Innovative. One definition is originality.

Survival. One definition is persistence.

Innkeepers who have embraced a survival mode and been persistent and innovative. We applaud you all!  I will proceed to feature a few Inns that are examples of innovative innkeepers during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Inn at Pleasant Lake, New Hampshire.

Here is a clip from their latest newsletter.

“Our team got to work right after the government shut us down.  We began with stripping the wallpaper off the wall only to find many layers of it!  Next, we painted, applied wainscot moldings, made new trim, custom designed ceilings, then put new wallpaper on. We started with the first floor hallway and did not stop there.  With the continued shutdown we moved to the second floor and then third floor.  We now have all new hallways!  Next, we are moving to the outside for some exterior painting.  Scott as the foreman rounded up our team servers, housekeepers and cooks and we turned the team into an amazing renovation team – now with skills no one knew they had.  The team made noise, they got paint all over themselves, they learned how to glue wallpaper, and they left time-capsule messages to future generations about our endeavors.  This team is ready to welcome you back to the inn and show you everything they have accomplished (and get back to their primary occupations!).”

They went on to describe their mandates for safety once they at able to open lodging. Their restaurant will be able to open May 20.

As you may well be aware, some states have opened for lodging and restaurants. Whether open now or in a month or two, some innkeepers are promoting ‘staycations’ for current or future bookings. Travelers who want to stay close to home but also feel safe at the places they stay and dine. It is important to state your safety policies. Be noticeably clear about what you will be doing to ensure your guests safety and what you expect from your guests as well.

Fairview Inn & Restaurant in Mississippi is offering a Mother’s Day Staycation Special.

Staycation-Enjoy a getaway down the street.

All the rooms at the Fairview right now are available for $179/night + tax. It is the perfect excuse to get out of the house, plus we are taking necessary precautions to ensure the cleanliness of the property. Breakfast is even delivered to your room in the morning!

North Carolina lodging is currently open. Bed and Breakfast at Tiffany Hill put this out in their recent newsletter.

A Few New Things at Check in…

• Touchless payment processing
• We will ask if you would like breakfast brought to your suite or if you would like to join us downstairs.
• Also, at check in, we will inquire if you would like your suite freshened daily during your stay & will respect your wishes.

With restaurants not fully open, we will provide a Local Dining Guide to help.

A Few New things at Breakfast…

• In the Main Dining area, we will practice social distancing by dining inside & out.
• Our beverage bar will look a bit different. We will be serving your beverages directly to your table.

A message from the Hawthorn Inn, Camden Maine

Thinking of you in these uncertain times.

We wanted to reach out to you – our beloved guests – during these uncertain times. We hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone everywhere who has been impacted by COVID-19. The human tragedy brought on by the pandemic is unspeakable in both the loss of life and financial hardship. In difficult times such as these, we are reminded of our shared humanity. It doesn’t matter where you are from, we are all in this together.

The innkeepers then went on to update Maine’s mandates on lodging openings. Then continued to describe their inn updates.

We have been using some of our downtime in creative and productive ways. We have retained most of our staff and are sprucing up the property, such as paint touch-ups, garden preparation, and deep cleaning, all in preparation for your return. To experience Hawthorn Inn from your perspective, we’ve also been sleeping overnight in each guest room. As a result, we have been fixing issues we discover and implementing changes based on your suggestions.

I believe all these examples show creative innovation and persistence with the kindness and caring innkeepers are known for. With a positive attitude thrown in the mix.

A big thank you to all the innkeepers that are striving forward. I wish I could feature you all. Virtual hugs to you all!

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf