Happy New Year and thanks for a wonderful 2018
Happy New Year!
As we begin to turn the calendar page on 2018 (I know, kind of old fashioned, I still have a paper calendar on the wall even though I can access a calendar with the right click of my mouse…) and look forward to all that is in store for us in 2019 we take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful friends we hosted here at the Brass Lantern Inn. Everyone these days seems to be in the reflective mood and so here goes.
Hosting Stats -
In 2018 we hosted guest stays that equaled a total of 1,620 room nights. Yeah, that’s a lot of beds to make, breakfasts to serve (and dishes to clean), fires to start in the wood stove (wood to split), repeating directions to Moss Glen Falls, The Alchemist Brewery, Trapp Brewery, Hill Farmstead (ok, yes, we have a great selection of breweries in the area – more on that in another blog).
With the average stay here at about 2.7 nights we estimate that we welcomed close to 1,200 guests in 2018. Yeah, that is a lot of names to remember! Also, each year we find that the number of repeat guests (which we affectionately recognize as our “Inn Mates”) seems to grow. Whether you are our first time guest or one that has been here many times before, it truly is like welcoming family back with those who continue to support our not so little or humble dream of a lifestyle.
This year also included our concierge work in helping our guests find the best outdoor activity that peaks their interest; whether it be a leisure stroll on our 5.5 mile long Stowe Rec Path, a spirited hike up to Sterling Pond just off Smugglers Notch/Mountain Road, or joining the locals and hiking up Pinnacle Trail. We also assisted in finding best places to go for a quiet scenic mountain bike ride, zip line adventures, local beaches/swimming holes, or inviting them to join us for Music in the Meadows on Summer Sunday afternoon/evenings at the Trapp Family Lodge. We truly hope each of our guests left us with a sense of “yeah, that was a wonderful retreat.”
Guest Experience Improvements -
As a retired architect and facilities manager my building design and mechanical systems interest easily align with this role of Innkeeper. One of this year’s mechanical system improvements included; a new air condition system for Sugarloaf, Roundtop and The Pinnacle Rooms (split system heat pumps…). We eliminated the dated, admittedly somewhat noisy through-the-wall a/c units. Now, with the new system in place you have to see the little green light on the cooling/heating unit to know that it is actually running! The inner tech nerd in me is always looking for ways to improve the quality of the experience of our guests, reducing our carbon footprint, and feel the reward of seeing a design concept come to life.
True Enjoyment of this Lifestyle -
And of most rewarding for us; all of these room nights come with chance to establish new friendships. Within the 9 years here we estimate that we have welcomed close to 10,000 guests. We hope that they all felt very welcomed and that we shared that same kindred spirit of travel and adventure.
With an Inn of our scale; nine guest rooms, we have the luxury of getting to know our guests just a bit, or sometimes even more, over a glass of wine on the back porch on a lazy summer afternoon or a cup of tea/coffee in the winter around the bright fire in the living room fireplace all overlooking Mt. Mansfield, and the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont just off our back yard.
Thank you all again for your support of our lifestyle of providing our guests with an exceptional stay. We look forward to the opportunity to be of service to all as we move into our 10th year. Wishing you a Happy, and Healthy, 2019!
George and Mary Anne
