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Anon Inn

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Our road trip took us along the Oregon coast, some of northern California, exploring the Emigrant Gap area - then to Crater Lake, Ashland (the play's the thing) and back up the coast. We stayed in a variety of lodgings including B&Bs. Did I compare? What they do, what we do, what we liked, what we'd like to copy? - you bet I did!
Every B&B had room books, we still have none. That will change. Have to say though, at the last place we stayed, the wifi code was not in the book. I looked again carefully on every page. The code WAS on a predominantly placed note on the desk. I didn't see the note until after I phoned the hostess to ask for the password. The desk was in the corner of the room, so I didn't see it right away. Never the less, a "Doh" moment. This was beautifully furnished place, with an old fashioned looking telephone in one of the common areas. You just press * any time to speak with the innkeeper. She was a delight, and very kind. Back to room books, most are in a thinner, three ring binder, with pages in the plastic sleeves. Does anyone have a more attractive way of doing room books? The binders on the invariably beautifully made beds look so - utilitarian.
Speaking of beds, 3/4 of places we stayed, B&B, or other, had the triple sheeting with protect-from-luggage-sash draped over the top. Though I enjoyed it, I will resist due to the extra ironing involved. I suppose the top sheet could be a true non-cotton wrinkle free. hmmmm.
Another place, amazingly, left the kitchen door open 24/7. Kitchen off the dining room. In the dining room, port, sherry and cookies available at all times. Kettle and tea selection available at all times on dining room buffet. A great added touch, what looked like drawers in the dining room buffet actually concealed two undercounter fridges, one for bottled water for guests, the other for guest use. Coffee service starts at 8a, but if you want coffee earlier, the coffee makers are set up so you can just go in the kitchen and push the button way earlier if you get up way earlier. We did get up way earlier, so I took advantage of the opportunity to press the button and have a look at someone else's kitchen. It was a nice set-up, with the office in the corner, smaller commercial range (but still larger then home ranges, also had a griddle, but half size), large commercial sink, large center island and TWO full size domestic type fridges. Fridge envy there. I had a good look but no touch while I waited for the coffee. At our place, guests are asked the night before when they would like breakfast, then a large thermal carafe of coffee is delivered outside their door an hour before their chosen breakfast time. Works for us.
At other places, I just couldn't stop looking at my surroundings with my inner innkeeper's eye. I will see every cobweb, every mineral stain, smudge and scratch. One morning we were having breakfast in a restaurant and my ears picked up the conversation at a nearby table. The man was telling another couple about their air b n b rental, and how his wife - "well, she does way more than she needs to - she makes too much work of it". We and they were headed out the door at about the same time, so I approached the women, introduced myself as another air b n b host and told her to stick to her guns and take that extra time to make things attractive - because women especially will notice and appreciate. (apologies for my sexism <grin>) We ended up chatting for several minutes and had some laughs about our experiences. She said a couple of times - "It's way more work than I thought it would be".
Breakfasts - all over the map, full cooked or buffet, or out at the restaurant, depending on lodging choice and local regs. Full cooked trumps most buffets. It just does. But, heresy I know, I am considering limited menu choices for next year. The choice would be - full breakfast or lighter version - spelling out what those versions would be. I admit I am appreciating Senior menus, with smaller portions. If this opens the door to the whole substitution and special request at the last minute thing, it can go away as quickly as it came!
Now that we're home, looking at things with new eyes, and that bit of painting that has been left unfinished on one of the guest room windows, well, I will stop ignoring and 'get-er-done'. There are other similar deficiencies on the to-do list. :)
We slept in one of our guest rooms last night, will do the same in another tomorrow.
This was the first extended road trip we've had since before we bought our place. I really do feel rested and energized. :)
 
Glad you got away! I'm always on the lookout for other ways to do what we do so it's fun to compare.
 
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out.
 
Were there any menu ideas that struck you as creative or especially welcome?
Or any presentations that were especially memorable?
 
