Princeton Hot Chocolate Crawl

The frenzy of the winter holiday season has screeched to a halt and many of us are looking for an excuse to get out again now that Omicron appears to be waning.

In an attempt to liven up a pretty quiet weekend, my ever-creative daughters suggested a Hot Chocolate crawl around town! Our day consisted of five stops at a variety of local establishments (no chains were allowed) and all stops were within easy walking distance of each other.

Looking for something new to do? Follow our Hot Chocolate crawl around Princeton or create your own crawl. We would love to help you brainstorm a day of adventure! Need ideas? Check out these stops on our crawl:

• Sakrid Coffee

• Bent Spoon

• Halo Pub

• Small World

• PJs Pancake House

After your day of exploring come back to the Inn and enjoy a chat and a complimentary glass of wine in our cozy Parlor or Great Room.

The Princeton area has so much to offer during the winter months and local businesses need your help! Take advantage of our winter rates and plan your getaway now by giving us a call at visiting us online! Click HERE for reservations!

Not Your Grandmother's Bed and Breakfast

I had the recent experience of visiting a college campus with my teen daughter. We stayed in a bed and breakfast near the campus. Sound familiar? The campus visit was a success, the B&B not so much.

After we checked in and looked around, my daughter said, “Is this what you’re implying when you say your B&B is “not your grandmother’s bed and breakfast?” Maybe the stuffed peacock in the corner, or the extensive collection of glass figurines gave her that idea.

Listen, there’s a B&B out there for everybody, and some people LOVE the stuffed peacocks and glass figurines, but when we opened our doors, we wanted to be different. The best compliment we can receive, is, “We hate B&Bs but we LOVE your place!”

The Hunt Room

Our decor is eclectic. The antiques we do have are mostly sideboards, end tables, and accent pieces. Our artwork is a mix of modern and traditional. Any surface you sit on is new. Don’t worry about encountering a wobbly 100-year old chair or a creaky bed and springy mattress. OK, full disclosure, our floors are random width pine, and crooked, and you can see through the cracks. But, we call that character!

You will never see doilies, stuffed animals, dingy wall to wall carpeting, or drab wallpaper at the Inn at Glencairn. You will see comfortable rooms that complement the era of the building and enhance the ambience. And, rest assured, our electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are all up to date and working properly! Sure, they didn’t have central air conditioning in the 18th century or flat screen TVs, but wouldn’t it have been nice if they did?!

So, when you book at the Inn at Glencairn. Keep in mind, this is “not your grandmother’s bed and breakfast” and enjoy your stay!

Getting Ready for Jersey Fresh Tomatoes!

This simple recipe allows for the sublime combination of Jersey Fresh Tomatoes and sharp cheddar cheese to create the perfect Summer Brunch treat!

Tomato Pie

Ingredients
Par baked pie crust (homemade or store bought)
2 large tomatoes or several medium size
8-10 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh herbs of your choice
Salt & pepper

Directions
Slice your tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices, salt the tops, and place on a paper towel to drain a bit. Leave them for 20 minutes at least. Chop your herbs (our recipe uses fresh green onion and thyme). In a par baked crust, layer cheese, herbs, and tomato, twice in that order. Top with cheese and some herbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Be sure the crust is nicely browned on the bottom. Remove and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm. (NOTE: because there are no eggs, baking longer than stated is fine. Go with how it looks.) Enjoy!

Inn at Glencairn nominated for CN Traveler Readers Choice Award!

We are so excited to be nominated again this year for the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards! We placed seventh last year for the Mid-Atlantic Region and are so appreciative of the honor. It has been a challenging year to say the least, and to be nominated for this prestigious award among these top hotels and resorts means the world to us.

We would be thrilled to place again this year. To vote, just go to: https://www.cntraveler.com/rca/vote and search for the Inn at Glencairn under Hotels & Resorts. (You will be asked to sign up for a newsletter but you can always unsubscribe.) And, take a moment to recognize your other favorites. Chances are they had a rough year too and could benefit from a little positive recognition! Thanks for your support!

