A Bit of Killahevlin Blarney

Christmas Snow Storm

2009-12-21T08:08:00.002-05:00

Well, it's Christmas time in Front Royal. We had a record-breaking snowfall this past week , so we were out at night taking pictures. Here's an image of the front of the house with the Christmas lights aglow.

The day after the snow, we had the driveway cleared and people came to visit.

Winter in the valley is really beautiful. Skyline Drive may not be open all the time, but the wineries are always open and there are lots of quaint shops downtown Front Royal, so there's plenty to do. If you just need to recharge the batteries after the hectic Christmas season, come visit us and we'll see to it that you have lots of opportunities to relax!

Guest Reviews, new mattresses and Tea pots

2009-09-07T22:15:00.003-04:00

We want to thank all of our guests for posting reviews. We promise that we read all of them and take them to heart. Some time ago a guest posted a review saying that the beds in the suites were worn out. Well, they were and this past week we replaced both of them. So ... if you've stayed in one of the suites, you'll find the mattresses are much nicer now.

In our last posting, we said that we had gotten a selection of loose teas and some nice teapots. We have really had good responses from our guests so we are going to broaden the selection of teas we offer. If you like a nice pot of tea and you are coming to visit, please be sure to let us know. If you have any ideas for the kinds of tea we should offer, please also let us know.

We know that there are a lot of nice places to stay out there and we really appreciate people choosing Killahevlin. We promise that we will do our utmost to ensure that you have a wonderful experience and we really hope that you'll want to come back time and time again.

Kathy and Tom

New Breakfast offering

2009-07-09T07:55:00.003-04:00

It's finally summer and the flowers are in full bloom. Everything is green and the river is in really good shape because of all the rain we have had. We've had a really nice summer with mild temperatures so everyone has enjoyed sitting out in the gazebo. Killahevlin is a great base for exploring the Shenandoah Valley whether you are going to hike, canoe down the river, visit the wineries or just leave your cares back at home.

Here at the beginning of July we are starting to fill up on weekends in October but we still have lots of availability during the week. Skyline Drive is really best during the week anyway. Sometimes traffic backs up through town on weekends.

We are always trying to improve our breakfasts and have several scrumptious new fruit dishes. We've also gotten new tea pots and a nice selection of loose teas so you tea lovers can get a "proper" pot of tea for breakfast or any other time for that matter. Kathy has finished her quilted place mats and she just made a bunch of tea cozies so that the tea pots will stay ... well ... cozy.

Come visit and let us pamper you for a few days.

Kathy and Tom

Autumn in the Valley

2008-10-08T20:07:00.002-04:00

10/08/08

Well, it's finally autumn here in the valley. The leaves are just starting to change and the weather has been wonderful.

Most of our weekends are already booked, but we do have rooms available during the week.

This summer and fall we have seen a nice number if honeymooners. We are just a bit over an hour from Washington, DC. If you live in the DC metropolitan area, we are an easy drive ... whether for a weekend or for a week. If you are flying in to Dulles or National Airport, we make a great base for visiting the Shenandoah Valley and we are close enough to take day trips into Washington without paying the high costs charged by the hotels in the city.

Give us a call and we'll help you find lots to do here in the valley ... one of the most beautiful parts of one of the most beautiful states in the country!

Vacation in the Shenandoah Valley

2008-07-29T16:33:00.003-04:00

With the price of fuel rising and air travel getting more difficult and expensive, why not spend your vacation close to home? The Shenandoah Valley offers everything you can get somewhere more expensive an hour from Washington, DC.

Sure the beach is fun ... if you like sunburn and sand in your ... clothes.

We have restaurants galore, beautiful scenery, and lots to do. We have some of the country's finest wineries within 20 minutes. The best hiking on the East Coast is along Skyline Drive and we're minutes from there.

Canoeing and rafting?? Where better than the Shenandoah?

Civil War history? Right in the back yard! Literally!!

We have it all!

We'll pamper you and you won't even have to work very hard to get here! We have a nice breakfast every morning and a pub in the house so you can pour yourself a pint or a glass of wine. Your toughest decision is whether to have your drink sitting in one of our overstuffed leather chairs in our parlor, in the rocking chairs on our beautiful screened in porch, or out under the wonderful old gazebo where you can watch out for our local humming birds.

Come out and spend a week with us and ask us for our vacation discount.

We're here just waiting to pamper you. Come on out!

On-line Reviews

2008-06-11T17:28:00.002-04:00

Killahevlin is a proud member of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) and fully supports ... both in word and in deed ... the press release just published by PAII.

