Supplies and utilities used by proprietors of bed and breakfast establishments to meet the unique challenges faced by those establishments.
If you visit Farmington, New Mexico, you can stay at Kokopelli’s Cave Bed and Breakfast, with rooms that are 70 feet underground.
The Red Caboose Getaway in Sequim, Washington lets you stay in one of six unique luxury train cars and experience the magic of an old-fashioned railway journey.
And at the Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Treesort in Oregon, guests live like the Swiss Family Robinson, in rooms built in treetops towering above the earth.Continue reading →
Believe it or not, there is a good amount of hospitality products that are made in the USA. While many are still produced overseas, it is nice to see that consumers can still purchase some great quality linens for their property or personal homes right here in the United States. This blog will provide a brief history of where the production of hospitality supplies has been over the years and mention InnStyle products that are made in the United States.Continue reading →
In our last blog post, I talked about how important it is to stay on top of your game.
To stay in business, we need to pay attention to industry trends and be ready to adapt our business plan. And part of paying attention means participating in industry trade shows to view and purchase products, and attend conferences and seminars.
These events are important because you can learn about new product innovations, and find out what competitors are doing.
For me, it also offers an opportunity to meet and greet customers and hear what they have to say about our industry, whether it’s their victories or their concerns.
When we do this sort of networking, we come away with ideas for ways to help customers keep their properties fresh and inviting.
Let’s take a look at a few ways to keep your inn, B&B or vacation rental property that way.
For bed and breakfast owners who offer robes in their rooms, it’s not that unusual these days to see guests wearing a robe to breakfast.
That’s how much visitors love these robes. And who can blame them? There’s nothing like a warm, soft bathrobe to take the chill out of a cold morning.
The sight of a guest wearing a robe to breakfast would have been unusual years ago. But that’s not the only thing that’s different. The types of robes offered to guests at beds and breakfasts, spas and resorts have changed as well.
It used to be that terrycloth robes were the most common types of robe in the market, with velour showing up more often in higher-end catalogs and hotels.
But over the years, robe manufacturers have come up with many different kinds of robes, with different fabrics, styling, colors and sizing and weights. Here’s a look at five of the most popular robe varieties.
The concept of the “Bed and Breakfast” rose to popularity in United States during the 1800’s to provide respite and sustenance to miners, prospectors, and other pioneers as they made their way across the country in the development of the American West. Even as competition increased as more inns, lodges and hotels were built in the 1900’s, B&B’s remained popular and was seen as an affordable accommodation for people traveling through small towns or in areas that weren’t developed.
In the 21st century, B&B’s offer a cozy and accommodating alternative to the corporate hotel or motel − and are often found in locations that offer historical, leisure or small town attractions. For most travelers, the unique touches that distinguish a B&B were clearly the primary reason for selecting this lodging option. Words like “charm,” ambience,” “quaintness,” and “atmosphere” are often used to describe this intangible appeal.
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!
Canopies are a symbol of lavishness, but this romantic accessory had a decidedly utility birth.
In the 13th century the canopy, which was suspended over the bed by cords from the
beams above, from which curtains were hung, was introduced out of necessity,
Houses had thatched roofs, and there was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom, where bugs and other droppings could mess up a nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection from dirt and cold.
Canopies also had functionality outside the bedroom. According to bedcanopy.com, “A cloth canopy, called a baldachin, would cover an altar or throne to distinguish religious authorities or the emperor.” Canopies can be as luxurious as gold-entwined fabric, or as simple as sheer mosquito netting to protect people from insects.
Canopies once served as protection from the chill, bugs, droppings and other environmental annoyances of the past. But as modern home heating technology has evolved and roofs are no longer in imminent danger of collapse, canopies have shed any utilitarian meaning and have become synonymous with romance.
The history of canopies may be functional, but a canopy from InnStyle is anything but strictly utility. InnStyle carries hand-tied canopies that are flat or arched, with six designs to choose from. All are made with pure cotton thread, are hand washable and preshrunk.
Choose from Natural or White, Double Diamond (15″ length), Single Diamond (12″ or 15″ length), Large Scallop (15″), Lover’s Knot (12″ or 15″), Margaret
Winston (12″ or 15″) or Straight Edge Diamond (15″). Available in Twin, Full, Queen and King.
