Legendary Inns of Newport RI Takes Top Rhode Island Hotel Honors Again -- Double AAA Four Diamond Awards For Luxury B&B Lodging

For the fourth year in a row, the Legendary Inns of Newport RI has been honored as Rhode Island's top AAA Four Diamond luxury lodging group. Both Cliffside Inn (a Distinctive Inns founder) and Abigail Stoneman Inn have again received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award.

While just over three percent of the more than 32,000 AAA rated inns and hotels in America are given the coveted Four Diamond Award, the Legendary Inns of Newport owns and operates more than one-quarter of all the AAA Four Diamond hotels or inns in Rhode Island.

Only seven Rhode Island bed and breakfasts, inns, or hotels have been honored with AAA Four Diamonds for 2007. Two Rhode Island restaurants also received AAA Four Diamond Awards at the annual ceremony, held at The Westin Providence Hotel.

"This unprecedented AAA Four Diamond award in Rhode Island for our flagship Newport bed and breakfast inns – four years in a row – is truly gratifying, " said Winthrop Baker, Group President of the Legendary Inns of Newport. "This AAA recognition speaks to what we're all about: extraordinary guest experiences, warm hospitality, personal service and grand style, all set in luxuriously detailed, historic Newport, RI inns."

Each year AAA inspects and rates lodging properties across America. According to AAA Southern New England President Mark Shaw, AAA only awards Four Diamonds to properties that consistently deliver first-class hotel experiences, superior personal service, deluxe amenities, and impressive surroundings.

Abigail Stoneman Inn became Rhode Island's first luxury bed and breakfast inn awarded the Four Diamond rating in 2003. It was followed later that year by Cliffside Inn.

Named to the "Great Tea Rooms of America," the luxury Newport, RI bed and breakfast inns also feature a unique array of personal service and deluxe amenities including pillow menus and bath butler soap bars, exotic bathing salons with whirlpools and steam baths, iPod sound systems, in-room spa services and artwork from renowned Newport artist Beatrice Turner.

In addition to Abigail Stoneman Inn and Cliffside Inn, this year's Rhode Island AAA Four Diamond hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts include: The Hotel Providence, The Westin Providence, Point Pleasant Inn & Resort, The Chanler at Cliff Walk, and Hydrangea House Inn. The top Rhode Island restaurants include L'Epicureo, and Spiced Pear Restaurant.

The Legendary Inns of Newport is a distinguished group of three luxury Inns. All set in historic, Victorian homes, they have been meticulously restored and seamlessly blended with the finest modern amenities to produce unique, luxury bed and breakfast Inns known for their refined elegance, grand style, warm hospitality and attentive service. The group includes Distcintive Inns member Cliffside Inn, plus Adele Tuner Inn and Abigail Stoneman Inn. Read the release. See all Spring Getaway Specials to Newport Rhode Island

Tips for Bed & Breakfast Owners: Innkeeping can be dream come true

It was nearly 30 years ago when Brian and Mary Ellen Shields began to dream of operating a B&B like the best of those they visited. For them, the love of travel eventually led to the love of innkeeping at the Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness, New Hampshire.

When their two daughters graduated high school, the couple began their search in earnest for an inn to call their own. They knew they wanted to be in New England. Mary Ellen explains, "We have always enjoyed the change of seasons, the diversity of the Northeast, and most of all the freshness of the air and the beauty of the landscape."

Their previous careers had prepared them well. As a senior manager for Procter and Gamble, Brian had traveled the world and experienced quality hospitality. He also had became skilled at fixing infrastructure problems and creating good management systems. Mary Ellen had been an accountant, an interior decorator, and a culinary school graduate, developing skills she now applies at the Manor.

"When we travel," Mary Ellen says, "we enjoy having all the comforts of home with added pampering from our hosts. So we ensure that experience for our guests." Brian enjoys serving the breakfast and acting as concierge for guests who are planning their days. Mary Ellen loves the pace of the evening diningroom and the satisfaction of serving guests a wonderful meal.

Together, they have improved and expanded the inn's services and facilities, and they have developed a highly skilled staff. Their efforts, combined with the inn's beautiful setting overlooking Squarm Lake, have earned the Manor many accolades. Now approaching their eighth year as innkeepers, Brian and Mary Ellen continue to relish their dream come true.

“Muddy Tracks” Getaway Draws Fun-seekers To Vermont For A Wild Mountain Ride

Rabbit Hill Inn offers it’s popular “Muddy Tracks” package to fun-seeking visitors in April & May. When ski season ends, North Country celebrates Mud Season. Rabbit Hill Inn introduces their guests to the old tradition of “Mud Boggin’” with a luxurious flare. The adrenaline begins to flow when they are strapped into the 6-wheel drive Swiss Army Pinzgauer transport vehicle for an adventurous ride up the muddy trails of Barron Mountain with a knowledgeable and trusted guide from Alpine Adventure Co. The vehicle seats 12, allowing inn guests to plan an exciting getaway with friends.

In addition to the wild Truck Safari Adventure, Guests benefit from an offering that includes reduced room rates, gourmet meals, 2 free Mud Puddle cocktails, service charges, and candlelit turndown service nightly.

The “Muddy Tracks” inclusive two-night package rates start at $ 589.00, per couple. This offer is available April 20 through May 17, 2007, weekends included.

Rabbit Hill Inn offers full concierge services to help guests customize their “Muddy Tracks” getaway. This includes individual day trip planning, in-room massage services, and extensive outdoor activity offerings

Rabbit Hill Inn is a AAA Four Diamond Inn and Dining Room and a proud member of Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of North America, and Distinctive Inns of New England. To learn more about this romantic luxury Inn (circa 1795), current seasonal menu, unique packages, and culinary getaways - visit their website at http://www.rabbithillinn.com/.

Manor On Golden Pond Cooking Experience

Culinary Classes by Executive Chef Aaron Hatfield
Holderness, NH; September 2005 – Cooking and food enthusiasts will not want to miss the Manor On Golden Pond’s, New Hampshire’s only Small Luxury Hotel of the World, new offering of culinary classes – Fork In The Road – led by Executive Chef Aaron Hatfield.

Participants can enhance culinary skills and learn to cook with the Manor’s professional team of chefs in a professional kitchen atmosphere. Each of the nine programs include: a two-day workshop (three-hours each day) with demonstrations and hands-on cooking for all participants. A selection of wine will be served with each dish prepared.

The weekend cooking class schedule is as follows:

Mar 9-10, 2007 New Hampshire Maple and Cheese
April 20-21, 2007 Lobster and Ginger Fused?
May 18-19,2007 Shrimp Gone Bananas

Enrollment is limited to six participants to ensure individual attention. Optional afternoon culinary-related activities may be offered in conjunction with some of the cooking classes. “Guest chefs” receive a recipe book and complimentary culinary gift courtesy of the Manor On Golden Pond.
Rates for the September class start at $760 for a Classic Room ($960 Fireplace; $1,025 Jacuzzi; and $1,150 for a Suite). Rates for the remaining classes start at $600 for a Classic Room ($750 Fireplace; $850 Jacuzzi; and $1,050 for a Suite). Price per couple includes: two nights accommodations, cooking class for one participant, full gourmet breakfast each morning, afternoon tea, and dinner each evening. An additional fee of $75 will be added if both traveling companions are participating in the Fork In The Road cooking program.

“By focusing on understanding the techniques and ingredients in recipes, we provide the home culinary enthusiast the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of a hobby they already enjoy. We help them develop their own personalized way of cooking and entertaining,” explained Chef Aaron Hatfield.
Whether you’re a wizard in the kitchen or a gourmet wanna-be, the Manor On Golden Pond’s Fork In The Road Cooking Program is the ideal way to enjoy a culinary vacation with some rest and relaxation and is always in good taste.

For additional information and to make reservations for the Fork In The Road program, contact The Manor On Golden Pond at 800-545-2141.

Tips for Bed & Breakfast Owners: Barclays share their love for New England

Peter and Laura Barclay always traveled in New England when they wanted a getaway, so when they decided to pursue their passions in life, they chose to become innkeepers in New England and purchased the Newcastle Inn.

Peter had been a licensed irrigation contractor, and he and Laura had run a New Jersey business together for 18 years. Newcastle, Maine, was a perfect place for them. Says Laura, "We always wanted to live in a small town, and we love our new life here. There is much natural beauty in Maine, and many ways to enjoy it. We’re outdoor enthusiasts and have particularly enjoyed the hiking and kayaking in the area."

Yet how does one explain the extreme shift in their businesses, from irrigation to innkeeping? Peter quips, "We were always entertaining at home, so I figured we might as well get paid for it!" Laura adds, ‘Seriously, we enjoy meeting people from all over the country and the world, and I’ve always loved cooking and having happy people in our home."

Now with four years of experience, the Barclays look forward to a long future in innkeeping. Advice from veteran DINE innkeepers has been useful. Explains Laura, "It was a big help to hear the voices of experience when we were starting out, and we continue to enjoy getting together with fellow innkeepers and learning from each other."

The Barclays encourage DINE Innsiders to visit all of the DINE inns. "You are certain to have a wonderful time at any of the inns. The DINE innkeepers truly care about their guests."

Romantic Getaways Just In Time for Valentine's Day- Pair Champagne, Chocolates, Fireplaces, and Whirlpools with Newport, Rhode Island's Top Luxury Inn

From quick one-night romantic getaways to grand, over-the-top weekend romance packages, Newport, Rhode Island's premier collection of luxury bed and breakfast inns, the Legendary Inns of Newport, which includes Distinctive Inns founding member Cliffside Inn, has assembled a sensuous and enticing group of romantic getaway packages for this Valentine's season.