Outdoor Pursuits in Central New Jersey

If you’re looking for a safe place to visit while awaiting your vaccine, celebrating having been vaccinated (our innkeeper, Lydia, is fully immune now), or just needing a different set of four walls, consider a stay at the Inn at Glencairn. We have nearly three acres of beauty to explore including our 200-year-old barn, stone stables, and old smokehouse. Take your complimentary wine out to the barn to enjoy intimate conversation at sunset or get your coffee in the morning, do some yoga or meditate while listening to the birds chirp. It’s finally Spring so it’s time to GET OUT!

If you’re into bicycling or hiking, consider any of these wonderful locations (bring your own or rent in Princeton):

Duke Farms

At Duke Farms, you’ll find over one thousand acres of land to explore native species, sustainability efforts, and the area’s natural beauty. Walk, bike, or take a class to learn more about conservation efforts and how you can fight climate change. Eat at the farm-sourced, award-winning café or support local farmers at the seasonal farm market. (At the time of this writing, Saturday visitors need to reserve a free entry pass per car. Register online for the pass.)

D&R Canal Trail (Lydia’s favorite)

Enjoy the nearly 80 miles of flat trail that follow the D&R Canal. This is a quiet ride that takes you through beautiful meadows, quaint towns with wonderful coffee shops and cafes, and offers incredible views. The trail starts in New Brunswick and ends in Frenchtown, but you can get on and off in any of about 30 spots along the trail. Consider the four mile ride into Princeton for lunch or dinner so you can work off Lydia’s deliciously filling breakfast.

Lawrenceville Hopewell Trail

There is a nearly-finished 22-mile ride in and around Lawrenceville and Hopewell if you like a more challenging, not-always-flat-and-a-bit-urban ride around those two delightful towns. Stopping off for coffee, tea, or an amazing pastry in Lawrenceville or perhaps lunch in Hopewell should be on your list. Accessing the trail can be done a short one mile ride from the Inn’s driveway (Please use caution on Lawrenceville Road.)

TrailLink System

We are surrounded by dozens of excellent hiking and biking trails through the Rails-To-Trails system. One of Lydia’s current favorites is the Columbia Trail which starts at High Bridge (an easy one hour drive) and rides for about 15 miles. You pass charming towns, a Clydesdale horse farm, coffee shops, and quiet beauty through Central NJ.

Mercer Meadows

This little gem is only a short five minute drive from our parking lot and will keep you walking or biking for miles. It’s an old pole farm and a favorite with bird watchers and naturalists.

Lawrenceville Village Park

For a quick, close walk in a beautiful little town park, head into Lawrenceville and turn on Gordon. In about two miles you’ll drive right into this little charmer. The park actually connects up to Mercer Meadows if you haven’t had enough exercise. Bikes and hikes welcome, or take a book and enjoy reading in the sun.

Institute Woods

If you want to do some forest bathing, try the Institute Woods. A short drive into Princeton, Institute Woods is a beautiful, quiet place to walk, contemplate, and enjoy being alive. The paths are not paved so it’s best for walking, and you will likely encounter all kinds of happy wildlife.

Mercer County Park

This large park has a paved 3.5 mile (one way) bike ride that is pure delight; it has curves, straight shots, and a few rolling hills. Over the lake you can see any of the four pairs of nesting Bald Eagle couples fishing and feeding their chicks, which are hatching now. Juveniles can be seen flying, too. Bring your binoculars and a snack. Mercer Park has lots to offer besides bikes and walking paths. There is an amazing exercise station, new since the pandemic to help people get out while gyms have been closed.

Walking in the Footsteps of History

History abounds in Princeton since this is where the Revolutionary War took a turn toward our side. Princeton is home to several signers of the Declaration of Independence, a place for Washington and his troops during the battle of Princeton, field headquarters for Washington during the War, a five month meeting place for Congress, the final resting place for Aaron Burr, Jr (famous for killing Hamilton), and more.

Princeton University

Walking the campus of Princeton University is not to be missed. The beauty of the Gothic architecture is something to behold. You will need your camera handy to capture and enjoy the beauty of the buildings, archways, and gardens.

Need more reasons to visit Princeton? Let’s talk about the Culinary Presence: Dozens of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are serving up top notch food that have locals and tourists returning time and again. We have indoor and outdoor dining for your comfort. We have artisan pizza, steaks, chops, generations old bread baking, farm-to-table, and James Beard winning chefs at work. French, Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese, and American, among others.

