Electric Vehicle Charging Station: Bring your Tesla to Spokane!

For the last little while we have been planning and working on an electric vehicle charging station for our guests at the Odell House–and of course the odd stranded shopper.

Rick and I have a Leaf (Nissan all-electric vehicle) which in real practice has a range of about 75-80 miles–given typical Spokane terrain and weather.  This is more than sufficient for our needs. 

Some of the time the Leaf stays up at the Odell House to encourage me to ride my bike to work.

(Rick needs no such encouragement).

You can see it above parked near our clothes line and brand new 240 volt charging system!

We are in the process of installing a dedicated 240v 40 amp circuit which will service the 30 amps that this GE Watt Station charger puts out.  This is more than enough for a Leaf in any circumstances, and very good if not perfect for the higher powered models.

Tesla Folks–Please note: We are installing the plug-in circuit right next to the Watt Station so that a Tesla owner whose equipment will take higher amps for a faster charge can unplug the Watt Station and use the main plug with their own equipment for a faster charge, effectively by passing the Watt Station.  The system is locked to prevent accidents so please let us know if you need this.

How come I suddenly think this is important?

Well, because I DO think it is important.  People will not use EVs until the range anxiety is effectively dealt with.  And the Inland area is WAY behind the coast in servicing this.  Currently, just forget it if you live in central Montana.

So, while a dream, it was not a top-priority to spend $2,000 on a system that would effectively only work for cars garaged within 75 miles.  While nice for the neighborhood, these are not typically our overnight guests.  And I just plug my Leaf into a 110 outlet and wait 22 hours for it to charge–once about every three days.  Like I said, I don’t drive very much.

But then a wonderful thing happened:  A stranded motorist who had arrived from Seattle in the area called.  He told me he needed a place to charge his Tesla.  (This is rather like ET stopping by and asking directions–aliens do exist!.  We have HEARD about Teslas in Spokane.  But never actually seen one.)

I said, sure, come right over.

And he thanked me and did, using out 110 plug which we had advertised as available while he went to the Museum or such.  The trouble of course is that at that power I think he said it would take 72 hours to charge his car to get back to Seattle.  Yes, you can go 250 miles or more in these cars–the battery is much larger than the Leaf.  But you still have to push the power back into them.  And the speed of that depends on both volts and amps.  He was hopping plug to plug around town trying to gather enough power to take his family home.

This could not have been relaxing–though I greatly admire his dedication and pluck, and congratulate him on educating the locals.  I talked with him several times, as well as the guys at Tesla (who are GREAT!) to see what would be ideal.

So, shown an actual need, we had an excuse to take action and a directive on how to do so.  With the new system we will be able to offer a full overnight charge for guests from  Seattle (or Portland or where ever they like to come from within range).  Which importantly means they can get home again.  (Seems a logical thing to worry about. . . )

And your cross-state EV trip is on us.  (With hydro powering the Spokane juice, this will be a very green excursion.)  We are offering EV charging at no cost to our overnight guests–though we would like to be told that we have an EV arriving so we can reserve the charger and the parking space.  We are also happy to have it used by local people in need, but in this case would appreciate donations so our paying guests do not end of paying for it indirectly.

I’m feeling pretty happy (smug is a better word for it really).  This charging station is, to my knowledge the fastest one between here and Wenatchee, and I’m hoping that because of it we see more EVs in our drive in the future.  Never mind in Spokane in general. . .

And while searching for a picture of course I found these as well: who can resist?!

Yes, I have two highly qualified electricians on the job–though, come to think of it they DO nickname themselves “Sparky” and “Flash”. . . .

It hasn’t happened yet.

How rates work

Since it is surely useful to know what you are paying for when you book lodging, I thought I would take a moment to explain rate structure, how it works and what happens if you change your mind mid-stream.

You’re traveling!  We all know things come up!

