After the excitement of ushering in the New Year, we started getting in trends and outlooks for the next year with optimistic news about the travel industry as we move ahead and out of the recession. The dominating viewpoint is that people are more willing to travel as we begin to see a recovery in the economy, but value is still in vogue across the boards. Travelers want a unique and telling experience during their getaway, so B&Bs and inns that create a singular getaway that only they can offer allow guests to not only treasure their hard earned respite, but become loyal and returning customers and friends. Please see my article, Travel Trends in 2011, in our archive for a full list of pertinent quotes and outlooks for the coming year.
Creating an experience is exactly what our 2011 Award Winners have done. By offering a unique amenity, location, or outstanding service to guests, our Award Winners have achieved the gratitude and loyalty of their guests for a memorable experience and getaway. I want to give a well deserved and hearty congratulations to all of our 2011 Winners, who will continue to be leaders and innovators in the industry for years to come. Thank you for allowing us to share in your success by honoring your commitment to hospitality and exceptional service. The full list of our Winners can be see here, and should be pursued with a wish list at hand in order to add to the list of dream getaway spots.
Finally, during this romantic month, I want to call on innkeepers for their help in the creation of our new cookbook, titled Inn Love: Recipes for Romance. This is a free member benefit, and a perfect way to showcase your inn and your savvy cooking prowess! Please submit your recipes to ashley@travelguides.com by February 28th, 2011 in order to be featured, and as always, give our office a call if you have any questions: 888-410-2244.With such a busy month, it’s easy to become bogged down in January. But February offers the chance to quietly escape and enjoy those around us. Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for B&Bs and Inns, as it celebrates all the core aspects of what a getaway is for – relaxing, enjoying the company of your significant other, and spending time with the person you love away from the daily distractions and stresses. Below are just a few of our award winners with perfect distractions for this Valentine’s.
First, our Most Romantic Inn, The Gables Inn in Hot Springs AR. This small inn is an intimate and luxurious place, with lushly decorated rooms and romantic gardens. The Gables Inn gives some great specials too, and is available for small weddings. 
Next, the Best Sunset View winner, Elk Cove Inn and Spa in Elk CA. The stunning view of this Mendocino coast property is truly a singular sight, where you and your loved one can sit in the peaceful atmosphere and watch the beauty surround you. 
The Best Linens, Comforters and Pillows Winner for 2011 is Cameron Park Inn in Raleigh, North Carolina. Snuggling up with your bedfellow in this historic inn is much too tempting to pass up!
Finally, the Best for Anniversaries property for 2011, the Copperstone Inn in Rockton IL. This expansive retreat is secluded on 130 acres, has a spa, luxuriously decorated rooms, and offers period restorations to their distinguished guests. With sincere wishes for a lovely February,
Pamela
P.S. I just returned from the beautiful state of Hawaii and my 8th time speaking at the seminar at sea B&B conference. What a treat! Hawaii was absolutely gorgeous and the weather was perfect. I met so many wonderful innkeepers and toured some fantastic inns. The innkeepers we helped participated on the cruise were lucky enough to see the Napili coast up closed at sunset and most spectacular of all, to see the lava flow into the Pacific off the southern coast of the Big Island - a magical, mystical experience. If you’re an innkeeper or dreaming of becoming one, the dates and itinerary will be announced shortly for next year’s cruise (Caribbean here we come!) on BedandBreakfastConference.com.
