This is probably the worst blog on the internet! I can’t believe its been months since I’ve written. Please forgive me and I’ll try to do better. So another year is upon us and Jon and I have been looking back at the past four years. We were pretty naive when we arrived at Inn Victoria in March 2005 with two suitcases and two cats – it was quite an exponential learing curve! Since then we’ve replaced all the windows with new double pane ones, new hot water system, zoned the heating, new roof on the barn renovated rooms, all new linens, new towels new brand of amenities and a newely fitted laundry room. On top of this we’ve been rated number one Inn in Vermont for 2006 2007 and most of 2008, we’ve been awarded the status of one of the top ten B&Bs in the USA, and for 2009 we’ve been told we’re going to be the Editors Pick in Yankee magazine! The business is growing year on year, and we’ve made such amazing friendships along the way. I’ve even been a calendar girl! What a ride! Can’t wait to see what 2009 brings….keep checkin’ in I’ll keep you posted!
Innkeeper – movie star!!
Chester is in the Movies! The Hallmark channel have been filming a Christmas movie starring Tom Arnold and Candace Cameron Bure and have chosen Chester as the perfect location (well who can blame them!) After finally getting rid of the “real” snow the Green was turned into winterwonderland again – complete with Christmas trees and elves! It was very strange walking to the book shop in 80oF temperatures to come across folk in ski clothes and Santas little helpers! Part of the shooting required Candace to be filmed in an office environment and they needed “extras” to pad out the scene. Well if you look very closely one of the blurry figures waltzing through the office is yours truely! I don’t think I’ll be giving up my day job just yet to follow the lure of Hollywood. Being in the movies is not as glamorous as I guess many believe. Lots of sitting round all day and waiting for 5 minutes of ‘action’. Still it was fun to be part of this and interesting to discover how a film is made. Moonlight and Mistletoe will be screened on the Hallmark channel sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas…..and I will be available for red carpet appearances soon after 
Eat your heart out Meryl Streep!
Why we’re not a Green Hotel.
We’ve been asked to explain why Inn Victoria is not part of the Green Inn association in Chester. First things first, we believe Inn Victoria is an “environmentally responsible” lodging property. We own only one car and have reduced our annual mileage substantially. By investing in double pane windows throughout, zoning the heating, and installing new digital controls, we’ve cut our heating oil consumption by 50%, reducing our atmospheric carbon emissions by over 17700lb per year and at the same time enhancing the comfort of our guests. We’ve installed almost 200 compact fluorescent bulbs and offer a towel re-use program for guests who request this gesture. We have been told that it would only take a little effort (like buying recycled trash bags or copier paper) to qualify as a Green Hotel in Vermont under the State certification scheme. However having first hand experience of the Green movement in Europe, where being Green is a lifestyle choice, not something you can justify through buying a recycled product, we felt that selectively being “a bit Green” would be a discredit to those that totally embrace the philosophy of the Green movement. There are some wonderful Green Hotels in Vermont who provide stellar examples of how to do this, with organic bedding, towels, and amenities. Who recycle and compost and use post consumer recycled product where ever possible. They drive hybrid vehicles or ride bicycles and buy direct farm fresh organic produce. They have installed water saving devices and super efficient boilers. They have a mission and a passion, and we have total admiration for these folk, but we cannot lay claim to that level of dedication – so we do what we can, and make no apologies for continuing with the few practices and products that may not be perceived as “Green” but we feel are necessary to our business. Todays discerning guests have certain expectations. While a few may actively seek out Green lodging, the majority are still looking for luxuries and indulgences when they visit a high end bed and breakfast. Things such as high pressure showers, deep tubs, soft bathroom tissue and individual wrapped soaps and amenities. To continue to run a successful business we have to provide the service our guests expect. It is also paramount that our establishment be clean, safe and hygienic and compliant with all Health department codes. We are compelled to use bleach for sanitization to comply with State regulations and I have yet to find an Eco friendly cleaning product that works as effectively as my current product. With so much media buzz, being Green can be perceived as a commercial advantage but we felt it would be dishonest of us to lay claim to being something we’re not. We have too much respect for our guests and our community to “green wash” our business. We will continue to do what we can to minimize our carbon footprint but do not feel the need of a “label” to run a responsible business.
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2008
We’ve just heard the great news. Inn Victoria has been selected as one of the top 10 B&B Inns in the US by the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards 2008. This is a stellar achievement when you consider the thousands and thousands of excellent Inns out there! We are overwhelmed and humbled. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write about their experience at our little Inn. We couldn’t have done it without you and we’re eternally grateful for the positive feedback we receive from our guests. Its the best reward anyone can get
another new year….
Happy Holidays….
Well its the Friday before Xmas and we’re looking out of the window at almost 20″ of snow! This is the snowiest December for years and the winter sports businesses are finally getting a break. So if you love to Ski, snowshoe, sled, or just relax in a horse drawn sleigh then this is your year! We’re already way ahead of last year with bookings for the ski season so if you want to make sure you get the room of your choice then do book now. We’ve just returned from a few days R&R to make sure we’re fully energised and ready to run through till April. We can highly recommend the York harbor Inn in Maine and the Carter Notch Inn in NH if you decide to spend time in other New England states. Still no news on our visa extention but who knows what the New Year will bring. have a wonderful Holiday and see you in 2008!
Let it snow……
The forecast was for 1-2″…it looks like they got that one wrong. So far today we’ve got 4-5″ of light fluffy powdery snow. Guests just coming back from Okemo have had the best time. The time between thanksgiving and Christmas really is the best time to come skiing at Okemo. No crowds, and great deals – what more could you want! We’ve a few days vacation booked next week to catch up on Christmas shopping (I haven’t even started yet….) But we’ll be back and refreshed and ready to push on through the ski season. If your still looking for gift ideas then why not consider gift certificates or you can still get calendars on www.chestercalendar.com
Where does the time go….
Can you believe my last entry here was in October. Now, with 10″ of snow on the ground that seems like a lifetime ago. Since then we’ve had three weddings at Inn Vic. Lynne and Jeff, Mick and Gayle, and Beth and Michael. We wish them all every happiness and can’t wait for them to return. With romance in the air its a wonderful time to visit for a winter wedding or romantic Sleighride proposal? Don’t forget to book early for Valentines day too – Inn Victoria is not known as the most Romantic Inn in Vermont for nothing – last year we have over 14 couples who became engaged while staying here – and they all said YES!
