Jay is a true member of this community, who happens to own a hotel that
many
of us (including myself) would like to visit one day. In part to see
the
rooms, but mostly to meet a good friend in person.
I have thought about driving to Iowa City from Texas. Make a few side
trips,
but mostly to meet Jay, see the hotel and try to get some free beer out of
him!
Thanks, guys. Mary and I, as innkeepers, have met the coolest pilots, and
the best people, from all over the world -- many through this newsgroup.
And although I'm not above the occasional plug for ** FREE BEER IN IOWA! **
, it's certainly not the main reason I'm here.
Pilots are the best damned people around, period. They're honest,
intelligent, forthright, and capable -- which is more than I can say about
90% of the rest of the population.
Here is the best illustration I can give you of our wonderful first 16
months in the aviation-theme-suites-hotel business: When we opened for
business, in August 2002, I filled the 36 gallon gas tank of our courtesy
van. I've not had to add gas since. Not one single, solitary gallon!
Since then countless pilots have used it, free of charge, putting many
thousands of miles on it. Never -- not once -- has it presented a problem,
or cost me a nickel -- despite the dire warnings of many. Without fail,
the pilots who have used it have topped off the tank. Many did this AND
left a few bucks. A couple have even left small gifts, and several made
donations to our "aviation library".
If you've got to work with the public, work with pilots. You won't go too
far wrong.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"