As a bed and breakfast innkeeper, my role is different from a manager, or registration clerk or front desk staff in a hotel. My essential mission is to provide a memorable bed and breakfast experience for our guests, from reservation through check-out. My job is part hospitality, part chef, and part manager. Our staff is small, but dedicated and I know I can trust each one to make decisions and accommodate guest requests.
I think one aspect that sets professional bed and breakfasts apart from other short-term lodging options is our strong focus on hospitality. Running a successful B&B calls for a genuine passion for meeting other’s needs. We have a sign over an entry that says, “Come as strangers, leave as friends.” That’s what it’s all about. I love the friendships that have developed as a result of innkeeping. We have many return guests and we’ve been invited to visit several of our guests in their own homes!
Customer service can be another critical difference. We have an exceptional team that is invested in serving our guests. We always want to ensure that our beds are cozy and comfortable, appointed with luxurious freshly laundered linens. We provide extra pillows and blankets for added convenience. (And you’re always welcome to bring your own!) Our staff works hard to keep our entire B&B, including guest suites and common areas, impeccably clean and well-maintained.
Breakfast is a big part of our name, so a fresh home-cooked breakfast is an important component of our service standards. No paper plates here, we serve on china and crystal. Our breakfast menus change daily, and we make accommodations for dietary restrictions whenever possible. We offer a variety of breakfasts entrees, but I’ll admit that I love it when a guest requests their favorite breakfast entree! (Our signature Chicago Style Waffles option has a lot of fans!) In addition to breakfast, we offer a complimentary hot and cold beverage buffet with a mini fridge and snacks just outside each suite.
Our luxurious sheets and towels are so popular that guests sometimes purchase them to take home! Fluffy towels and guest robes are available in each guest suite, with extras hidden away if you need a spare. We also provide luxury toiletries, including custom soaps, conditioning shampoo, lotion and bath salts. We offer digital satellite TV and reliable high-speed internet access for guests to stay connected.
We love spending time with our guests. We are happy to provide them with information about nearby attractions, restaurants, and activities to help them make the most of their stay in Jacksonville. We can provide discounts and insider tips that they might not receive elsewhere. We work hard to evaluate the level of interaction each guest is comfortable with. I don’t guarantee that we’ll all be singing around the baby grand, but if you’d like to play it, be assured that I’d love to be somewhere in the background listening!
Overall, I believe the key difference between a bed and breakfast and other lodging options is our ability to personalize our services to meet your needs and enhance your experience at Blessings.
Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast is an award-winning all-suite bed and breakfast inn located in Jacksonville, Illinois. Hospitality is our hallmark. We offer many amenities, including overnight accommodations in a 130-year-old vintage mansion, Wi-Fi, expansive lawn and gardens, all-season fireplaces, and multi-course breakfasts. Come see us!
Our reviews reflect that guest satisfaction is a high priority.
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