Making the most of all you have

We are constantly amazed by what guests in other establishments rate as special extras worthy of comment.
So for the record we do amongst many other things-cook breakfast to order on an Aga, offer complimentary tea/coffee and cake every afternoon, provide suppers by request, arrange special room packages(champagne, strawberries, flowers, chocolates), have free Wi-Fi access and a laptop for guests use.

YTB White Rose Awards

We were at the YTB White Rose Awards Ceremony last night held at the magnificent Spa in Bridlington. For the third successive year we were Finalists in the Best Guest Accommodation category-but unfortunately we did not win. Still we are recognised consistently as being one of the best half dozen in Yorkshire and Humber which can't be bad. All the properties in the final were amamzing and really do show the quality there is in guest accommodation in the region.Have to say that we were delighted Chris and Phillipa Turner won-they have been Finalists more times than us and are a B and B rather than a guest house or restaurant with rooms.

Putting the world right

What is the Government up to? They talk about listening but then get the same experts to do a review and get the same answers which they then ignore.
I have a suggestion for Gordon et al-come and sit in our lounge ,listen to the discussion around the room as guests relax with a drink and you will have most of the sensible answers.
We get a wide range of people staying with all sorts of experience and perspectives-it is interesting how they all see the same key issues and usually sensible ways forward.
It is the silent majority expressing its view-when will somebody listen????

Reflections on a busy season

So the kids are back at school and autumn is drawing in-time to reflect on a very busy summer.
Occupancy has been slightly up on last year and we have been virtually full right through the peak summer period. Things are holding up for September and October but there are signs that the "recession" is exercising people's minds-less champagne and chocolates, less trips to Star, Greens and Appletree-so we will wait and see what the winter months bring.
Thank you to everyone who has visited 17 and to the many who have returned-we hope to see you all again using your Returners Club cards in the winter and spring.
We have some lovely comments in the Visitors Book and thanks to those who have posted reviews on TA and other sites.
We have added a few touches in recent times and will develop others through the quieter months ready for next year.
Delighted with progress of the garden and it is a great spot to relax and listen to the church bells, whistle of the train and leather on willow.
The Pride in Pickering Campaign is building momentum and is having some successes-less litter, painted railings in town, plans for public realm improvements and talks about better use of the Town centre. The whole aim of the Campaign is to make every visit to Pickering a more pleasant experience-your views on the town and any observations on improvement would be welcome.
The town has avoided flooding this year,so far, and hopefully some actions to reduce the future risk will be implemented.
In the near future we will be contacting all our e-mailables with details of Midweek Madness and Credit Crunching deals so watch your in boxes

Pickering in Bloom

Yippee-we seem to have won the "best garden in a business" award from Pickering in Bloom.
A small step but great recognition for the effort Pat ,in particular, has put into creating an attractive and relaxing setting for guests to enjoy-if only we had the weather to optimise use!!!!

Breakfast Awards

Hi-We have made the final of the Deliciously Yorkshire Breakfast Awards this year-will post when we know the result.
Business continues to be strong and we are getting an amazing number of retun visits-if you have not joined this growing club please feel free to do so-we have great deals for returners