In our continuing mission to be your home away from home, we have four kinds of rates at the Odell House, and several different deposit structures.  These are designed for people with different needs, and depend on the length of stay, unit or house, and how many individuals (human and otherwise) we are dealing with.

Like rates, deposits also depend on animals in residence, and then unlike rates, on smoking status.  We keep smokers, all the time–no tax–but smoking is not allowed in the houses or on the properties–ever!

(Smoking in a unit  is a really, really expensive mistake, as we will charge whatever it takes to put that unit back to a non-smoke state.  Whatever!)

But, back to rates!

Nightly stays–this rate can vary according to the unit, the number of people and the time of year.

While still reasonable, this is the most expensive rate of the group.  There are few commitments other than actually arriving and then leaving things in a sensible manner.  The pricing takes into account cleaning and that we have no idea if any of the other nights in the month will be booked while we save the unit for your arrival.  Logically, this rate also has a fairly stringent cancellation policy unless booked only a few days before arrival.

Multiple night stays–generally these are discounted a bit.  The average discount is $10  for any night after the first, but the reservation has to be booked through us personally to get it–don’t worry, we will offer as we appreciate your longer stays very much.  Multiple night stays share the same cancellation policies as nightly.  They are generally a very good deal for short term housing without much commitment.

Weekly–only offered on some units, and generally at about a 30% discount off the normal nightly rate. Usually a cleaning deposit.

The structure here takes into account that daily cleaning of the unit is not necessary–though available if a person wants it.  It tries to reward tidy folks and pass on labor costs to those who don’t care about paying a little bit for cleaning, or just did not take the time to do the dishes!  It rewards tidy guests nicely.

Single month–30 days.  Costs about half the nightly rate and no tax. That is a big savings!

There is always a cleaning/damage deposit, and almost always some of that deposit used for a meticulous cleaning after departure.  (There is a difference between wiping things down which we really appreciate, and really getting ready for another guest.)

Multi month–this rate discounts the the nightly rate by almost 70%–but comes with a deposit and the 30 day notice of any move, a stipulation made possible (and necessary) by Washington State Landlord Tenant laws.  There is always a cleaning/damage deposit and again some of that will be used for a meticulous cleaning for the next guest.  Please keep the notice part in mind when you ask for this rate–the cue being saying, I need at least 30 days, perhaps longer.

We don’t get to decide some rules on this kind of stay, and sadly, we are in violation of Landlord Tenant Law if we do not then switch to more formal notices.  Stays of more than 30 days are by default considered month to month leases unless we do something specifically different–and slightly more expensive.  That said,  in a lot of cases it really is smarter to book several consecutive 30 day stays if you are unsure how long you will be with us–though your availability will also sadly be unsure if you wait too long to tell us you plans!

It’s the Law.  And paying the Governor: taxes.

*Hotel stays are defined as less than 30 days They generally do not follow the same landlord tenant law that effect most other transactions in this state.

*All lodging revenue from under 30 consecutive days is taxable at 10.6%–combined Spokane and Washington State tax.  Bookings over 30 days are not taxed.

CCCCCCHHANGESSSSSSS in ppppplllaaaannnns can be awkward–but don’t have to be.

So, we’d all like to take advantage of the lowest possible rates with the most possible security.

But What happens if your plans change? 

Our plans will not change, by the way.  Barring natural disaster, flood or fallen ceiling, if you book a room we will be here offering you the keys.  When we hold space we take it very seriously.  It will be here for you.  That’s the Innkeepers job.  We don’t get to jump at the “better deal”, we keep your place.  Happy to do so.

And, while we really are okay with you alighting with us while you are looking for a cheaper/longer term/unfurnished (etc all) place to live–that is part of what we do, offer temporary lodging!–we do need to have a rough idea of how long you will be with us.  As outlined above, this entails some mutual commitments and agreements–and some measure of guessing.  This is sometimes an issue if finding that cheaper/better/more permanent place takes longer–or shorter–than expected.