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out..
Ice said:
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out.
I would love that. I've had a visit and a courier 'hello' and honestly, I still can't figure out how they knew it was me! :)
And we have guests ask us where to stay in Maine or southern Mass often.
 
What a nice trip. And a great read. I also have not made the books. After hearing so many say "no one reads them" I thought why bother, especially as I am usually here to answer questions (I put the System & wifi password on an address label on the TV as I figure it is the ONE place all will look).
 
What a nice trip. And a great read. I also have not made the books. After hearing so many say "no one reads them" I thought why bother, especially as I am usually here to answer questions (I put the System & wifi password on an address label on the TV as I figure it is the ONE place all will look)..
We have books. In binders. Emergency numbers, WiFi, DH's cell phone number, breakfast and check out hours, menu, info on local restaurants and some history of the house. We also include maps of the area. People do read them. In the common room, we have a book of articles and press about the inn. That's where we keep the 'awards' we get from TA and whoever.
 
I am so glad you were able to get away. Also glad you were able to explore some other B&B offerings.
#1 on my list is that if you don't meet any other innmates you will miss out on so much comradery. Meeting innmates and getting that hug is very valuable. Top.

Seeing their place makes a world of difference, you may finally "get it" when they talk about people pushing their greasy noses up against their innkeeper quarter windows. Oh! Now I see why they do that. Before you didn't, and it made no sense, keep them out, you say, what is wrong with YOUR guests, you say.
In reply to ICE:
#2 there is a FB group for innkeepers (prob more than a few of them in reality)
And yes you can create one any time you wish and invite and decline whomever you wish, and not have everything on the www public view. Or have people trashing you, have people being full on butt-heads and everyone else hand's tied to respond. Make it private and by invitation only.
Create one, invite people. moderate it, admin it or just have everyone equal. You will lose the search benefits of this forum, and the archiving, but you will gain some freedom, and probably some annoyance as well. You will also lose the spammers. The fakers. Those only here to sell or use your words for their next book or article.
 
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out..
Ice said:
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out.
There is a Facebook innkeepers group that several of us belong to already.
Now for the fly in ointment - it's not just not wanting guests to figure out who I am but there have been a few loony toons on here who I would just as soon didn't know who I am, either. (Present company mostly excepted.)
Plus, I've been outed a few times by folks who thought it was ok to share. So I wouldn't want a Facebook group to out anyone who didn't want to be known.
 
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out..
Ice said:
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out.
I would love that. I've had a visit and a courier 'hello' and honestly, I still can't figure out how they knew it was me! :)
And we have guests ask us where to stay in Maine or southern Mass often.
.
TheBeachHouse said:
Ice said:
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out.
I would love that. I've had a visit and a courier 'hello' and honestly, I still can't figure out how they knew it was me! :)
And we have guests ask us where to stay in Maine or southern Mass often.
I'm pretty sure waaaaay long ago you posted your website (which we hastily tore to shreds) and that's how some of us know who you are. (Website is much better now.) ;-)
 
I am so glad you were able to get away. Also glad you were able to explore some other B&B offerings.
#1 on my list is that if you don't meet any other innmates you will miss out on so much comradery. Meeting innmates and getting that hug is very valuable. Top.

Seeing their place makes a world of difference, you may finally "get it" when they talk about people pushing their greasy noses up against their innkeeper quarter windows. Oh! Now I see why they do that. Before you didn't, and it made no sense, keep them out, you say, what is wrong with YOUR guests, you say.
In reply to ICE:
#2 there is a FB group for innkeepers (prob more than a few of them in reality)
And yes you can create one any time you wish and invite and decline whomever you wish, and not have everything on the www public view. Or have people trashing you, have people being full on butt-heads and everyone else hand's tied to respond. Make it private and by invitation only.
Create one, invite people. moderate it, admin it or just have everyone equal. You will lose the search benefits of this forum, and the archiving, but you will gain some freedom, and probably some annoyance as well. You will also lose the spammers. The fakers. Those only here to sell or use your words for their next book or article..
One innkeeper has warned me about the negativity of that FB group. Do you find it helpful or not?
There are also two groups on G+ as well.
 
