departed at 10:00, resulting in arriving at my accommodation at either 12:00 or 13:00 (respectively two or one hour earlier than the permitted time). A mere e-mail upfront ensured that I was accommodated any time upon arrival - like it becomes HRH :roll:

. Why? Because they wanted to secure future patronage. That's why.

Micetta, I think you'll pay a R1 000! :lol:

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onewithnature

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:44 am

Distinguished Virtual Ranger

Award: Musketeer of the Year, Quiz Whiz of the Year (2011)
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:22 am
Posts: 19081
Location: Midway between the infinite and the infinitesimal!
Award: Musketeer of the Year, Quiz Whiz of the Year (2012)

Bushcraft wrote:

See, these things are tainting a clean, helpful image that Kruger's reception, and other, staff have enjoyed for decades. I suppose it is not strictly the reception-staff's fault - they have to comply with policies - but it is making tourists more frustrated and some of the staff harder. Which is making me mutter more and more, "I miss the old days." :roll:

Less complicated, more into making the tourist's experience a pleasant and whole one. :hmz:

Glad that you didn't need a key to get in, Bushcraft. :thumbs_up:

Last time at Skukuza, we waited near the tent - to unpack and get everything shipshape before moving it in after check-in - while the cleaning woman completed her duties. She finished our tent at 12.30 p.m., but as I approached her, with a sour look, she locked the tent and scurried off before I could chat with her. At reception, we weren't allowed to get our keys before 2 p.m., we were told, so had to mull around in camp until ten minutes before times, when the keys were given. Not a bad camp to mull around, in truth - that waterfront, when tranquil, is lovely - but, that's not the point ...

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onewithnature

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:55 am

Distinguished Virtual Ranger

Micetta wrote:

If an unwritten rule would be accepted that keys are given when the accomodation is ready, it would make the queues that OWN are talking about shorter and .....some will be luckier than others :wink:

Absolutely, Micetta. That would both make everyone more accepting of the problem and the reception staff less stressed and pressurised. A win-win. :thumbs_up:

Micetta wrote:

Also if staff would be a bit more ready to change the accomodations assigned, just like they do in hotels all over. "This rooms is not ready, but this other one is, if it is all right with you. If not, you will have to wait" Sometimes I wonder if the staff at reception have ever seen the accomodations and ther position? Back again to my strong point: training, training and training!!!!!!

Reception staff get printouts of the days' bookings, which has been assigned by someone either the night before or that morning. Because different people stay different lengths at each camp, it often necessitates careful planning to ensure control over accommodation; so it is not always easy for staff to switch accommodation at a moment's notice. Sometimes they are able to - especially when it is quiet - but busy times pose a problem.

Nevertheless, I do agree that extra training should be given to appropriate staff to help alleviate the 2 p.m. bottlenecks that often occur in receptions these days.

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Dabchick

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 7:04 am

Junior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:22 am
Posts: 579
Location: Pretoria

I think we're all too nice: write letters and comment on the forum and vote in polls - this doesn't impact on the lives of Kruger Park camp staff. Maybe we should start getting "rude" at reception -- not throwing tantrums, but complain and moan and in general irritate the reception staff. Also demand to see the manager every time and complain to him/her every time one has to wait until 14:00 (or even 13:00) for a key. Tell him/her that the 12:00 book-in time worked much better and can't they please change back. If enough people do this, maybe the message will get through.... (Not that I want to spent my time at Kruger moaning and complaining).

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Dabchick

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 7:06 am

Junior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:22 am
Posts: 579
Location: Pretoria

Yes I know nagging is juvenile and irritating, but that's the point! :twisted:

What camp manager wants to (and has time to) listen to visitors complain about the same issue everyday?

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norms

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 8:31 am

Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:23 pm
Posts: 914
Location: All over the place!!

Thobeka wrote:

Hello Everyone,

I'm so sorry. :redface:

Thank you for reminding me.
You must be feeling like :rtm:

I didn't get a response from KNP, but I've just reminded them to please respond regarding the check in, check out times suggetions from you... Will make a note and hopefully get a reply by end of business day or at least the week.

Warm regards,
Thobeka

Quote:

Any feedback for us Thobeka

No feedback yet. Sorry...

Best regards,
Thobeka[/quote]

Thobeka - Any feedback from KNP or any other 'responsible' person/department? - :hmz:

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in Kruger

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Bushcraft

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 8:54 pm

Award: Laugh Out Loud Moment of the Year, Trip Report 0f the Year (2011)
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:07 pm
Posts: 901
Location: Toti KZN

norms wrote:

Thobeka - Any feedback from KNP or any other 'responsible' person/department?

To quote another mite "I think a little less dictative handling from Sanparks" With all the current changes that are taking place which aren't all supported surely it's time to show some loyalty to the dedicated regulars that are members of this forum. 89% is the majority.

Any business can’t ignore clients and expect them to remain clients and surely it’s worth paying attention to 89% of the active membership on this forum.

or at least a compromise. :pray:

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Micetta

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 9:19 pm

Senior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2008 3:56 pm
Posts: 9601
Location: CH - Lugano

There is always time for a compromise :whistle:

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forestgump

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 4:52 pm

Junior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:54 pm
Posts: 2044
Location: Sabie

Just got back from Bateleur, I arrived early 11.30 am and was booked in with a smile. :clap:

Why can the other camps not follow suit. The neighbours next to me were booked in early too, but were asked to visit the bird hide whilst the staff finished cleaning.

Bateleur you will get repeat business. :thumbs_up:

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forestgump

Post subject: Re: Which check in times do you prefer?

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 10:18 pm

Junior Virtual Ranger

Joined: Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:54 pm
Posts: 2044
Location: Sabie

did I miss the response given ? :hmz:

_________________
Thousands of innocent plants are killed and eaten everyday by vegetarians.

Balule 31 May to 2 June 2013...let there be lion,leopard,hyena,wild dog and quiet neighbours

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