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.

Didn’t we do well

(photo:  Pam Nelligan)

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

Can you believe it? 2008…that means we’ve been Innkeepers for almost three years. I remember our first few weeks - the terror of preparing breakfast, not knowing what was expected…not even knowing what “spackle” was! (its called Polyfiller in the UK!) Well we learned pretty quickly - and feel we (almost!) know what we’re doing now, but going into a new year is a great time to reflect on all that has passed.  Speaking of new years my resolution is to lose weight…. you have no idea (or maybe you do??) how hard it is not to gobble up all those left over brownies and cookies. Or indulge in a little “quality control” as the scones come out of the oven all warm and golden,wafting yummy baked good smells all round the Inn…..way too much temptation for a mere mortal. Sadly my waistline bears testement to my ability as a cook and now that I have nothing that fits comfortably its time to kick my bad habits. Of course its only 6 days in but I’m feeling strong and righteous and this time I’m determined to stick to my plan. By Summer I will be 25lb lighter. So if you plan to visit us in the summer and see some svelte and smug lady wafting round Inn Vic look again…it could be me!

http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/view/qQuZysPHCp5xwz9PRkfBXTxp

   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!

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

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!

    Well Columbus weekend has arrived. The foliage is still somewhat muted - very pretty, but not at peak, which is unusual. On the positive side it is going to be warm and sunny all weekend. Which is good news because we have a wedding! Jeff and Lynne loved their stay at Inn Victoria so much they decided to come back and marry here! We wish them our best :-)  We are running flat out for the next few days but do have some mideweek availability so if you are thinking of coming up then don’t delay. The Antiques Fair at Weston is on this weekend and also AppleFest in Springfield (yup - the home of the Simpsons!) We are also introducing some new breakfast menu items with a wonderful Apple cranberry and cinnamon granola crisp and (Jons fav) a Cheesy Ham puff. 

Welcome from Inn Victoria - our beautiful Victorian B&B in Chester Vermont.  I’ve been toying with doing a blog for ages and thought it was about time I actually got down and did it.  Its an exciting time of year here in Vermont with the foliage just starting to peak. It may actually be a little late this year. The weather has been unseasonally warm and so the progress is a little slower than normal. However there is still some wonderful color to be seen.  few days ago we were up at route 100 just north of Ludlow and it was striking! Well you just have to come up and see for yourselves :-).  This weekend we have a full house still a few rooms mid week (not many) so if you want to visit you have to be quick.  As this is my first post and I don’t really know what I’m doing I’m going to keep it brief - things will pick up over the weeks I’m sure.