This is sort of a guest story - it is the fact that when I do very little in the way of what I would call extra attention the guests seem to think we are doing so much for them.
I am always amazed when I go into the room after check out and the guest has SHOPPED for a hallmark card and left it with their many thank you's to us. A lump lodges itself in my throat at this. Every time. They spent part of THEIR time away to shop for a card for us. It blesses me every time!
Last week a young couple from Kentucky did this. They really appreciated - just being treated nice! (I have them all in a plastic sleeve in my desk drawer here, when it gets full I move them to a binder. I will cherish these forever!)
You know me and my "dragons and kindness stories". They come in from their day to day fighting dragons and someone is kind to them and it overwhelms them. They go on and on with noone really ever being kind to them, months maybe years!
You also know me, the one who has been to many many B&B's, many times on special occasions (before owning an Inn) and never had an innkeeper EVER give us a card, an upgrade, a flower in our room, any token or mention of our anniversary or birthday whatsoever.
Now when I see what YOU ALL DO and have experienced it myself it makes me smile. So I know the guests just love it!
I have had innkeepers say to us at check in "The suite is available if you would like it." pause "It is only $35 more" pause. The suite being a room with jacuzzi in the corner of the room, no thanks, I will pass. So they OFFER an upgrade so they can make more money $.
Pat yourselves on the back, you deserve it folks, you excel! I will say it again and again -- No matter what the building itself is like, it is the innkeepers who make the stay special.
Guests yesterday mentioned the many B&B's in NC and they are left unattended by the innkeepers. I hear this so often. It doesn't take much does it!.