Innkeeping and Writing

I did a quick head count of the innkeepers in Stowe recently, and out of nearly 60 inns, motels, lodges, and B&B;'s, I came up with about a half dozen places staffed by innkeepers with kids. That number is probably shrinking, too, and with good reason. Few people are willing to run an inn at the level needed to devote adequate time to your family and your business. I know that in the seven years we've done this, we've struggled at times, and only within the past couple of years have we been able to choose family over business when we needed to. The ... Read Full Story

Yes, it is that time of year when we put away the decorations at the Albert Shafsky House and think about heading to the California Bed and Breakfast (CABBI) which will be held in Monterey later this month…This year it happens to fall on Super Bowl weekend and we are so looking forward to wearing our favorite team jerseys to the event. Go Niners! This year the conference will be combining the aspiring innkeepers with the “old hands” (like us I suppose now). Rita is going to be speaking this year about what it is like to live where you work, a topic we ... Read Full Story

So many of our guests think that they would like to run and inn some day….when they retire…. Here are some books you should read if you think you want to run a Bed and Breakfast Inn–whether is is a California property or elsewhere. Keep in mind that while you may “retire” to run an inn, it is still a profession and does involve work…and more laundry than you can imagine! Innkeeping as a profession is a great, wonderful business, that will demand time, energy and effort–all to make it look effortless! That being said, visit your library or local book store to see ... Read Full Story

The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic (Mystic area), Connecticut The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina is the recipient of the "2005 Golden Pineapple Award in Excellence in Tourism Service and Hospitality" The Golden Pineapple, a symbol of tourism excellence, recognizes The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina for consistently providing exceptional service and friendliness to visitors and for its efforts in promoting "Mystic Places" as a great destination for travelers. The Inn boasts nine tastefully decorated guest rooms, some with balcony and fireplace, all with water views, queen beds, private baths, cable TV, a/c and paddle fans. Enjoy beautifully manicured gardens from Adirondack ... Read Full Story

There are times when you just need to get away and do nothing but relax, maybe read a book, take a long walk, fall asleep in an easy chair by the fire. No tours, no museums, no wondering where to eat each evening. Those are times when you need a change of scenery, when you want to be pampered, when you want to think about nothing but the next marvelous meal. We have meticulously researched, visited and selected four incredible destinations for just such a weekend. Each has its own distinctive character, but all have these common traits; amazing food and wine, super luxurious ... Read Full Story