Liars' Lodge B&B, Buena
Vista CO |
We Asked: David
Letterman is not the only one who can write "top ten"
lists! Give us your top ten reasons why you love (or
hate) being an innkeeper.
Question for our next issue: What's
your outlook on summer reservations? Do you anticipate
any increase in international or Canadian visitors given
the weak state of the dollar?
If we publish your comments, we'll thank you with a
$25 credit in our Featured Properties Auction program!
Top Ten Reasons I like being an Innkeeper:
10. With 23 rooms, an 80-seat restaurant, a 40-seat pub,
hallways, interior and exterior public areas, signage,
and walkways, I've made a fortune by purchasing stock in
a light bulb manufacturing company.
9. I've learned many useful life skills, like the fine
art of plunging a clogged toilet without flooding the
guests' bathroom.
8. I've learned how to graciously accept the fact that
it really is my fault that it is raining on a wedding
day or when the guests have pre-purchased non-refundable
ski lift tickets.
7. I've learned the difference between "wine" and
"whine" and how the former helps one deal with guests
and staff who do the latter.
6. As an innkeeper I have gathered a lifetime of great
stories, like the time a "big city" guest had us running
inside and out with flashlights at 4 a.m., looking for a
broken water pipe, when what he actually heard was the
small brook 200 yards from his window.
5. A day off. Can't remember when I last had one, but
I'm fairly certain I enjoyed it.
4. I've learned that people can be really stupid. By the
end of the ten-day winter holiday surrounding Presidents
Day, when I've had less then four hours of sleep for ten
straight nights, plus incredibly busy days, that really
stupid person might be me.
3. I find it very flattering when our guests enjoy our
pillows, blankets, hangers, and artwork so much that
they feel the need to take them home with them.
2. I love the occasional guest or staff member who
doesn't expect me to drop everything I'm doing to take
care of his/her needs.
And my #1 favorite reason for being an innkeeper is
that one guest. You know the one. I'm sure he or she
has stayed with you too. The guest who always makes you
smile. Who appreciates everything you do for him/her.
The guest who you reluctantly let check out, and truly
mean it when you say "I hope you'll come back and stay
with us again soon."
Brenda Jackson, Tucker Hill Inn & Restaurant,
Waitsfield, VT
Top Ten Reasons I love being an Innkeeper:
1. I get to meet the most awesome people.
2. I love people and have so many opportunities to
express that love.
3. I enjoy watching people unwind, relax and mellow each
day they are with us.
4. Sometimes I feel I was born to serve people, so
innkeeping makes me feel personally fulfilled.
5. I had a restaurant (now that was a hate
thing).....and the only part of that business that I
really enjoyed...was serving people, talking with people
and giving them a wonderful experience.
6. I can't tell you what reading the comments in our
guest books does for me emotionally. I turn to mush, not
really believing it could have been that great an
experience.
7. I love to cook simple, normal breakfast food and I
have no place to put the accolades I get for that.
8. It blows me away that people just want to sit and
chat for hours...I listen to their stories and tell
mine.
9. To feel their gratitude because I waited up late and
welcomed them to the inn after traffic problems, endless
drives, airport delays, snow storms, etc., etc.,
.....what a blessing that is to me.
10. I still can't believe (after five years of
innkeeping) I can make a living doing something that is
so much fun! I am one happy innkeeper!
Philip Ellen Wolff, Village Victorian Bed &
Breakfast, Morrisville, VT
Top Ten Reasons I love being an Innkeeper:
10. No more corporate travel for me!
9. I get to try out lots of great new recipes on
unsuspecting "victims."
8. The flowers I plant are tax deductible!
7. I can go wild with decorating!
6. My old house gets lots of use.
5. I can attend lots of weddings/receptions and I don't
have to buy a gift.
4. I learn so much from all my guests (without taking
night classes.)
3. I can travel vicariously through my guests.
2. Chatting with other innkeepers on the Internet.
1. Meeting lots of wonderful people!
Dee Fegan, Pheasant Field B&B, Carlisle, PA
Top Ten Reasons I love being an Innkeeper:
1. Waking up to sunrises and enjoying spectacular
sunsets almost every day.
2. Enjoying the quiet (of guest-less days!)
3. Being in a resort and taking advantage of perfect
skiing conditions at the drop of a hat (had we realized,
we would have started years earlier.)
4. Sharing a snowshoe walk with wildlife right outside
your door.
5. Not having to go to the gym because shoveling and
log-splitting keeps me in shape.
6. Having fun being 'creative' with food.
7. Lasting friendships with guests who return year after
year.
8. Being your own boss.
9. Tax deductions for business in the home ...a big plus
in such a spectacular location.
10. Top reason:: Waking up to another 'ho-hum'
day in paradise!
Susan Callahan, Bear Paw Inn, Winter Park, CO
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