What would your response be if I came to your hotel, stayed for 90
minutes, and wanted a prorated bill rate cause I didnt stay until the next
morning's checkout (lets say say I just wanted to catch my soap opera or
something outrageous.. in your Memphis Belle Suite.

Not a great analogy. The purpose of an airport is to serve transient
aircraft (and, thus, travelers). These aircraft are on the airport
anywhere from 10 minutes, to permanently. The purpose of an FBO is serve
those pilots who fly those aircraft, by selling them fuel, maintenance,
upgrades, etc.

The purpose of a reputable hotel is to serve overnight guests -- period.
The purpose of a luxury suites hotel like ours is to provide the guest with
a unique, memorable experience. Charging rent for less than a full night
falls into the realm of a fleabag, sleazy motel. (Although I suppose the
experience might still be memorable! :-)

The only income we have is from guests staying overnight. The same cannot
be said for FBOs, which have multiple revenue streams.

Just because the spam-can's aren't the bread and butter of a corporate
oriented FBO doesn't mean that the spam can's don't deserve to be charged
for use of the facilities.. Even parking can get pretty pricey depending
on where you are (for CARS...).. and not all parking lots pro-rate EITHER,
depending on demand.

If FBOs didn't make money on fuel sales, repairs, and charters, you'd have a
point. However, most FBOs understand that Spam Can pilots are tomorrow's
CFIs and charter pilots. They are also the guys who will be paying for the
shop, by having their A&Ps do major and minor maintenance. Embracing them
and making them feel welcome at their facility is an intrinsic part of every
successful FBO's business plan -- UNLESS they are so successful with
charters and fuel sales that they feel they can afford to drive the little
guys away.

It sure sounds like this is what is happening in Reno, and charging $15 to
park for 90 minutes will quickly and efficiently drive all the Spam Can
drivers away.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"