"Romantic getaways are a year-round specialty for us but around Valentine's Day, we like to add a little more spark to the fire," said Winthrop Baker, Group President, Legendary Inns of Newport. "This year, we've added one-night romantic interludes with Champagne and decadent chocolate cake for two, for couples tight on time or money. On the other end of the romantic indulgence spectrum, we've taken our Grand Romance Package over-the-top, especially when you pair it with one of our ultra luxury suites with double whirlpools, fireplaces, and grand beds."

The One-Night Romantic Interlude is a midweek package that includes the best available fireplace suite or room (many with whirlpools), a bottle of top-rated Duval-Leroy Brut French Champagne and a decadent, handcrafted chocolate cake for two. Offered Valentine's Day week, Sunday through Thursday, February 11-15. The One-Night Romantic Interlude Package price at Cliffside Inn is $210, at Adele Turner Inn $185.

The Legendary Inns of Newport Grand Romance Package is grand in every sense. It includes Veuve Clicquot French Champagne, artisan crafted chocolates, a dozen roses, and a sensuous bath bar collection of Farmaesthetics organic spa products, including orange and rose soaps and bath salts, rose water mister, and lavender milk body lotion.

The Grand Romance Package can be added to any suite or room at all three Legendary Inns of Newport for $165. With the exotic bathing component, the Grand Romance Package is most fully enjoyed in one of the 24 guest quarters with whirlpool tubs.

"We're seeing all our romance packages both for Valentine's week and the weekend before go quickly," said Baker, who expects the three Legendary Inns to be completely booked for the Valentine's Weekend, February 9th-11th.

In addition to being the first AAA Four Diamond luxury bed and breakfast inns in Rhode Island, the trio of well known Newport B&Bs is also AAA's top-rated Rhode Island lodging group. Along with the special rates and package extras, all Romantic Getaways also include the luxury amenities and services the Legendary Inns is well known for: warm hospitality and personal service; acclaimed afternoon tea (named one of America's Top 20); multi-course breakfast; finely appointed guest chambers with whirlpools, steam baths, grand beds, fireplaces, antiques and artwork; pillow menu; signature in-room spa service; and elegant locations near the beach and in-town.

The Legendary Inns of Newport is a distinguished group of three boutique luxury Inns. All set in historic, Victorian homes, they have been meticulously restored and seamlessly blended with the finest modern amenities to produce unique, luxury bed and breakfast inns known for their refined elegance, grand style, and warm hospitality. The group includes Cliffside Inn, Abigail Stoneman Inn, and Adele Turner Inn. For more information visit our media website

Great Hospitality Comes from Doing What You Love

For Win Baker, innkeeper at the Cliffside Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, afternoon tea is an epicurean delight. Named one of the 20 best in American, his inn's teas are intimate, unique, and unforgettable. You feel the Victorian tea room and this Guilded Age mansion are your own home.

Win's father opened the Cliffside Inn as an upscale, lavishly outfitted luxury inn. Win carries on the Baker flavor of hospitality built around Victorian architecture, unique antiques, and the artwork of Beatrice Turner, who once lived in the mansion. Her paintings adorn the walls of every room, and Win enjoys telling guests about her enigmatic and tragic story.

"I love people and good stories, and innkeeping is a great way to get a lot of both," Win explains. Formerly a Silicon Valley entrepreneur involved in starting three technology companies, he sees similarities between that experience and his current one. "Both types of businesses are very focused on the customer," he adds, "and both require having a unique vision and style, seeing it through, and growing it."

While the Cliffside Inn remains Win's "main baby," he has expanded his innkeeping, now serving as Group President of the Legendary Inns of Newport, which also include Adele Turner Inn and Abigail Stoneman Inn. He sees Cliffside's membership in DINE as an asset to his endeavors.

"Colleagues with similar, high-end properties that offer guests a luxurious experience make for a great group. Whether coming up with new hospitality ideas or better ways to run the business, my DINE colleagues are a true source of information and inspiration."

Windham Hill's Innkeepers find fulfillment by pleasing guests in Vermont

Joe and Marina Coneeny, innkeepers at the Windham Hill Inn in southern Vermont, recently celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. They met in Vermont while students at Middlebury College and married exactly seven years to the day from their first date. That's 30 years together!

Innkeeping is their dream job. Explains Joe, "We became innkeepers to make people happy by providing an experience that slows life's pace, rekindles spirit, and recognizes nature as the primary force in life. In the process, our family benefits from living in this environment and working together for our goals."

Joe, from Massachusetts, and Marina, from Paris, France, have traveled extensively in Europe and know what traveling couples appreciate. "We create hospitality," Joe says, "by providing luxury and peaceful time combined with sensory indulgence."

Marina has years of practice as a provider of comfort and well being, knowing instinctively what makes a great room and an elegant bath and which cheeses are ripe to the point of "being in a state of grace."

Joe provides the exclamation point based on his customer service and sales background in investment banking. He pushes the envelope of service to make each guest's experience at the Windham Hill Inn unique and unforgettable.

"As a member of DINE," Joe says, "we are in a group of kindred spirits whose main aim is to provide a memorable experience based on quality, service, and warmth that renews people and thereby energizes us all."