I am so glad you were able to get away. Also glad you were able to explore some other B&B offerings.
#1 on my list is that if you don't meet any other innmates you will miss out on so much comradery. Meeting innmates and getting that hug is very valuable. Top.

Seeing their place makes a world of difference, you may finally "get it" when they talk about people pushing their greasy noses up against their innkeeper quarter windows. Oh! Now I see why they do that. Before you didn't, and it made no sense, keep them out, you say, what is wrong with YOUR guests, you say.
In reply to ICE:
#2 there is a FB group for innkeepers (prob more than a few of them in reality)
And yes you can create one any time you wish and invite and decline whomever you wish, and not have everything on the www public view. Or have people trashing you, have people being full on butt-heads and everyone else hand's tied to respond. Make it private and by invitation only.
Create one, invite people. moderate it, admin it or just have everyone equal. You will lose the search benefits of this forum, and the archiving, but you will gain some freedom, and probably some annoyance as well. You will also lose the spammers. The fakers. Those only here to sell or use your words for their next book or article..
One innkeeper has warned me about the negativity of that FB group. Do you find it helpful or not?
There are also two groups on G+ as well.
.
Negative only in that it is a lot of guest interactions gone bad. Otherwise, they're pretty supportive. If anyone gets 'out of hand' the mods step in and say to knock it off.
 
I am so glad you were able to get away. Also glad you were able to explore some other B&B offerings.
#1 on my list is that if you don't meet any other innmates you will miss out on so much comradery. Meeting innmates and getting that hug is very valuable. Top.

Seeing their place makes a world of difference, you may finally "get it" when they talk about people pushing their greasy noses up against their innkeeper quarter windows. Oh! Now I see why they do that. Before you didn't, and it made no sense, keep them out, you say, what is wrong with YOUR guests, you say.
In reply to ICE:
#2 there is a FB group for innkeepers (prob more than a few of them in reality)
And yes you can create one any time you wish and invite and decline whomever you wish, and not have everything on the www public view. Or have people trashing you, have people being full on butt-heads and everyone else hand's tied to respond. Make it private and by invitation only.
Create one, invite people. moderate it, admin it or just have everyone equal. You will lose the search benefits of this forum, and the archiving, but you will gain some freedom, and probably some annoyance as well. You will also lose the spammers. The fakers. Those only here to sell or use your words for their next book or article..
One innkeeper has warned me about the negativity of that FB group. Do you find it helpful or not?
There are also two groups on G+ as well.
.
Negative only in that it is a lot of guest interactions gone bad. Otherwise, they're pretty supportive. If anyone gets 'out of hand' the mods step in and say to knock it off.
.
Morticia said:
If anyone gets 'out of hand' the mods step in and say to knock it off.
Innkeepers get out of hand? Can't imagine that ;-)
 
I am so glad you were able to get away. Also glad you were able to explore some other B&B offerings.
#1 on my list is that if you don't meet any other innmates you will miss out on so much comradery. Meeting innmates and getting that hug is very valuable. Top.

Seeing their place makes a world of difference, you may finally "get it" when they talk about people pushing their greasy noses up against their innkeeper quarter windows. Oh! Now I see why they do that. Before you didn't, and it made no sense, keep them out, you say, what is wrong with YOUR guests, you say.
In reply to ICE:
#2 there is a FB group for innkeepers (prob more than a few of them in reality)
And yes you can create one any time you wish and invite and decline whomever you wish, and not have everything on the www public view. Or have people trashing you, have people being full on butt-heads and everyone else hand's tied to respond. Make it private and by invitation only.
Create one, invite people. moderate it, admin it or just have everyone equal. You will lose the search benefits of this forum, and the archiving, but you will gain some freedom, and probably some annoyance as well. You will also lose the spammers. The fakers. Those only here to sell or use your words for their next book or article..
Temp Innsanity said:
I am so glad you were able to get away. Also glad you were able to explore some other B&B offerings.
#1 on my list is that if you don't meet any other innmates you will miss out on so much comradery. Meeting innmates and getting that hug is very valuable. Top.