Please also keep in mind we are only in charge of SOME of our cancellation/notice policies.  We try to be as flexible as possible.  But there are limits.

Nightly: We allow cancellations of nightly rate rooms up to a week prior to arrival.

Weekly: If you need to move on before your week is over  we will figure out which is the cheapest default option:  paying  a nightly rate, or taking the discount even if not all nights are used.  This advantage usually comes at about five days.  (No, sorry, Uncle Herbert you can’t take the weekly rate, divide it by seven and pay for three.  That would be a multiple night stay, but not a week.)

If you have booked a single month and are enjoying the price break and no tax, but must move on, then it is most economical to do so somewhere before ten to fifteen days.  Otherwise keeping the single month discount is less expensive than going to nightly rate.  (Like Uncle Herbert, Aunt Mary Jane cannot book a month, stay three weeks and pay 21 days of that monthly rate.)

If you have said you will be here more than a month, but don’t know exactly how long, then Washington State laws come into play.  A tenancy without formal lease is assumed to be month to month.

This means there are more specific notice requirements from both parties.

Unless we tell you at the start of the month that your unit will not be available the next month, we must make it available.  This puts considerable pressure on us as we cannot decide how we will use any unit in the future–and always have to block out the next month to adhere to the notice requirements.  Fortunately the tenant is also required to give minimum notice–that keeps things fair.

That said, if you know you are going to be here a while, and need something furnished, at about 30% of nightly rate, a longer-stay contract can be attractive.  (actually really affordable!)  BUT, only if you are comfortable with the place and the notices required.  Unlike other rate structures, you can’t just pack up and move on a whim.

If  you give notice two weeks after you’ve paid rent, say, in the middle of the month,  the NEXT month is still due–which is sort of fair.  Remember we have to give you 30 days notice from any time you pay rent if we need to use the unit for something else.  Low price for fair, shared risk is reasonable.  But, it is definitely a two-way street.

Also please remember, this was not OUR idea!  We will happily do 30 days, but you have to tell us that’s what you want.  Default month to month is the least expensive form of rent, but designed to not be very flexible.   If you don’t know your plans are really solid, taking the single month at a slightly higher rate is probably a good idea.  You still avoid tax.  But remember, we don’t have to save the unit for you unless you actually book another 30 day stay–which yes, you are committed to but not as strongly as diving into the Landlord Tenant Acts!

I hope this makes things more clear–if not, please ask questions!!   (Easier now than later.)

End note: Rick, being my copy editor, slyly asks,

“When are we going to do hourly rates, honey?”

Never.

The House in Latah Valley

Latah Valley sounds like a destination spot, but actually it is too close to Browne’s Addition to be anything so grand.  Five minutes.  Probably less than that.

But we do have a little house down there, a place we have worked on for years and is currently for sale, but available for short periods (No real estate agents allowed during guest stays!)

So if you like how it sounds you can have a weekend in the country, bring your puppy and sit on the deck.

We have a whole blog about the workings of the house, which while it may interest some, for a casual visit you need know nothing except it is a very comfortable and easy house with some historic features that may be a first for you.

http://eecohouse.wordpress.com/about/

Here are some pictures:

This is a Russian Stove (you only use it in the winter) with a soapstone counter top and recycled glass tiles as a backsplash.  If you MUST have a fire there is an outdoor wood-fired Pizza oven in the back. 

There is a main floor bedroom with queen bed, and a upper with full–but the stairs are very narrow and steep, so do not put Granny up there!

Yes, the Wedgewood antique stoves do work–very well.  But use the oven in the sun room for baking.

Or you could make a pizza.

If foraging in a garden, collecting fresh eggs, or sitting on your deck with a view of the cliff are attractive, you’ve found your spot!

The Gallery Studio Space

The Gallery Studio, unit A, is normally rented in combination with one of the main floor units–it connects to both B and C through lockable doors.

Officially in fact, it can only be rented with one or both of the other units.

That said, occasionally in an emergency, or for special circumstances, we have broken our own rule about this.

There are many reasons not to do so–it really needs to be used with another unit.  For one thing it is clearly “extra space” on the living front.  No dining table, good Internet, but no dedicated TV.  Our display of slip shade glass occupies the glass cabinet.

The Gallery is a lovely space, but used somewhat publicly on occasion and looks like that–very staged with a for sale tea display and many interesting oddments with price tags.

The closet  is out of bounds–though not locked–it contains our “not currently hung” art work, and some sound proofing to the other units when the doors are open.  You will see from our staging how much we want people rummaging about in there!  The paintings stored are valuable and smell, well, like paintings!  (Subtle oil smell)

(There is a place to hang clothes in the bath, which also currently contains a file cabinet which adds zero to the aesthetic appeal–perhaps down to a negative number–and a group of silk creations by Lana St Michelle, which add considerably more.  Kimono fabric–but they still take up space!)

Then there are the beds.

One (used to be two) very movable twin futon bed that rather cleverly flip open to make a low-to-the-floor queen-sized sleeping area–though you must tell us if you want that option as we make it up differently.

Here is what they are when sold:

I have slept on one–they are okay, a bit narrow.  When folded out to queen size they are rather firm and a mattress topper should be used (we do).

Does this look like where your grandmother should sleep?

What the Gallery IS good for is housing extra folks without the cost of a whole other unit. Ideal occupants would be a close-knit family unit with members old enough to know what not to touch, yet young enough to cope with a platform level sleeping situation.

The Gallery also provides a very lovely, convenient access to the porch and the seating areas on it.  It is good for a baby shower or small party–taken with another unit of course,  with close family or friends who do not mind sharing space as it is not very self-contained.  It is what it is–extra space for the right and flexible group.

I write this in an effort to both be honest and to encourage people traveling together to think about their individual family members true needs.

To underline this point I will share with you a–names changed to protect the innocent–note I received about the Gallery space!  This group booked space months previously, one individual doing all the arranging and communication–not the person who wrote the note below.

In this group there were seven individuals, described as a son who needed to sleep in the same unit as his parents, two couples, two additional single people.  That is all the information that we received.

It appeared that they might well split out three units containing two and a half kitchens, three baths, two queen beds and four “twin” beds.  (Yes, FOUR twins–there was one extra “real” bed in this lineup.) They appeared  not to want the cost of a third full apartment.

On leaving the woman who had booked the space told us how much fun they had all had–a great weekend. Very little communication.

But the day after I received this message from one of the single women assigned to the gallery space as the family spread through the rest of the downstairs units: (my clarifications in bold)

Dale,

 

I feel I need to let you know my impressions after staying three nights at the Odell House May 17-20 – in the “front studio area with two twin beds,” which my mother and I occupied as part of the a family (X) reservation.

 

First, there were no “twin beds” – just makeshift mattresses on the floor, which (by their red upholstery fabric) suggested they were actually long sofa-couch cushions appropriated to be beds.  They were uncomfortable to sleep on, and difficult to arise from.  I emphasize the latter because my mother is 93 years old and while still in remarkably good physical shape, she should not have had to struggle to get into and out of a bed on the floor (especially during the night when she had to go to the bathroom, as elders do).  I’m a mere 65 years old, and I also did not sleep well on these uncomfortable makeshift mattresses.

(Again, Dania, $325 The Driana Futon)

 

So I think you should be much clearer and more descriptive when renting this “front studio area with two twin beds.” In fact, it really shouldn’t be rented as a “studio area” at all, because it isn’t – it is your Irimi art office. 

 

The closet was unusable until I removed the large foam mattress (our sound proofing for the unlocked door) blocking access (moving it into Unit B) and rearranged the jumble/clutter (Curt Hanson, Bill Elston, Irene Dahl and tom Holt are not going to be happy to have their off duty art described as such!) of closet stuff so my mother and I could hang up our clothes necessary to attend grandson graduation  FYI – when we returned home, those clothes had a musty, moldy smell.

(Like large valuable oil paintings?)

 

The small bathroom provided nowhere to put our toiletry kits while we used the bathroom – so I moved your things on top of the toilet tank (extra soap). Your large filing cabinet in the bathroom and clothes hanging on the back of the door contributed to our impression that this was your studio bathroom and had not been appropriately prepared for guests.  Ditto the tiny kitchen area, cluttered by a vacuum cleaner and other stuff.

 

Mom and I also moved a number of your collectable lamp fixtures from the long chest between our “beds” to atop the white chest in the hallway leading to Unit C so we could have somewhere to put our purses, toiletry kits, etc.  Again, it was apparent this “studio area” hadn’t been prepared for guest usage.  No, we didn’t put them back, but I didn’t want you to think anything was missing – we simply rearranged things for our accommodation as guests.

 

So I’m afraid I won’t be recommending the Odell House in the future, but I hope you will take my comments as constructive advice if you do rent the “front studio area with two twin beds” again.

Sincerely, X and Y

Yes, we will still be offering it, and I truly appreciate this note as it makes it clear that better communication needs to happen.

Rick and I were both terribly embarrassed by our aged and unknown “guests of guests” having such a rough time.  We hope those of you booking space for others in any situation will also take a lesson, as we have, from this experience.   It would have been totally possible to have taken another deluxe unit–several if necessary for these no doubt charming women, giving them their own space, large comfortable queen-sized beds.  Or, if we had been told we could have moved the extra “real” (and unused) twin bed from B the east ground floor unit they also had rented.

Better yet, this unit was also available at the time the booking was made–as were two more similar:

A “real” queen bed, private bath adjacent.

Plenty of space for makeup.

Why was this choice not made?

I don’t know for sure.  Perhaps I did not press the issue, thinking we were expecting younger folk.  But after fifteen years in the business my guess is that finances figured.  The studio adds $75 a night to the cost of a stay: $37.50 per person if you fit two.  Another whole apartment would have been $125-150 on that particular weekend.  And at $75 a night we simply cannot remove every item from our gallery space that might be in the way of a makeup bag.  It would make offering it impossible. More to the point we assume that people will tread lightly there as it contains a great deal of very expensive (and quite stunning) art and light fixtures–that we do not really expect to be rearranged, or worse yet, piled in a corner.

And in closing, please forgive the rant, but I am afraid this situation also shows a trend that older single women are looked at as “less than” in our society.  Not by the Odell House, the sole description of the needs of these guests were they were “single” and extra informal beds were okay.  My impression was we were talking about recent college graduates.

(So if I now ask the age of your guests on booking please forgive me! But better yet, it is very wise when on vacation to not underestimate the comfort level ideal for a nice stay.)

Older guests very frequently and modestly proclaim: “I don’t NEED all that space!”

My thought?

Yes, frankly, you do!

Anyway Rick and I are appalled that the Gallery would be both booked and used like this–it was a very poor fit.  How terrible for those ladies!  And what a miss on my part.

I hope this little story gives some perspective on unit choice and how to wisely help us to help.

Best wishes,  Dale

 

Organic grocery shopping and other needs:

People often ask where to get organic food in Spokane.  There are several places near to us.

Also the site of the nearest  Post Office, and Pharmacy,  the basic grocery, Rosauers on Third and Cannon is quite good in the produce department and does stock some organics.  They also offer a service called Delivery Boy where for $12 you can have anything you want delivered to your house or apartment.  http://www.thedeliveryboy.com/

Granted, you can also ask us to do this before you arrive and we will charge nothing for it–or just the cost of whatever you want anyway.

