Re: innkeeping: Soundproofing/Caretaking

[Andrea Alboretti & Kevin Colman <glenwood@warwick.net>]

InnIt@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hi all - I'm a new innkeeper.  I just opened our Inn last fall after a 4
> year
> complete rennovation of a beautiful Victorian in the Northern Catskills of
> NY.  So far, the only complaint I've received is one of sound (between
> certain rooms).  My husband and I insulated between all the rooms and
> thought
> that would be adaquate...not. Any suggestions?  We are on the verge of
> putting up new walls (over the "old"new walls) and using the sound baffles
> channels in between.  I'd hate to go to all that effort and expense and
> have
> it not work.  What works for other folks out there?  Since my number of
> complaints is minor (maybe a dozen out of a couple hundred guests) should
> I
> just do nothing even though I know it's a significant problem?  Any
> feedback
> would be appreciated.
> 
> As a separate issue.. I was wondering how others may suggest getting a
> reliable resident caretaker.  We (my husband,daughter and myself) have a
> house about 5 minutes from the Inn.  We stay at the Inn when we have
> reservations (ie weekends) otherwise I lock up in the late afternoon and
> go
> home.  We have always planned on getting someone to stay there in the
> evenings in exchange for a free apartment( no salary/no chores - just be
> there for drop ins, night problems, etc.).  I have put out "feelers" in
> the
> community for such a person/couple but so far, the right person hasn't
> fallen
> out of the sky.  Any advice?
> 
Dear New Innkeeper,
My fiance and I also have a new B&B and had to consider soundproofing.
One of the things we did was to hang heavy fabric from the back of our
canopy beds. It looks beautiful and does provide some additional sound
barrier. Perhaps your decor would allow a fabric wall?
Sincerely,
Andrea Alboretti
The Glenwood House, B&B
Pine Island, NY
http://glenwoodbb.com e-mail glenwood@warwwick.net