For Immediate Release Contact: Jay Karen, President & CEO
Professional Association of Innkeepers Internationaljay@paii.org
856-310-1102 phone
856-310-1105 fax
www.paii.org

Innkeeping Association Urges Ethical, Fair Behavior for Online Review Systems Haddon Heights, NJ, June 11, 2008 --- The largest international association of innkeepers is promoting standards to ensure fair and ethical use of online guest review systems -- one of the fastest growing segments of so-called "social media" on the Internet. The Board of Directors of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) is calling on its members to adhere to the highest ethical standards, for example to not offer incentives to guests for posting a review. Similarly, PAII is asking the companies that provide online review systems to respond fairly and in a timely manner when innkeepers complain to them about false or misleading reviews posted about their properties. In just a few years, online review systems have dramatically changed the way millions of people plan their travels. The web-based technology used by TripAdvisor.com, BedandBreakfast.com, and other companies enables leisure and business travelers to read first-hand reviews by other travelers of their experiences at hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and restaurants. "The widespread use of online guest reviews is a fairly recent phenomenon, and many innkeepers feel at the mercy of exceptional situations, rather than what systems seem to be designed for - honest feedback from guests. The systems most widely used by B&B guests try to prevent fraud and unethical behavior, but they are not fail-safe," said Jay Karen, PAII's President and Chief Executive Officer. Karen said most of the problems he hears about from innkeepers involve mean-spirited, false and misleading reviews posted by guests, and the occasional difficulties experienced by innkeepers when pursing an expedient method of addressing problems. In a few cases, innkeepers have discovered false reviews posted by their competitors. "There have been media reports and assumptions that owners and managers of smaller independent properties, like bed and breakfasts, are somehow more prone to circumventing the rules of these sites. While this is not true, we want to set the record straight regarding the ethical standards this industry supports, and this statement articulates our position." PAII's position statement addresses the appropriate decorum which innkeepers should follow. In addition, the statement covers what the association's board feels is "fair play" for the sites that offer opportunities for guests to leave reviews. "False negative reviews on these sites can definitely color a potential guest's likelihood of making a reservation, and we want to encourage administrators of these sites to rapidly address grievances and reports of fraudulent activity," says Karen. "Lost business is a very serious matter, especially if you're an innkeeper with only 5 rooms in your inventory." Karen reports that the systems are generally working well for innkeepers, but that singular incidents of indiscretion seem to disproportionately impact innkeepers, who have reported grievances to the PAII office. "The leaders in the business of online reviews are TripAdvisor, which promotes its services to the general traveling public, and BedandBreakfast.com, which specializes in our industry. Innkeepers and guests should avail themselves to all reputable sources, but sites that demonstrate a deep understanding of the B&B marketplace are going to be most helpful when travelers are looking for the special experience offered by a stay at an inn or bed and breakfast." "While there have definitely been transgressions in any industry that has online user reviews, we believe the rules established by these web sites are only one piece of the puzzle," says Debrah Mosimann, PAII's board chair and owner of Swiss Woods Inn in Lititz, Pennsylvania. "It's important for an industry's representative group to establish its own benchmark of appropriate conduct. In many ways, these web sites are doing a great service for our industry by bringing to light matters that innkeepers need to address at their own properties, and yet also giving exposure to hidden gems in our industry that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Some days it seems like the Wild West out there with user reviews, and we hope to provide a little bit of guidance to the stakeholders in our industry - the user review sites and the several thousand innkeepers who deliver the experiences being revealed for the public to see." PAII's position statement, while not an official code of ethics, is intended to address a current matter of importance in the innkeeping industry. Contact:
Jay Karen, President & CEOProfessional Association of Innkeepers Internationaljay@paii.org856-310-1102 phone856-310-1105 faxwww.paii.org About PAII:The Professional Association of Innkeepers International is the innkeeping industry's trade organization, representing owners of bed and breakfasts and country inns. PAII provides education, communications, public relations, networking, and research services to its membership and the greater industry. PAII hosts the world's largest annual gathering of innkeepers, the Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show, and publishes the industry's leading trade publication, Innkeeping Quarterly (IQ).
# # #

Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII)Position Statement on the Ethics and Use of Online Reviews

Plan your vacation in the Shenandoah Valley

2008-04-21T09:08:00.003-04:00

Trees are in full bloom.

Spring is in full bloom here in the valley and the weather is turning nice.

With the high cost of gasoline and the problems the air lines have been having, people are vacationing closer to home. The Shenandoah Valley offers physical activities such as hiking and canoeing and more relaxing activities such as visiting wonderful wineries, attending legitimate theater, or just reading a book here at the house.

We have all sorts of dining close by from fine dining to casual restaurants that offer wonderful food. Several restaurants offer live entertainment most evenings. We can help you find whatever you are looking for.

Why spend tons of money and fight the long lines at the air ports to go somewhere that isn't any prettier than the Shenandoah Valley. We are close to Interstates 66 and 81. You just don't have to travel thousands of miles to have a nice vacation!