(There is a map at the base of this link–it is right as you enter Browne’s Addition on Second–on the map below where Second and Third appear to converge–they don’t.)

http://www.rosauers.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=220&Itemid=6

Another Spokane classic is Huckleberry’s Market–also owned by Rosauers company but specializing in what they call Natural Food.  It’s a good place, and not too far away.

http://huckleberrysnaturalmarket.com/
Huckleberry’s Natural Market
926 South Monroe Street
Spokane, WA 99204
(509) 624-1349

A third choice is a store called Main Market, which is downtown–you guessed it–on Main St. On the map above it is roughly where the word Sprague is written.  My friend Lori works there.

44 West Main St, about a block west of Division–but beware Main  St. is one way in that location and it is easier to approach from the west than the east.

STORE HOURS: Open 7 Days a Week | Monday – Saturday 8am – 8pm, Sunday 10am – 6pm

http://www.mainmarket.coop/

The deli is very good, serving as a small cafe for downtowners.  It is quite close to the Opera House and Convention Center, also within a block of the local Kinko’s copy place–a very good office backup and Fed Ex shipping station.  My friend Charlie works there.  http://local.fedex.com/wa/spokane/office-2893/

Trader Joe’s Spokane

In the shopping center which also houses Urban Canine (across the parking lot) on Ray and 29th St on the South Hill.

2975 East 29th Ave
Spokane, WA 99223
509-534-1077

Trading Hours:
Mon-Sun: 8am – 9pm

Truthfully, I have been once, and will never go again if I can help it!  (Reasons? Corporate, non-local ownership for one, but more so the stiflingly South Hill crowd, crowding the crowded aisles–and it is a very long way up hill on a bike for a grocery shop.)

http://www.traderjoes.com/stores/index.asp?q=99203

Urban Canine is a whole different story:

http://www.theurbancanine.com/

If you have a pooch and want to look at great equipment they are worth a visit.

The Hobbit Hole: apartment 8 of the Wakefield

The Hobbit Hole: Wakefield House Unit 8, the original gardener’s quarters of the mansion.

We describe our little Hobbit Hole apartment as the most humble of the group, and it is the smallest, but like most Hobbit Habitats it is well-organized and extremely functional–if slightly quirky

Living room from bedroom door

New paint–and now new appliances

Hobbit kitchen from entry

Hobbit bed is full sized–just looks narrow

Shocking green bath with huge clawfoot tub

Hobbit closet and Heywood Wakefield vanity

Living room from bedroom door

If you stay here are some details you might also want to know:

This is the front of the house: it sits on the corner of First And Poplar.

Above is the portico you go under to find the Hobbit Hole.  Below is your parking spot.–and not a great use of it in this particular placement!  (The back drive is like a Monopoly board–all the garages are used so if your car does not fit in the Hobbit garage, then it should be parked very close to it and not blocking the others in any way.)

The entry to the Hobbit is that little corridor to the right of the double garage.

This is a winter view of what you would see should you turn around–the cliff overlooks the Spokane River’s confluence with Latah Creek.

Above is the back yard and lower windows of the Hobbit.  A nice place to sit in the summer, and look at this: (or the side of it anyway)  The Campbell House–part of the Museum.

Can you imagine the day when all these houses were single family?  No wonder they needed staff!

If you have questions, please ask!  (Or if you have stayed in the Hobbit and would like to leave a comment, please do so!)

First Friday Art Walk April 5–Pink~

We will be open in the gallery and lower apartments this weekend, starting  with Laddie Ray Melvin on guitar from 6-8 PM Friday the 5th.

Open Hours: 2-8 Friday, 2-5 Saturday and Sunday. April 5,6,7 2013

2325 West First Ave Spokane WA

Our show theme is double: first, Mid Century and Deco lighting, and second everything pink we can think of, showing our support of  the Susan G Komen breast cancer awareness events in Spokane this month.

http://komeneasternwashington.org/

We hope to see you–seeing pink.  (Where else can you get a supply of pink string lights and bulbs?)