Seeing their place makes a world of difference, you may finally "get it" when they talk about people pushing their greasy noses up against their innkeeper quarter windows. Oh! Now I see why they do that. Before you didn't, and it made no sense, keep them out, you say, what is wrong with YOUR guests, you say.
In reply to ICE:
#2 there is a FB group for innkeepers (prob more than a few of them in reality)
And yes you can create one any time you wish and invite and decline whomever you wish, and not have everything on the www public view. Or have people trashing you, have people being full on butt-heads and everyone else hand's tied to respond. Make it private and by invitation only.
Create one, invite people. moderate it, admin it or just have everyone equal. You will lose the search benefits of this forum, and the archiving, but you will gain some freedom, and probably some annoyance as well. You will also lose the spammers. The fakers. Those only here to sell or use your words for their next book or article.
I know about those groups and I "joined" them. But it doesn't help me to know if they are on here.
 
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out..
Ice said:
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out.
I would love that. I've had a visit and a courier 'hello' and honestly, I still can't figure out how they knew it was me! :)
And we have guests ask us where to stay in Maine or southern Mass often.
.
TheBeachHouse said:
Ice said:
question for you all. . . I have no ideal who has what property, lost track years ago! ( and I'm sure others are the same way) Anyway my question is could we set up a Facebook group and have a few of you who "knows" who everyone is and then we could go there and find out.
I would love that. I've had a visit and a courier 'hello' and honestly, I still can't figure out how they knew it was me! :)
And we have guests ask us where to stay in Maine or southern Mass often.
Do not feel badly - I know some, knew others and forgot. I am in the world of not knowing who most are. That is why I am me - I would not remember to stay behind the curtain.
 
Were there any menu ideas that struck you as creative or especially welcome?
Or any presentations that were especially memorable?.
two presentations stand out- one was where breakfast was at 9am at a communal table. The innkeeper made egg Parmesan soufflés. In a white ramekin on a white plate with salad greens on the side. Simple and beautiful. That was the second course after a yoghurt granola parfait. This was at the place with the accessible kitchen.
You all will relate: there were 8 place settings. She brought out eight breakfasts. Only six of us showed up. Innkeeper was a bit stymied but gracious and asked if any of the rest of us would like some more breakfast :)
Loved another - this one was room service style - brought to your door with discreet knock. Beautiful tray, lovely egg breakfast, side of good sausage (nod to innkeeper - one that I use too), press coffee, OJ, fruit - the thing I liked the best was the china - Royal Albert Old Country Roses, and the beautiful but practical flatware. Stainless, but the old style where the fork will actually spear something, you flatware geeks will know what I mean. It also had a sort of trim on the handles, don't recall exactly now, but was a pleasure to use. I'm kind of nutty about that sort of thing.
By the way, only one inmate was visited on this journey, I don't really keep track of who is who either, I don't think anyone else on here was close enough to our route for a visit.
 
Were there any menu ideas that struck you as creative or especially welcome?
Or any presentations that were especially memorable?.
two presentations stand out- one was where breakfast was at 9am at a communal table. The innkeeper made egg Parmesan soufflés. In a white ramekin on a white plate with salad greens on the side. Simple and beautiful. That was the second course after a yoghurt granola parfait. This was at the place with the accessible kitchen.
You all will relate: there were 8 place settings. She brought out eight breakfasts. Only six of us showed up. Innkeeper was a bit stymied but gracious and asked if any of the rest of us would like some more breakfast :)
Loved another - this one was room service style - brought to your door with discreet knock. Beautiful tray, lovely egg breakfast, side of good sausage (nod to innkeeper - one that I use too), press coffee, OJ, fruit - the thing I liked the best was the china - Royal Albert Old Country Roses, and the beautiful but practical flatware. Stainless, but the old style where the fork will actually spear something, you flatware geeks will know what I mean. It also had a sort of trim on the handles, don't recall exactly now, but was a pleasure to use. I'm kind of nutty about that sort of thing.
By the way, only one inmate was visited on this journey, I don't really keep track of who is who either, I don't think anyone else on here was close enough to our route for a visit.
.
I do love fine china. They both sound very pretty and very impressive.
 