If you are coming here from overseas, the weak dollar is great for folks travelling from Europe and we are easy to get to from Dulles International Airport.

Come to visit. We promise we'll do everything we can to make your stay memorable.

Hey! Where is everyone??

2008-03-23T18:58:00.004-04:00

10/8/08 Update
Our good friend Tigger developed congestive heart failure and died this past week. He will be missed by everyone. He was always there to greet the guests and make sure they had the opportunity to enjoy his "fur therapy." Rest in peace old friend.

Tigger can't figure out where everyone is. He says to tell you that it's only 70 miles to Washington, D.C. and that you can come visit, spend a couple days seeing the wineries and hiking Skyline Drive and go home with gasoline to spare. The price of gas is lots cheaper out here. When our kids come visit from Northern Virginia and Maryland, they make sure their gas tanks are empty when they get here so they can fill up with our cheap gas.

Daffodil Watch

2008-03-23T18:54:00.003-04:00

The Daffodils are opening and the weather is getting nice. Some of the flowering trees are starting to open too.

We have openings during the week and most weekends, so why not come visit?

Flowering Trees!

2008-03-14T17:46:00.003-04:00

Well, a couple warm days and everything is popping out. We found our flowering crabapple tree has come out.

OK, maybe it's not a crabapple. Anyone know any different??

Daffodil Watch continued

2008-03-14T09:20:00.004-04:00

It's been in the 60's the last few days and we have spent the last few days painting and freshening up the buildings.

Meanwhile, the flowers and shrubs are budding out. The daffodils are starting to open and lots of our bulbs are showing green. I imagine Kathy will soon be looking for plants so that the gardens that have been wearing their winter brown will be showing color.

Reviews

2008-03-11T10:12:00.002-04:00

Lots of people have sites that allow the public to post reviews these days. We use those reviews before we spend our money. We hope people will post comments and reviews here and other places, but we don't ask them to do so and we won't engage in practices that corrupt the validity of candid reviews. BedandBreakfast.com has a place where our guests can post reviews. Tripadvisor.com is another.

We have become aware of people who are paying guests to post reviews on Tripadvisor.com. This practice is unethical in our opinion. Tripadvisor.com has been made aware of the specifics and has chosen to ignore this problem. Be aware as you read supposedly candid reviews that people can and will manipulate the system. We pledge that we will not do so!

Well, It's Spring

2008-03-10T15:57:00.004-04:00

It's Spring here in the Valley and the flowers are starting to come up.

We found some daffodils back in the woods where the Carsons once had their gardens. The bulbs are pretty old and they weren't blooming because they had crowded themselves out and weren't getting any sun. We transplanted several clumps a couple years ago and for the first time they are starting to bloom. We'll update these pictures through the season and add more as our gardens start to bloom and maybe we'll be able to get a picture of a hummingbird when they come home for the summer.

Come visit and see for yourselves!

Autumn in the Valley

2007-10-03T20:50:00.000-04:00

Well, it's officially Autumn. Where has the summer gone?

The kids are back to school and the leaves are starting to change. It appears that the peak foliage color will be Mid-October, although the weather has been so warm that the leaves really haven't started to change in earnest.

Weekends here in the valley are crazy busy and most B&Bs already are full. We are no exception. Here's the secret ... the trees don't recognize the weekend and they are just as beautiful during the week as they are on Saturday! The crowds, however, are all over the weekend and Skyline Drive is wide open during the week.

Several of our guests have seen black bear on Skyline Drive and we have a family of deer that wanders across our yard every evening. The hummingbirds have gone south for the winter and we are looking forward to seeing them again next Spring.

As you are planning your holiday celebrations, bear us in mind. Whether it's just a quick weekend get-away to get some R&R before the holidays kick in in earnest, or if you need a chance to recover after the holidays. We are here ready to pamper.

On New Years Eve we'll have a catered dinner in our dining room. We start with beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres in the pub, move on to a nice candle-lit dinner in the dining room and finish with champagne at midnight. Overnight guests only, but we charge $40 per person plus the cost of the room. What a bargain!!

Welcome to the New Killahevlin Web Site

2007-08-22T18:29:00.000-04:00

Thanks go to El Ames for creating our new web site! Check here for news and specials. We are inviting our guests to talk about the best restaurants, wineries, and sights in the Front Royal area. Civil War history abounds in the Shenandoah Valley.

Our gardens are in full bloom now and we've gotten a couple days rain so the grass is turning green instead of the light brown it has been.

We have a hummingbird nest in one of the lilac trees just a few feet from the gazebo, so one of our guests got quite a few pictures of hummers feeding from one of our feeders or just sitting on a branch. We'll post them shortly.

Thanks for looking at our blog and the web site!

Tom and Kathy
Innkeepers
Killahevlin B&B Inn