"Best Quiche Ever"

When your Chef and Innkeeper says she just made the best quiche ever, you take note, especially when guests tell you that they nearly proposed to her after having her scrambled eggs! Travel is still slow these days, but Lydia continues to try new recipes and perfect old ones. Here is her latest. Or as she calls it “one of the best quiches ever … really!”

Sausage and Spinach Quiche:

8 ounces of your favorite ground sausage

4 ounces of cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

5 eggs

1 1/4 cup heavy cream

Handful of spinach

Directions: Brown the ground sausage. Add cream cheese and mix so sausage is covered. Remove from heat and pour into pie plate. Add a little water to the pan used for sausage and wilt the handful of spinach. Layer the wilted spinach on top of the sausage mixture. Cover with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Blend the eggs with the heavy cream and pour over the mixture in the pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Microweddings are Here to Stay!

Fabulous florals by Blue Jasmine Floral were one of the highlights of this Microwedding.

In 2020, many brides and grooms were forced to cancel their large weddings because of Covid related lockdowns and travel restrictions.  Just thinking of planning an event where guests would be coming from afar or where older family members might be at increased risk, had many couples reevaluating their special day and opting for a much smaller event. What seemed like a 2020 trend is now looking like a longer term shift.

The many microweddings and elopements we have witnessed this past year have varied greatly. Some are simple affairs that involve the couple, an officiant and a photographer.  Some are more elaborate, full blown celebrations, where the couple has decided to splurge on things that matter most to them.  Sometimes that means gorgeous floral design and gourmet catering.  Sometimes it is a celebrity wedding photographer. Sometimes it is a big city stylist and a couture wedding gown. Sometimes it is all of these things and no expense is spared for the lucky handful of invited guests. However the event unfolds, it is as special and unique as the couple involved.

At some point, the pandemic will be a distant memory, and time will tell if the shift toward microweddings is long lasting. Until then, we will continue to provide a blank canvas for our couples to design their perfect wedding day. We wish all of our couples a lifetime of happiness and will look forward to seeing them back at the Inn to celebrate their anniversaries!

Inn at Glencairn named top 10 Hotel in the Mid-Atlantic by Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards!

When we converted our 18th century farmhouse into the Inn at Glencairn, we knew it would be a labor of love. At the time, many nearby historic properties were being deserted, boarded up, and demolished. We wanted to preserve Glencairn and give it life as a sustainable enterprise.

With just five guest rooms, we knew the Inn could not compete on size with the big chain hotels in the Princeton area, but we also knew that those big chains could not offer the unique history, charm, and personality that a small country Inn can provide its guests. So, we focused on what we could offer: A respite from the average hotel stay. We set out to create an environment that would transport travelers to a cozy country estate owned by a favorite relative. 

Now, over fifteen years later, we are so excited to be a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award! Being ranked in the top 10 for properties in the Mid-Atlantic really is such an honor. We are beyond grateful to our past and present guests who recognized us by voting. To be on the same list as The Rittenhouse and the Four Seasons is pretty humbling. Our staff, Lydia and Sindi, deserve the accolades. They are constantly striving to improve the guest experience and have been so resilient and dedicated, especially during the current environment. 

So, a big thank you to our guests and to our staff. We are beyond grateful to receive this award! Check out the list of winners for the mid-Atlantic below. 

Condé Nast Traveler’s full Top 10 Hotels in the mid-Atlantic ranking includes:

1. The Rittenhouse: Total score: 99.55.

2. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center: Total score: 99.23

3. The Reeds at Shelter Haven: Total score: 99.04.

4. The MC Hotel, Autograph Collection, located in Montclair, New Jersey. Total score: 98.54.

5. Troutbeck, located in Amenia, New York. Total score: 98.31.

6. The Roxbury at Stratton Falls, located in Roxbury, New York. Total score: 97.72.

7. Inn at Glencairn, located in Princeton, New Jersey. Total score: 96.97.

8. The Ivy Hotel, located in Baltimore: Total score: 96.92.

9. Historic Hotel Bethlehem, located in Bethlehem: Total score: 95.63.

10. The Study at University City: Total score: 90.45.

Book a Two Night Getaway at the Inn at Glencairn and Receive the Second Night Free!

