Why Innkeepers Need an Occasional Break

Psst. Don’t tell anybody, but Sven and I took a day off yesterday and, boy, did we enjoy it. How delightful to relax after a very busy Labor Day weekend! No Main House guests until late this afternoon. Yesterday night, I settled two businessmen into the cottage for the night. The weather is not ideal, but at least Cape Cod has been spared the heavy rain that caused flooding in Pennsylvania today. The businessmen were going to stay in Liberty Coin Suite, but I was able to give them an upgrade, since no one had booked the cottage. They were very happy with their accommodation. I’m glad I could offer this upgrade, but even more pleased that Sven and I have our home back for a short period. That’s the thing: when you run a B&B in a private home, sometimes your personal space gets reduced dramatically. The last group of folks even commandeered the living room. I was glad they were happy but equally glad to see them leave. Why? We always feel a responsibility towards our guests, so cannot totally relax when the house is full. Why? An innkeeper is on call 24 hours a day.

What’s more, innkeepers must be on best behavior at all times. After weeks and weeks of best behavior, the urge to let loose creeps up on you. For a day or two, we can do whatever we want, make as much noise as we want, choose when to wake up and when to go to sleep … After a couple days of R&R, we'll be ready to interact with new guests again.

Any innkeepers out there have suggestions on how to get the most out of a break?