The latest news, events and stories that relate to the hospitality industry, hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts
Over the past seven years, the B&B for Vets program has thanked America’s military veterans by offering them free stays at hundreds of inns and beds and breakfasts on Veterans Day.
InnStyle is proud to be a part of this year’s program, contributing products for gift baskets at a few of the participating inns.
The Professional Association of Innkeepers’ 2016 conference is just a few months away. The PAII sent us a questionnaire to fill out, and as we did, we realized they’d given us a great opportunity to share our story with the world. Here’s what we had to say.
1. In 500 words or less, please tell us about your business:
We have been in business since 1952. We began with a store called County Linen Center in Doylestown, Pa. (Bucks County), selling linens for bed, bath and dining for the home. Since we had many local hotels purchasing from us, we recognized that innkeepers could not purchase luxury linens in small quantities at wholesale pricing.
So we went nationwide in 1988, calling ourselves InnStyle. At that time, most hospitality industry suppliers only offered products by the dozens and did not offer fashion products.
Excerpts from Online Shopper
The New York Times
By MICHELLE SLATALLA
Published: March 22, 2007
“To get to the bottom of the mystery of wrinkle-free fabric that stays wrinkle-free, I phoned Cotton Inc., a trade organization, which researches fiber as part of promoting the interests of cotton growers.”
“To get wrinkle-free sheets, the fabric should be finished the same way as for wrinkle-free khakis or wrinkle-free cotton shirts,” said Lee Snyder, the associate director of technology implementation, who has been working on specialized wrinkle-free finishes for Cotton Inc. since 1974.
Microfibers are used in a variety of fabrics, but most commonly in dress and blouse weight garments. They are very fine fibers, compared to more conventional forms − half the diameter of a fine silk fiber, one-third the diameter of cotton, one-quarter the diameter of fine wool, and one hundred times finer than human hair!
Although fine and lightweight, microfiber is anything but flimsy.
In order to be classified “microfiber”, the fiber must be less than one denier. A denier is the weight, in grams, of a 9000-meter length of fiber or yarn. The higher the number − the thicker the fiber.
The many tiny fibers of microfiber are able to slide back and forth and maneuver around within the yarns of the fabric, allowing the fabric to flow and drape freely, yet still possess body and shape. Microfiber fabrics are generally lightweight, resilient or resistant to wrinkling and have a luxurious drape and body, retain shape and resist pilling. They are also relatively strong and durable in relation to other fabrics of similar weight.
Man-made fibers are formed by forcing a liquid through tiny holes in a device, called a spinneret. In microfiber, the holes are finer than with conventional fibers. Potentially any man-made fiber can be made into a microfiber, but are most commonly found in polyester and nylon. Micros can be used alone, blended with conventional denier man-made fibers, or natural fibers such as cotton, wool and silk.
Since these fine yarns can be packed tightly together, microfibers are especially useful in garments that require water repellency and wind resistance. Yet, the spaces between the yarns are porous enough to breathe and wick moisture away from the body. Microfibers seem less “clammy” to wear, and is the perfect choice for warm weather and athletic clothing.
Garments made of microfiber can usually be cared for similar to garments made of conventional fabrics. Fabrics made from regular polyester and nylon fibers can be machine-washed and tumble dried. Use of paper dryer sheets is not recommended because temporary spotting from the heat of the dryer may occur. Liquid fabric softener use is not a problem.
Viscose rayons perform best when dry-cleaned, however. As a general rule, fiber properties, not the fineness of the fiber, usually dictate recommended care. It is important that one follow the care instructions on a particular garment.
A few precautions should be observed when caring for microfibers. Because the fibers are so fine, heat penetrates the fabric more quickly than conventional fabric. As a result, glazing, melting or scorching can occur quickly. If pressing is necessary, use only a cool iron and do not leave the iron on the fabric too long.
As with any fine garments, avoid use of jagged jewelry that may cause pulls, snags or creates general abrasion.
The strength of microfibers make them particularly adaptable to suede or sandwashed finishes, such as polyester and nylon, because of their extensive fiber surfaces and use of strong fibers. As such, suit jackets and bottom weights are becoming increasingly available in microfiber. Micros are becoming increasingly the fabric of choice in clothing such as lingerie, rainwear, outdoor fleeces, wind-resistant sportswear, track and jogging suits. Many microfibers simulate the appearance of sandwashed silk and are excellent for use in utility fabrics for use in tents and sleeping bags.
Microfiber garments are generally durable and provide long-lasting wear, despite their fine silk-like feel. Enjoy microfiber garments in your wardrobe!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has much to be proud of.
It is a unique city comprised of neighborhoods, each with its own identity. The quality of life is affordable. Sports fans are the most fiercely loyal (and unabashedly honest) in the country. Several of the nation’s finest colleges and universities calls Philadelphia home. The art and music scene is world-class. There are countless fine-dining experiences and even more amazing neighborhood restaurants and cool diners to satisfy any palate.
Hoagies. Cheesesteaks. Pretzels.
And then there’s the history. It goes without saying.
However, Philadelphia has just been bestowed a rather dubious “honor”, overtaking New York City, as being the most bed bug infested city in the nation, according to pest control giant, Terminix. Miami, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco and Washington DC have also been named as cities with a growing bed bug infestation problem.
In Philadelphia, as well as across the country, the rampant bed bug issue has become a major source of concern for the hospitality industry. Once eliminated by the use of DDT (which was banned for use in the US in 1972), bug bed infestation has grown steadily due to greater international travel, the use of non-effective treatments to which the pests have now become resistant, and a general disregard of the advancing epidemic over the years.
InnStyle, the source for innkeeper supplies and linens since 1952, offers many solutions to 
the bed and breakfast and the hospitality industry. For example, InnStyle carries products to enclose and defend vulnerable soft surfaces from the pests, such as mattress and box spring encasement, anti bed bug sheets and pillow protectors. InnStyle also carries Rest Easy Bug Spray, an environmentally green and all-natural product proven to kill bed bugs and prevent infestation. It is easy for hospitality staff to use and has a natural cinnamon scent.
InnStyle also offers tips on how to defend the hospitality property from this bed bug epidemic. Please visit their website to take advantage of this helpful tip sheet at: https://www.innstyle.com/images/BEDBUGSmay609.pdf.
With diligent attention and protective products from InnStyle, the hospitality property or bed and breakfast proprietor need not fear that these pests will negatively impact their business.
Even in Philly.
Contact InnStyle for more information on how to protect your property with Bed Bug Protection – Call us at 800-877-INNS (4667)
InnStyle, a leading purveyor of fine linens to the hospitality industry, will be attending the upcoming Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show in Little Rock, Arkansas.
InnStyle, a member of the Advisory Council to the Board of Professional Association of Innkeepers International, will be attending the upcoming Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show January 23rd thru the 26th in Little Rock, AR.
The conference is sponsored by the Professional Association of Inkkeepers Internationa (PAII). The goal of PAII is to serve the industry nationally by providing programs and services that would enhance the professional skills of both active and aspiring innkeepers. From a tiny office in Santa Barbara, California, PAII has grown into a national organization of nearly 3000 members. Today, PAII is run by a professional staff based in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. It is governed by a nine person Board of Directors, with assistance and support provided by the PAII Advisory Council along with and numerous committees and task forces, including the Committee of 100, a voluntary group of innkeepers who serve as a ‘sounding board” ensuring they always keep our focus where their members want it to be. For more information, visit www.paii.org.
InnStyle offers a wide variety of wholesale hospitality linens and supplies .
The sales staff not only provides your property with first quality fashion merchandise, they also provide you with personal service in choosing the right products. Their knowledge on a product’s washability, durability and warranty will be most helpful to you when choosing specific products. If you are a new to the industry, InnStyle will provide you with a suggested start-up list of items and quantities you will need to open your property. They can even send samples if needed.
InnStyle, a wholesale fine linens supplier for bed, bath and dining for the innkeeping industry, was established in 1952. For more information, they can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Also, their products and other information about the company can be found at www.innstyle.com.
Reduce the occurrence and impact that bed bugs can have on your business.
Flat Top Metal Luggage RackLuggage bags are a common method of transporting bed bugs from one location to another, especially for airline travelers. When an infested luggage is placed on a bed, bed bugs will look to hide under the bed during daylight hours and make their presence felt in the evening darkness.
Consider having luggage racks in your rooms to discourage guests from using beds for unpacking their luggage.
The favorite locations of bed bugs are mattress foundations (box springs) followed by mattresses and then other areas of the room that can provide shelter away from the light. Examples of these are: padded headboards, underneath furniture and behind wall hangings.
Bed Care EncasementsConsider fully encasing your mattress foundations (box springs) and your mattresses with a product that is bed bug bite proof and entry proof. This product should also be waterproof since most mattress warranties can be voided if the mattress has stains. An excellent example of a product satisfying these requirements is Bed Care Encasements.
You should also consider spraying a product in your rooms, such as Natural Bed Bug Spray, which is made with natural ingredients.
InnStyle has both of those products available, as well as other products that provide bed bug protection. Please give them a call at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667 and speak with one of their account managers.