To order this product, please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667). Please allow 4-WEEK DELIVERY.
Your guests notice the little things that make them feel comforted and “regal” at your bed and breakfast. These little things add up to the biggest thing of all – your reputation!
There’s nothing more capable of impressing your guests than luxurious than high-quality terry cloth towels through InnStyle.
MicroCotton® Hotel Collection TowelsHow lavish it feels to wrap ones self in a soft, absorbent fluffy bath towel right after a long, hot soak or shower. But not all towels are created equal. Here’s how to find the right one for you.
Terry cloth is a fabric with uncut loops, or pile, deliberately standing away from its ground base. Terry cloth is woven using two warp beams: the ground warp, which forms the base of the towel, and the pile warp, which creates the loops of thread that give the fabric its texture and function. These loops effectively increase the surface area of the fabric, enhancing its absorbency, while maintaining a soft feel.
Terry cloth is traditionally made from cotton, but it can also be made from different materials such as silk, linen or other natural and artificial fibers. Most manufacturers choose cotton because, unlike other materials that get weaker in water, cotton’s absorbent fiber gets stronger when wet. In fact, cotton can absorb 20 to 30 times its own weight in water. The loop pile acts as a sponge while withstanding squeezing, pulling, rubbing, twisting and turning.
Because of its absorbency attributes, terry cloth is commonly used for towels, bathrobes, beach cover-ups, athletic warm-ups and headbands. Terry cloth can easily be dyed or printed, as well as decoratively embroidered.
Terry cloth towels from InnStyle combine style, comfort and quality and are sure to make a lasting impression on your guests, making your B & B a crowned head in your industry.
For more information on our MicroCotton® Hotel Collection Towels or any of the terry towels available, contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).
Most upscale hotels include stationary luggage racks as part of the amenities for their guests. These ingenious engineering marvels can come in handy especially when a guest is only staying for a short time and prefers to live out of the suitcase, as opposed to utilizing the chest of drawers. Luggage racks are also used effectively to raise a suitcase from the ground while packing or unpacking a suitcase, thus eliminating the guest’s need to constantly bend down while gathering items, which can create discomfort and lead to potential injury.
Optimally, you will want your bed and breakfast’s luggage racks to be somewhat ornate, so as to project a more luxurious aesthetic. The luggage rack may be constructed with materials that blend into the general décor, such as wood or combinations of wood with metal elements.
InnStyle now carries a hotel luggage rack that is sure to help make any guest feel at home! Our “Powder Coat Square Tube Metal Luggage Rack” is built of 1” square tube steel construction, which adds strength and durability to its beauty. This rack measures 20.25″Wx20”Hx 17”D and has a powder coat finish. It is lightweight and folds easily for quick storage.
This compact beauty is not only for use in the bed and breakfast and may also be used in the home as well. Used as a closet insert, it makes it possible to store suitcases in an organized fashion and can be easily kept on hand for the benefit of overnight guests in the home. The folding luggage rack can easily be stored away when not in use, and set up quickly to allow overnight guests a simple means of setting up the suitcase for easy access during the stay.
View InnStyle’s Luggage Racks that can be used in many ways to enhance your guest’s comfort. Or contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).
InnStyle is the premier supplier of wholesale fine linens for bed, bath and dining for the inn keeping industry. We carry a wide product line in which you will find everything you need to make your inn comfortable, luxurious and unique for your guest’s − all at wholesale prices!
For innkeepers interested in even further cost savings, our clearance items are a great solution. Taking advantage of purchasing our high-quality merchandise at clearance prices is a cost-effect way to refresh tired inventory for an established business, or obtaining stock for a brand new bed and breakfast.
Examples of current clearance items include:
Shawl collar, Dropped shoulders and two pockets. Available in white. Vendor requires $310 minimum or 15% upcharge.We have sales staff members who will personally assist you in finding the items you need for your particular property. We serve innkeepers throughout the United States and Canada to the Virgin Islands. Our customers vary from 2-room bed and breakfasts’ to 75 room properties. We are certain that we can service your property. Please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).