We understand that the current pandemic has changed a lot of things recently.  But, we want to let you know what it has not changed, here at the Inn at Glencairn:

• It has not changed the immediate feeling of warmth when you walk through the door.

• It has not changed the delicious freshly made chocolate chip cookies greeting you upon your arrival. (It has changed the location: They are now waiting for you in your room!)

• It has not changed the chef prepared, gourmet breakfast served in our beautiful Dining Room. (But we only serve one room at a time.)

• It has not changed the homemade jams, butters, granola, and preserves that accompany every breakfast. (You can even take some home for later!)

• It has not changed the personal attention you receive from Lydia or the concierge service she provides, if you ask. She is social distancing and behind a mask, but she still knows more about the area than anyone!

• It has not changed the delightful furnishings, nor has it changed the historic ambiance and pub atmosphere in the Great Room that dates back to 1736.

The Hunt Room featuring a King Sized bed and Custom Greek Key Molding.

So when you start lamenting everything that has changed, we would like to let you know that we are still doing what we do best, providing hospitality.

We invite you to take a much needed break from your four walls and take advantage of our Fall Getaway special: Book your two night stay with us from now until April 1, 2021 and receive the second night free. Please call 609.497.1737 to make your reservation.  (Note: Exemptions do apply, and the special is valid for NEW reservations made for a weekday stay Sunday through Thursday. Give us a call with any questions! ) 

And, yes, we understand that travel plans change and sometimes states end up on the quarantine list suddenly. So, with that in mind, whatever you book is completely flexible.  You can use your credit ANY time you want if you need to change your original plan.  

Inn at Glencairn receives the 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award!

Inn at Glencairn receives 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor

We are thrilled to receive the 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award! The award has replaced the former Certificate of Excellence, so this is the sixth continuous year the Inn has received this award. As our guests know, we take our job seriously, and we strive to give each guest a wonderful, authentic stay. Thank you to the nearly 400 guests who took the time to sit down and give us their honest feedback. We continued to maintain our pace of hitting the mark with 98% of our reviews in the Excellent to Good category! Kudos to our Innkeeper, Lydia, who is often mentioned by name and whose breakfasts are nearing legendary status. 2020 has been a tough one, to say the least, but it is the kind words of our guests that keep us going!

Travel in Pandemic Times

We have had the pleasure of sitting through many webinars for hoteliers dealing with the current pandemic. As we listen to what we should be doing, we find ourselves looking at each other and saying more often than not, "We've been doing that all along."  

Sure, mandatory face masks are a new thing and no, Lydia is not handing out hugs and handshakes anymore. But, we have always required our staff to clean and disinfect guest rooms after each stay.  We have always required our staff to disinfect all linens after each stay. We have always regularly sanitized high traffic common areas. We have to wonder why other hotels have not been doing the same?

What is new? Well, like we said, masks are mandatory. Check in and check out is "no touch." Hand sanitizer is available throughout the Inn.  Our famous chocolate chip cookies will be in your room upon check in (sorry, now you have to ask for more!)  Our breakfast will be waiting for you at your scheduled time slot, so that the occupants of the dining room are only those people from your room or your family unit. Housekeeping will only enter your room upon check out, unless you specifically request for service during your stay. And, we are now leaving a 24 hour minimum vacancy between guests in the same room. Just to be on the safe side. 

Take a look at our reviews, we are consistently lauded for our cleanliness. We had these best practices in place since we opened nearly 15 years ago. As you consider your future travel options, we hope that you will continue to place your trust in us, knowing that we had these high standards in place all along.  

History of the Inn: Harry the Trapper

Ever wonder where we got the inspiration for naming our rooms? We dug into the archives of the nearly 300 years of Glencairn history and paid tribute to a few of its interesting inhabitants. The Baldwin Suite is named for perhaps the most fascinating character of Glencairn, Harry Baldwin, or more affectionately known as Harry the Trapper.

