Boutique Weekly’s BLLA recent newsletter topic; ‘Dissecting the Relationships Between Universities and Boutique Hotels‘ revels some interesting insights.

“Any hotelier will tell you location is key – this is another factor that lends to the success of boutique hotels in university towns. Not only do campus hotels maintain a very high occupancy during the school session, but the addition of bespoke lodging accommodations means the facilities are able to earn revenue from non-scholastic endeavors year-round. This makes them more resilient than most in this marketplace.” Francis Kiradjian, Founder & Chair, BLLA

Well established country Inns and B&Bs located in college towns have been main stays of college communities for decades. One exemplary example is The Swift House Inn & Restaurant in Middlebury Vermont. Home to Middlebury College.

Middlebury College is over two centuries old. Like many colleges in our country’s early years, it started modestly in rural New England towns like Middlebury. Today Middlebury College has developed from “the town’s college” into an institution of international renown.

While researching the history of the college some interesting facts were uncovered.

• In 1823, Alexander Twilight graduated from Middlebury College, the first African American citizen to earn a baccalaureate degree at an American college.
• In 1883, the trustees voted to accept women as students in the College, making Middlebury one of the first formerly all-male liberal arts colleges in New England to become a coeducational institution.

I digress but I do love history!

Over the years the student body grew, not only in numbers but in diversity. With its growth the town of Middlebury thrived as well. Today the town is the commercial and business center of the region. And a beautiful countryside region it is. A natural setting in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, Green Mountains to the east and Adirondacks to the west.

When students and their families seek lodging while visiting the college, they are NOT looking for just a place to stay.

Another insight from BLLA. “The consistency in quality gives prospective student’s (and more importantly their parents) peace of mind.” 

The Swift House Inn & Restaurant provides quality and consistency in abundance. It is proven time and again by returning guests. A few excerpts from Trip Advisor reviews from visiting parents illustrate this.

“Coming back was like visiting good friends again.”

“With our child now graduated from Middlebury College, we won’t be back for a while at least… but we will plan to return, if only to stay at this charming and cheerful Inn.”

“We have had great memories about our time in Vermont, and the Swift House Inn was a major contributor to our great times there.”

Do you detect ‘peace of mind’ in these review excerpts?

College towns are key areas that have a high volume of travelers connected to the school, but the quality and consistency provided by The Swift House Inn and its 5-star dining attract a much wider audience. Business and leisure travelers, plus locals frequenting the restaurant and booking small meetings and events. A true winning relationship for all.

The B&B Team is proud to feature The Swift House Inn, a premier full-service country inn for sale. New owners can continue the legacy of providing the quality and consistency of hospitality (and peace of mind) to guests for decades to come. A main stay in the community, a key Vermont location and a well maintained and cared for property.

Check out other college town Inns for sale on our website. And…

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf