Sometimes, it's good to have a small talk. And if that is beneficial to both parties, it is highly encouraged to make it a practice, why miss out?
Before arrival:
Ask for bathroom essentials - I had people call ahead and ask if we have hair dryer, and it's OK, I understand, there might still be properties out there that don't have that in all rooms; ask for directions, some time it's not as easy with Google – at times people are unable to follow Google to find us, other times people will show up with no booking ahead and then they tell me they found me on Google – yet it's never ending, always challenging. Ask if any schedule about your stay will change what would happen, we could explain you the policy we have in place.
After arrival:
Ask about our history of our business; we'll be glad to mention a few things on how we made history in the area and in the lodging industry and how we got listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. ask for the password for the WI-FI, or anything that comes to mind that is related to our property we are the Birthday town: if we are aware that's your birthday, on arrival we could offer you a sticker to wear while here. (you might get ID'd in town to prove your b-day date) but, ask about specials: as we might be offering some promotions as well, at the same time our retail community is offering discount for your birthdays.
While staying here:
Ask about our town: we'll take a few extra minutes to give you ideas for dining, mention attractions in the area or other questions about the neighborhood, learn about the term USONIAN.
ASK – if you think we are missing something in the rooms, please ask – Once we had a person stay with us a few days; we interacted a little but nothing was said in particular. Only after she left, she wrote on her review that "you should not expect we have soap in the bathroom or shampoo". - Well, the story is like this: we do have soap dispensers – by the sink for handsoap and in the shower area, we gone green and wanted to do our part, we use professional, commercial grade - hair and body shampoo two-in-one.
In conclusion, before you are ready to talk about a place, ASK.
Ask Happily. We'll graciously answer.