Harry lived in the Stone Wing of the house around the turn of the nineteenth century and was employed as a farmer on the property. The farm at that time ran up past Carter Road and onto the property now owned by Bristol Myers. Harry tended to the cows, chopped wood, and became known around the area as a first class trapper. He earned a fair amount of income from trapping animals and selling their fur. Children would bring their trapped muskrats, raccoons, and skunks to Harry, and Harry would skin them for 25 cents and sell them to a local buyer. Given his rough and tumble ways, Harry always smelled a little of skunk and had a habit of spitting tobacco wherever he pleased! Yet, despite his crude ways, Harry was also honest to a fault and known as a kind person.

The Great Room Fireplace

Years later, after we converted the farmhouse into the Inn at Glencairn, we were fortunate to strike up a friendship with a descendant of Harry, our dear friend Audrey. She loved Halloween, and made an annual pilgrimage to the Inn to stay in the Baldwin Suite hoping for a “visit” from her dear, departed relative. Harry never showed up, but we always enjoyed our visits with Audrey!

So, next time you walk into the stone side of the Inn and up to the Baldwin Suite, close your eyes and imagine a time when Harry was living there enjoying a good book by the fire or sharing some stories with the children who brought him their hides!

In Times of Uncertainty: We Think Smaller is Better!

Worried about travel in the age of a rapidly spreading Coronavirus?  With a small staff, we know our crew is trained to diligently clean and disinfect rooms after each stay.  Our Housekeepers, Sindi and Lis, are often the unsung heroes of our Inn. They have been diligently working to keep your rooms sparkling clean for nearly four years now. Given the high turnover in the hospitality industry, we are thankful that we have such reliable, trustworthy, and professional housekeepers at the Inn.  That along with our second-to-none Innkeeper, Lydia, gives us great confidence that we are providing a safe and healthy environment for our guests.

Our reviews keep us on our toes, and time and again, our guests tell us that our Inn is among the cleanest establishments they have visited during their travels. The truth is, with the constant turnover in the hospitality industry, it is comforting to know exactly who is preparing your food and cleaning your room.  Many of our larger competitors with larger staffs cannot offer the same level of personalized service and consistency. Sometimes we view our small size as a challenge, but in times of uncertainty, we firmly believe smaller is better! 

That said, we understand travel plans have been changing rapidly during this uncertain time, so please know that if you book directly with us either via our website or by telephone, we will extend your reservation to a later date, if you require additional flexibility due to travel constraints. (Reservations booked through a third party travel site such as Expedia, hotels.com, and booking.com are nonrefundable.)

Central New Jersey DOES Exist!

Recently, we found ourselves sitting in a meeting of local businesses with the goal of highlighting agritourism in Central New Jersey.  We walked away even more in love with this special region we call home.  Years back, when we were city dwellers, we would make day trips to Central New Jersey along with other more popular areas upstate.  Time and again, we returned to this area and eventually put down roots here.  During the past 20 years, we have seen remarkable changes: The restaurant scene has exploded, thanks to the farm-to-table movement, the art scene has grown, and yet, the countryside remains largely untouched and the charming towns retain their small town appeal. (Spoiler: This is not the New Jersey of malls and exits.)

When we first opened the Inn at Glencairn, our guests were coming to the Princeton area for a reason.  They were visiting schools, traveling for business, or simply coming to see relatives.  Our favorite review came from someone who said, “if you can make my mother happy, you are a miracle!”  We clearly filled a need for people looking to avoid the cookie cutter hotels dotting the major highways, but most our guests were just passing through.

Now, we are starting to see more and more guests who are visiting the area as a destination.  Finally, people are beginning to see what we fell in love with 20 years ago.  Central New Jersey does exist and it has a lot to offer.  Guests can easily spend several days visiting the local farms, romantic vineyards, craft breweries and distilleries, and fascinating historic sites. The Garden State is alive and well in Central New Jersey!

Did you know:

• Central New Jersey is where the War of American Independence was saved, thanks to George Washington’s daring decision in 1776 to cross the Delaware River to win battles at Trenton and Princeton.

• Central New Jersey provided the nation’s first Capitol building, as the Continental Congress met at Nassau Hall, now the most famous ivy-draped building on the campus of Princeton University.

• Central New Jersey was the first “breadbasket” of America’s greatest city, New York, producing corn and wheat, tomatoes, and other crops critical to feeding the “Big Apple.”