Were there any menu ideas that struck you as creative or especially welcome?
Or any presentations that were especially memorable?.
two presentations stand out- one was where breakfast was at 9am at a communal table. The innkeeper made egg Parmesan soufflés. In a white ramekin on a white plate with salad greens on the side. Simple and beautiful. That was the second course after a yoghurt granola parfait. This was at the place with the accessible kitchen.
You all will relate: there were 8 place settings. She brought out eight breakfasts. Only six of us showed up. Innkeeper was a bit stymied but gracious and asked if any of the rest of us would like some more breakfast :)
Loved another - this one was room service style - brought to your door with discreet knock. Beautiful tray, lovely egg breakfast, side of good sausage (nod to innkeeper - one that I use too), press coffee, OJ, fruit - the thing I liked the best was the china - Royal Albert Old Country Roses, and the beautiful but practical flatware. Stainless, but the old style where the fork will actually spear something, you flatware geeks will know what I mean. It also had a sort of trim on the handles, don't recall exactly now, but was a pleasure to use. I'm kind of nutty about that sort of thing.
By the way, only one inmate was visited on this journey, I don't really keep track of who is who either, I don't think anyone else on here was close enough to our route for a visit.
.
Bet I can guess who the delivery to door with the roses china is!
 
I am so glad you were able to get away. Also glad you were able to explore some other B&B offerings.
#1 on my list is that if you don't meet any other innmates you will miss out on so much comradery. Meeting innmates and getting that hug is very valuable. Top.

Seeing their place makes a world of difference, you may finally "get it" when they talk about people pushing their greasy noses up against their innkeeper quarter windows. Oh! Now I see why they do that. Before you didn't, and it made no sense, keep them out, you say, what is wrong with YOUR guests, you say.
In reply to ICE:
#2 there is a FB group for innkeepers (prob more than a few of them in reality)
And yes you can create one any time you wish and invite and decline whomever you wish, and not have everything on the www public view. Or have people trashing you, have people being full on butt-heads and everyone else hand's tied to respond. Make it private and by invitation only.
Create one, invite people. moderate it, admin it or just have everyone equal. You will lose the search benefits of this forum, and the archiving, but you will gain some freedom, and probably some annoyance as well. You will also lose the spammers. The fakers. Those only here to sell or use your words for their next book or article..
Temp Innsanity said:
I am so glad you were able to get away. Also glad you were able to explore some other B&B offerings.
#1 on my list is that if you don't meet any other innmates you will miss out on so much comradery. Meeting innmates and getting that hug is very valuable. Top.

Seeing their place makes a world of difference, you may finally "get it" when they talk about people pushing their greasy noses up against their innkeeper quarter windows. Oh! Now I see why they do that. Before you didn't, and it made no sense, keep them out, you say, what is wrong with YOUR guests, you say.
In reply to ICE:
#2 there is a FB group for innkeepers (prob more than a few of them in reality)
And yes you can create one any time you wish and invite and decline whomever you wish, and not have everything on the www public view. Or have people trashing you, have people being full on butt-heads and everyone else hand's tied to respond. Make it private and by invitation only.
Create one, invite people. moderate it, admin it or just have everyone equal. You will lose the search benefits of this forum, and the archiving, but you will gain some freedom, and probably some annoyance as well. You will also lose the spammers. The fakers. Those only here to sell or use your words for their next book or article.
I know about those groups and I "joined" them. But it doesn't help me to know if they are on here.
.
Ice said:
I know about those groups and I "joined" them. But it doesn't help me to know if they are on here.
I suppose you could just ask, on those groups. Those who don't mind telling, can. Those who do mind, won't. And there it lies.
 
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