Let's just say that we never imagined we'd be writing this, yet here we are writing this. TripAdvisor has included the Featherbed Inn as one of its Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2023, in the top 25 of all inns and B&Bs in the United States. We are, as Mick's mum would have said, gob-smacked (how we wish she were alive to see this place!). And honored. And humbled. And, most of all, grateful. Grateful to our wonderful guests for making this innkeeping thing so fulfilling for us, and for posting reviews that help spread the word about this special place.
Since learning a few days ago of this TripAdvisor honor, we've been trying to figure out what makes the Featherbed Inn so special. There are hundreds (thousands?) of bed & breakfasts that are just as lovely, that serve delicious breakfasts, that have a host of activities on-site and nearby, that pamper their guests with luxury linens and well-appointed rooms, and that are situated in beautiful settings. Yet somehow TripAdvisor believes we are among the Best of the Best. So what makes us stand out? Perhaps you have a theory, and we'd love to hear it.
Our theory is that what's different about the Featherbed Inn is how much the two of us LOVE what we're doing here. We love just about everything about innkeeping (not the laundry), from coming up with imaginative and delicious breakfasts, to sourcing our ingredients from local farmers and producers, to beautifying the buildings and grounds to create spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.
But what we love most of all is finding out what our guests enjoy and then guiding them with recommendations for a truly curated visit to the Mad River Valley. For us, providing concierge services is the best part of our day. Want to go for a hike? We'll tell you about our favorite trails. Want to know which ski trails are in the best condition for your abilities? We'll go over the ski maps with you. Want to go out for dinner? We'll recommend our favorite restaurants and tell you our favorite dishes. Want to go on a scenic drive? We'll print out maps and point out highlights along the routes. Want to swim in the Mad River? We'll describe all of the swimming holes and tell you how to find them, or suggest you take a dip in our lovely pond. Want to go mountain biking? We'll point you toward the Featherbed Connector and help you plan your route. Want to see some art? We'll send you to the best galleries and studios in the valley. Want to do some shopping? We'll recommend our favorite shops. Want a special adventure? We'll connect you with outfits that offer paddling tours, snowshoe tours, dog sledding tours, glider rides, fly fishing guides, horseback rides, golfing, you name it. Whatever you desire, we'll spend time helping you plan your perfect visit to the Mad River Valley. And at the end of the day, we'll welcome the stories of your adventures, sitting by the fire or out on the porch.
Getting to know you is the most precious and enriching part of running this place. We are grateful to all of you who have posted reviews and spread the word about your experience at the Featherbed Inn, and we are humbled by the lovely things you've written about us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Karen and Mick
Congratulations! Well-earned honor!!