• Central New Jersey is home to the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, one of the most stunning historic and recreation assets you’ll find anywhere—though we’ve sort of kept it a secret. The canal was once vital to bringing the bounty of the Garden State to New York. Today, it is a highly accessible recreation area for New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia.

These are just a few reasons to come for a visit.  The bit above is “borrowed” from the Discover Central New Jersey website.  Take a moment to visit their website and start to plan your next retreat from the city.  Be sure to make the Inn at Glencairn your home base as you explore the area.  You cannot get more authentic than staying in an 18th century farmhouse that was overtaken by Hessians during the Revolutionary War.  And, while we cannot say for certain that George Washington ever stepped foot on the property, we are pretty sure he marched past on his way to Princeton!

Eco-Friendly Practices at the Inn at Glencairn

At the Inn at Glencairn, we have been incorporating sustainable practices into our business for some time.  In fact, our entire business model was built on the philosophy of preserving and restoring an 18th century farmhouse and filling it with beautiful antique and vintage furniture and paintings!

Since we first opened our doors in 2004, we had a towel reuse policy; as the years went on, we extended that to bed linens for guests who did not want their linens washed daily.  Also, since day one, we had programmable thermostats in guest rooms and an active recycling program.  We are fortunate to live in a town that recycles, and we take advantage of their programs.  Lately, we have started recycling plastics that are not typically included in the municipal program by taking them to recycling centers such as Whole Foods and local farmers markets.  More recently, we discontinued the practice of using plastic water bottles.  We have a highly inspected and regulated well on the property, and we enjoy our very own spring water!  You will also notice that we use real glass, china, and cutlery rather than disposable products.

We have begun to switch out less eco-friendly items for more sustainable products as their useful life ends:  We have begun phasing in LED lighting, and we have installed solar lighting outside where it makes sense. Where possible, we blend our own cleaning and laundry products using natural ingredients.  And, finally, in the kitchen, we endeavor to buy local and organic ingredients, and we have increased our daily breakfast to include two new options that allow guests with smaller appetites to enjoy a full breakfast without leaving a plateful of waste for the landfill. Plus, we are constantly adding to our list of “made from scratch” goodies such as baked goods, yogurt, granola, jams & jellies.

We look forward to adding new initiatives as the year continues.  The best part of being eco-conscious is that many of our initiatives take place behind the scenes without sacrificing the comfort of our guests, and in many instances it can enhance their stay.  We fully anticipate that the Inn will be around well into the next century, and we will do our best to minimize its carbon footprint so future generations can enjoy its unique history and ambiance.  

Better than Airbnb Sale: Stay five nights for the price of four! Weekends included!

It is time for our first "Better than Airbnb" Sale!  Book your five-night stay from now until April 2, 2020 and receive one night free. Take advantage of this great offer to stay at our award winning Bed and Breakfast!

The "Better than Airbnb" Sale cannot be combined with any other offers and must be made directly through us via phone. Face it: You know you are not going to get this fabulous breakfast at an airbnb!

Take advantage of our special and we bet you will be hooked! Need a reason to visit the Princeton area? Grounds for Sculpture, McCarter Theatre, and Palmer Square always have something exciting going on!

Make Breakfast Like an Innkeeper!

Learn to "make Breakfast like an Innkeeper" with our Innkeeper, Lydia, at the Princeton Adult School. Sign up now to join a class at the Princeton Adult School taught by our Innkeeper, Lydia.

Learn the secrets to her fabulous breakfasts, including, how to poach a perfect egg! Register here by entering 159A, B, C, or D in the keyword search.

Mention the class, and you will receive a free bag of homemade granola when you stay at the Inn!

Inn at Glencairn recognized in TripAdvisor Hall of Fame!

We are so thrilled to be recognized in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for receiving the Certificate of Excellence award for five continuous years from 2015 to 2019. We strive to give each guest a wonderful visit, and we take our reviews seriously! Thank you to the nearly 400 guests who took the time to sit down and give us feedback on their stay. Luckily, we hit the mark more often than not with 98% of our reviews in the Excellent to Good category! Kudos to our past Innkeepers who have laid the groundwork and to our current Innkeeper, Lydia, who has elevated our breakfasts and customer outreach to an exciting new level. Looking forward to another great year at the Inn at Glencairn!

