Tips for Inn Owners: Youth is no deterrent for good innkeeping

James and Jill Meyer of the Captain's House Inn are not your usual innkeepers. They did not spend long years in other careers before their dream of owning an inn came true.

Since dating in high school in New Jersey, Jill and James vacationed with James' family in Chatham on Cape Cod, where the idea of becoming innkeepers took hold. But first there was college, with James majoring in hospitality management and Jill entrepreneurial studies and marketing.

James went to work for the prestigious Boston Harbor Hotel, becoming the manager of three departments. Jill held corporate positions, sharpening her skills in Internet marketing, a key to today's innkeeping.

Four years ago, when James was only 27 and Jill only 25, they bought a small inn. Jill says, "We worried that guests would be apprehensive about booking because of our ages, but luckily that wasn't the case." Last year, they were able to sell their first inn and buy the four-diamond Captain's House Inn, located in their beloved Chatham.

Although they are young, they know the age-old key to good innkeeping -- great hospitality. Says James, "Customer service is what the Captain's House Inn is built on. We provide twice daily housekeeping, gourmet breakfasts, and afternoon cream tea. Our concierge services include booking day trips and dinner reservations. Our rooms are well-appointed and include everything we can think of to make our guests' stays as comfortable as possible."

The previous owners of the Captain's House had joined DINE, and the young couple continued the membership. "When we went to our first meeting," Jill says, "we saw that it was a good network of innkeepers to be a part of."

Rabbit Hill Inn: An "Off The Grid" Destination

 Rabbit Hill Inn Attracts Vacationers Who Desire a REAL Getaway.

Lower Waterford, VT – June 2007 - Travel Gurus now report that destination choices have come full circle. A few years ago, travelers sought vacation spots offering endless technology and connectivity. Now, the trend is the opposite - a getaway destination that allows them (and perhaps, forces them) to be out of touch with the world that consumes them 24-7.

Vermont’s double Four Diamond Rabbit Hill Inn attracts guests from far and near for this very reason. Upon arrival, guests notice the absence of TV & telephone. The cell phone has “no bars” and the blackberry is useless. The soft music is playing, the smile grows large and their tensions begin to melt. They have been officially granted permission to break away and enjoy themselves, uninterrupted. For those who MUST know... telephone rooms are available and wireless internet can be found in a few areas of the Inn. A secret only shared if necessary.

This internationally acclaimed country inn goes above and beyond to provide relaxation in its purest form. They begin with the basic needs; luxurious accommodations and amenities, fantastic dining, pampering personalized service, and a tranquil setting known as the Northeast Kingdom.

The ever-present innkeepers and staff provide customized concierge services, creating the ideal getaway for each guest. This includes individual day trip planning, in-room massage services, and extensive touring and outdoor activity offerings. Several packages are designed to highlight popular seasonal activities.

“Whether our Guests seek fun and adventure, romantic lazy days or something in between, it can easily be found here.” says Innkeeper, Leslie Mulcahy. “The most important discovery they make is the joy of being out of touch. For once...time was their own – without intrusion!”

_________________________________________________________________
As noted by travel expert, Peter Greenberg, the Rabbit Hill Inn offers “Rooms for romance that just might get your loved one in the mood. Most cell phone carriers won’t work – and there isn’t any internet access. So there’s no chance of your romantic getaway turning into a working weekend!”
__________________________________________________________________

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, romantic Vermont getaway packages, and culinary getaways - visit their website at http://www.rabbithillinn.com/.

Innkeeping comes with surprises

As soon as Jim & Ibby Cooper crossed the covered bridge to Jackson, New Hampshire, and saw the Inn at Thorn Hill, they knew they wanted to buy it. Hospitality is in Jim's blood, being from a family in the business and working for 20 years for various hotels. Ibby was a teacher whose skills would be applied to training staff and developing programs.

Yet there were surprises to come. the Coopers had three children in college and one in seventh grade when they bought the inn, and shortly after, Ibby became pregnant with their fifth. Their new son was popular with their guests, as Ibby waited tables with him on her back.

"I thought I could do this for five years," Ibby says, "but it's now been 16 years. New England was an adjustment, as we'd lived before where it was warmer. But we've learned to enjoy the four seasons."

An even bigger surprise occurred on October 13, 2002, when a fire destroyed the inn. All guests and staff were safe and sound, but the Coopers faced a decision, whether to walk away or rebuild. They chose to build a new inn like the original but with a long-range vision for growth.

Now the main building at the Inn at Thorn Hill and Spa has 16 guests rooms (up from 12), an award-winning restaurant, a wine cellar, a cooperage, and a spa with exercise room and dry sauna. After more than a year, the inn reopened on December 22, 2003 to welcome new and previous guests.

Jim & Ibby see their warm and attentive hospitality, which they instill in their staff, as key to the fact that 35 percent of their guests have been there before. "They come back to try different rooms, new menu items, and the various seasons here," Jim explains.

The Coopers were among the three inns in northern New England that founded DINE. The group encouraged Europeans with their long vacations to come to the U.S. and stay at all three inns. The DINE idea grew, and now guests (like you) from anywhere in the world can plan a vacation with stays at Distinctive Inns throughout New England.

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."