It's Nice to be Recognized!

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.  Apparently the folks from Destination 360 like us!  Here's what they have to say:

Motels figure among the cheapest Yuma lodging establishments, and for travelers who really want to save on rates, the Yuma Cabana Motel is worth keeping in mind. This inviting 63-unit motel can be found in the heart of town, and it can be an excellent place to stay when a break from the chain brand Yuma Arizona hotels is in order. The guest units at the Yuma Cabana Motel are more attractive than your standard motel room, and among the amenities that they offer is high-speed Internet access. Most of the accommodations in Yuma offer similar amenities, and over at the Yuma Cabana, the amenities include hair dryers, mini fridges, microwaves, complimentary soap and shampoo products, and cable TV with movie channels. Larger suites with kitchen facilities are available for guests who want to upgrade. A free continental breakfast is included in the rates, and free coffee can be enjoyed around the clock. Whether you are planning on spending a good amount of time in Yuma or you are just passing through on your way to places like San Diego and Tucson, the low-cost Yuma Cabana Motel can make for an excellent place to rest. The motel's facilities might be limited to a small outdoor pool and patio area, but for those who don't require a lot of facilities, it's hard to find a better value.

Second Place is Number One!

In these difficult economic times, at least we know for sure we have a strong fan base!  Thanks to all who voted for us in Arizona Republic's contest for Best Bargain Hotel in Arizona.  We came in second in all of Arizona - a statewide competition!  This is nothing to shake a stick at, and because we are in second, we will only try harder to please you, just ask Avis.  We think that makes us number one!

And, if you are reading this and didn't have a chance to vote, you are invited to comment on this entry and tell why you think we are a great bargain.

It's Nice to Be Acknowledged

Ever since we began our journey into the social media arena, we've gotten attention from some great folks.  We were featured in an Arizona Republic article which prompted us to offer specials to weekend visitors from Phoenix, and now were are listed as a favorite bargain hotel on AZCentral.com's site.  And, don't forget to vote for us there!

In pure social media spirit, I have facebooked and tweeted all of this.  My social media guru, Lorrie Thomas, at Web Marketing Therapy would be so proud.

Thanks to all our loyal guests and fans from all of us at the Yuma Cabana!

Indie Motels Rock Economic Recovery

I cannot make heads or tails of the City of Yuma's general development plan. I sometimes wonder if there is one. Why would the City approve 900 or so new hotel and motel units when the city already has so many - that run about 50% occupancy during 8 months out of the year? It is slightly annoying to this existing, long time lodging property owner. Well, I suppose more than slightly annoying, but I tend to loathe people with negative outlooks, so I will try to analyze this from a positive angle.

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Don't be afraid to stay with an independent hotel or motel, especially if they are AAA approved. They can offer better service and a unique experience for much, much less!
  

On a recent visit I drove around town, all the way to the recent Cocopah development to the Hilton site on the riverfront, in order to assess all the massive new development approved in Yuma. Aside from the new mall, it appears that most of the development is in the form of new hotels.

What struck me the most was the seemingly senseless mass of hotels being built or already built, as the economy slowly collapses. It may appear to some that the little guy is getting crushed on all sides, and odds are against us. We were finally recovering from 9/11 when the economy collapses. Travel once again goes on the back burner for most. Then swine flu hits, with travel warnings to avoid Mexico, and here we are on the Mexican border. Meanwhile, the government planning in Yuma includes a massive increase in hotel lodging units! How much can we take? (Oops! I promised to be positive!)

All this does not bode well for "mom and pop" family owned motels and hotels, like me. Or, does it? The little guy has to try harder I suppose. We have to strive to be number one in something or several things. Here's our plan to rise from the ashes of 2008 and 2009 and outshine the competition, despite the government shun:

(1) We have personality and we boast it! Our bones might be older, but they still shine. Did you know we are the only hotel with balconies in all of Yuma? From curbside I think we are pretty appealing, with lots of landscaping, and well, cuteness. All the new hotels are cut from the same cloth, and look like the same old drab architecture, with no unique design features. I personally think all the new hotels resemble military barracks. (Oops, that's not nice!)

(2) We learn your name and treat you like family. We guarantee your satisfaction and go that extra mile to make you smile!

(3) We offer the best prices in all of Yuma and will beat our competition at least by $1.00 every time. (For details, pop on over to our Price Beat Guarantee). You won't believe the value until you see it. We are not strapped by high construction loans, and hefty chain pay outs, so we can undercut anyone in Yuma.

(4) We're independent. We can do things for you that a chain can't, because we are not laden with their rules. We make our own! Our new website is a perfect example of how we can be creative, and even better than the standardized, institutionalized, predictable, wholly owned competition.

I'm just sayin'! Given a chance, I think indie motels are going to rock the economic recovery!