Airbnb versus a "real" Bed and Breakfast or aka my Airbnb Rant

When it comes to Airbnb, I have issues. Maybe it’s because I own a “real” Bed and Breakfast, and I find most Airbnbs to be cheap copycats that skirt around the edges of what’s legal and ethical. An Airbnb is not a business, it’s an under-regulated, over-hyped, step above couch surfing. But I digress.

When I opened the Inn at Glencairn, it was after a long, arduous year of renovations, planning board meetings, township approvals, and numerous fire and health inspections. Had I opened an Airbnb, I could have skipped the time and money that went into the renovations, meetings and approvals and simply cobbled together a page on the Airbnb site and opened up for business. It definitely would have been the easier route. And cheaper. And less risky. And probably more profitable.

Until quite recently, Airbnb sales were “under the table” and exempt from paying state and local occupancy and sales taxes. A “real” Bed and Breakfast is a full-fledged lodging business and is required to pay occupancy and sales taxes, like a hotel. In our municipality, that equates to 16.625%, which is quite a chunk of cash and figures prominently into our pricing model.

Did you know that an Airbnb might be illegal in the city or town you are visiting? Roughly 70% of the Airbnb reservations taken in NYC were illegal in 2014. The influx of Airbnb accommodations in some cities are driving up the prices of affordable housing for residents. Sure Airbnb is a lower cost alternative to other lodging options, but maybe the lower price is a result of an illegal sublet or an owner skirting the law when it comes to paying taxes.

Each year, the Inn at Glencairn is inspected by our local fire inspector. The inspector spends about two hours going from room to room and making sure our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date. The inspection can be unnerving because we take our responsibilities very seriously. Our smoke and carbon detectors are hard-wired to a central station that is notified immediately and automatically dispatches the local Fire Department if an alarm is triggered.

Does your Airbnb have working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors? If it does, are they the most up-to-date and recently inspected? If an alarm is triggered, who responds? Is it up to the occupants to determine what to do in case of an emergency? Our fire inspector also requires us to have fire extinguishers on every level and tag our rooms with directions to evacuate in the event of an emergency. Does your Airbnb have emergency evacuation instructions or fire extinguishers? Maybe not.

Also once a year, the Health Inspector comes in and inspects our kitchen to make sure our appliances are in working order. She makes sure that our dishwasher reaches the proper temperature to disinfect our plates and cutlery and that our refrigerator maintains the proper temperature to keep our food fresh and free from bacteria. Also, she inspects for pests to make sure we are maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. Does your Airbnb provide documentation that it is inspected and is pest free? Maybe not.

It is much easier to “game” a review on Airbnb than it is on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google, Expedia and Booking.com. In fact, misrepresentation runs rampant on Airbnb. Reviews for a “real” Bed and Breakfast are vetted by the aforementioned sites and guests must provide proof that they stayed at the lodging establishment for a review to be considered valid.

Running a “real” Bed and Breakfast means you have a staff on hand to assist with any issue that may arise during your stay. At an Airbnb you are literally on your own unless the owner lives nearby and is responsive to your requests. Have an issue with the thermostat, good luck! Unless the owner is a quick call away, you may be sitting in the extreme heat or cold waiting for assistance. What about the lack of amenities in an Airbnb? Maybe it has enough towels, maybe it has enough toilet paper, maybe it has shampoo, maybe it has a hair dryer. Then again, maybe it doesn’t have any of these things, and maybe you have to spend your hard earned vacation time purchasing them.

So, next time you consider an Airbnb over a “real” Bed and Breakfast or even a hotel, consider the time, energy and expense that goes into providing an authentic local lodging experience. Consider the inspections, the taxes, and the staffing. Then make an informed decision on how you want to spend your vacation dollars.

Inn at Glencairn awarded 2018 Certificate of Excellence Award!

We are thrilled to announce that the Inn at Glencairn has been awarded the 2018 Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor.

The Inn has received this honor for the past four years, making it the only lodging establishment in the area to consistently earn such high marks from travelers on TripAdvisor since 2015.

The Certificate of Excellence celebrates businesses that continually earn great traveler reviews and receive strong praise and ratings from travelers. We are honored to be included among the best of the best!