Liars' Lodge B&B, Buena Vista CO

We Asked: David Letterman is not the only one who can write "top ten" lists! Give us your top ten reasons why you love (or hate) being an innkeeper.

Question for our next issue: What's your outlook on summer reservations? Do you anticipate any increase in international or Canadian visitors given the weak state of the dollar?

Email your responses to InnkeeperNews@BedandBreakfast.com. If we publish your comments, we'll thank you with a $25 credit in our Featured Properties Auction program!

Top Ten Reasons I like being an Innkeeper:
10. With 23 rooms, an 80-seat restaurant, a 40-seat pub, hallways, interior and exterior public areas, signage, and walkways, I've made a fortune by purchasing stock in a light bulb manufacturing company.
9. I've learned many useful life skills, like the fine art of plunging a clogged toilet without flooding the guests' bathroom.
8. I've learned how to graciously accept the fact that it really is my fault that it is raining on a wedding day or when the guests have pre-purchased non-refundable ski lift tickets.
7. I've learned the difference between "wine" and "whine" and how the former helps one deal with guests and staff who do the latter.
6. As an innkeeper I have gathered a lifetime of great stories, like the time a "big city" guest had us running inside and out with flashlights at 4 a.m., looking for a broken water pipe, when what he actually heard was the small brook 200 yards from his window.
5. A day off. Can't remember when I last had one, but I'm fairly certain I enjoyed it.
4. I've learned that people can be really stupid. By the end of the ten-day winter holiday surrounding Presidents Day, when I've had less then four hours of sleep for ten straight nights, plus incredibly busy days, that really stupid person might be me.
3. I find it very flattering when our guests enjoy our pillows, blankets, hangers, and artwork so much that they feel the need to take them home with them.
2. I love the occasional guest or staff member who doesn't expect me to drop everything I'm doing to take care of his/her needs.
And my #1 favorite reason for being an innkeeper is that one guest. You know the one. I'm sure he or she has stayed with you too. The guest who always makes you smile. Who appreciates everything you do for him/her. The guest who you reluctantly let check out, and truly mean it when you say "I hope you'll come back and stay with us again soon."

Brenda Jackson, Tucker Hill Inn & Restaurant, Waitsfield, VT

Top Ten Reasons I love being an Innkeeper:
1. I get to meet the most awesome people.
2. I love people and have so many opportunities to express that love.
3. I enjoy watching people unwind, relax and mellow each day they are with us.
4. Sometimes I feel I was born to serve people, so innkeeping makes me feel personally fulfilled.
5. I had a restaurant (now that was a hate thing).....and the only part of that business that I really enjoyed...was serving people, talking with people and giving them a wonderful experience.
6. I can't tell you what reading the comments in our guest books does for me emotionally. I turn to mush, not really believing it could have been that great an experience.
7. I love to cook simple, normal breakfast food and I have no place to put the accolades I get for that.
8. It blows me away that people just want to sit and chat for hours...I listen to their stories and tell mine.
9. To feel their gratitude because I waited up late and welcomed them to the inn after traffic problems, endless drives, airport delays, snow storms, etc., etc., .....what a blessing that is to me.
10. I still can't believe (after five years of innkeeping) I can make a living doing something that is so much fun! I am one happy innkeeper!

Philip Ellen Wolff, Village Victorian Bed & Breakfast, Morrisville, VT

Top Ten Reasons I love being an Innkeeper:
10. No more corporate travel for me!
9. I get to try out lots of great new recipes on unsuspecting "victims."
8. The flowers I plant are tax deductible!
7. I can go wild with decorating!
6. My old house gets lots of use.
5. I can attend lots of weddings/receptions and I don't have to buy a gift.
4. I learn so much from all my guests (without taking night classes.)
3. I can travel vicariously through my guests.
2. Chatting with other innkeepers on the Internet.
1. Meeting lots of wonderful people!

Dee Fegan, Pheasant Field B&B, Carlisle, PA

Top Ten Reasons I love being an Innkeeper:
1. Waking up to sunrises and enjoying spectacular sunsets almost every day.
2. Enjoying the quiet (of guest-less days!)
3. Being in a resort and taking advantage of perfect skiing conditions at the drop of a hat (had we realized, we would have started years earlier.)
4. Sharing a snowshoe walk with wildlife right outside your door.
5. Not having to go to the gym because shoveling and log-splitting keeps me in shape.
6. Having fun being 'creative' with food.
7. Lasting friendships with guests who return year after year.
8. Being your own boss.
9. Tax deductions for business in the home ...a big plus in such a spectacular location.
10. Top reason:: Waking up to another 'ho-hum' day in paradise!

Susan Callahan, Bear Paw Inn, Winter Park, CO