Kim and I have always believed that every person we encounter deserves to be shown respect, kindness, and love. All of our guests have been greeted with open arms, literally and figuratively, and treated as treasured friends. That has and will continue to be our “brand” of hospitality. We have chosen to remain closed until the pandemic has subsided and we can provide the level of service that our guests deserve.
Some have questioned our decision. But, from the beginning, back in 2002, our business model has been about providing a memorable experience, not about how much money we could make. We have always done all of the tasks/chores ourselves, except when an expert was required. We have worn many hats – hosts, greeters, concierge, reservations, social media, e-mail, cook, dishwasher, servers, groundskeeper, carpenter, painter, plumber, electrician, housekeeper, launderer, maid, you name it, we do it all with no employees or help. We have put every penny back into the business and pay ourselves the minimum salary required by the IRS. This has allowed us to keep our prices down in comparison to comparable B&Bs. Our “payment” is in the joy on someone’s face knowing we had made a difference in their life at that moment. Our “salary” is a collection of special moments shared with our guests.
Our biggest reward has been the recognition by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, naming Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast as the 2020 #1 B&B in the United States and #3 B&B in the World. We are truly grateful to all who have taken the time to share their experiences in our home.
With all of the recommended precautions regarding Covid-19, we felt the risk to our business and our own health was too great and made the difficult decision to temporarily close. Our home is our business. There simply is no way to do what we do in the current situation.
We thought it might be over by now and we could all get on with our lives. Unfortunately, that is not our current reality. We have tried to reimagine Innkeeping, but, if we take the joy out of it, and provide simply “a bed”, we lose the very thing that has sustained us, personally, over the last 18 years.
We look forward to reopening when we can, once again, see the smiles on each other’s faces without fear of a deadly virus. And, as a person who is feeling very hug-deprived, I can’t wait to feel your friendly embrace. Heartfelt thanks go out to all of you for your continued support, friendship, and love. Please stay safe and be well.
Love,
Susan