Making the Dollar: Britta’s Inn Bed and Breakfast
Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Britta’s Inn is a 1914 craftsman designed by renowned architect John Wicks. It captures the early 1900’s Arts and Crafts period. This historical landmark is located in the hills overlooking Astoria in a quiet, friendly neighborhood just a short walk from town. Astoria’s guests will find a comfortable stay here. Take a tour on their Web site, (www.brittasinn.com) or call 325-4940.
What would you like to tell us about your bed and breakfast?
Rona: “We bought the house three years ago. We spent a year furnishing it and getting it ready. At the time, we lived in Seattle and came here on the weekends so we were real busy. We started advertising in the spring of ’06. The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce really helped. Everything kicked in last summer. We started getting 10 to 15 calls a day.”
Skip: “We are in a real nice community. There is something for everyone here. We specialize in organic fare and a European pension, like the original one or two bedrooms. We have two bedrooms. It is very quiet and peaceful here, and guests get personalized attention.”
Rona: “We would be happy to participate in arranging a special event for groups or that special someone, whether it be an anniversary, birthday or reunion. Upon request, we can provide champagne, a nonalcoholic beverage, a fruit basket, a bouquet of flowers or chocolate in a custom arrangement.”
Tell us about the rooms and rates.
Rona: “They feature solid oak furniture, in classic mission design. They have luxury mattresses, high thread-count linens and private bathroom with shower. They also have cable, DVD and wireless Internet. And for the guests convenience, we offer deluxe hotel robes, hair dryer and bath accessories.”
Skip: “From May 1 to Oct. 31 the rates are $135 per night, two night minimum. During the off season, the rates are $120 per night.”
Rona: “We also want people to know that we have two lovely, friendly dogs and we are unable to accommodate other pets. Also, we do not accommodate children or smoking.”
Where did the name come from?
Rona: “My mother, Sigyn Anna Britta Sand was born in Sweden. When Britta was 6 years old, she and her mother immigrated to America. She was a wonderful person. She always left one feeling like a better person. She truly cared about every individual. We started this bed and breakfast to honor her spirit by offering a cozy, friendly atmosphere where friendships can be made and time enjoyed.”
Tell us about the breakfast here.
Rona: “We provide a full breakfast using the finest organic ingredients. We pride ourselves on providing a healthy fare. Breakfast times are flexible, with fresh fruit, muffins, scones, juices, tea and coffee. We specialize in Belgian waffles or my Swedish pancakes. Cookies, tea, coffee and fruit are available at all times.”
Tell us about your guests.
Rona: “Our first guests were friends of our neighbors. Many of our guests write to Trip Advisor on the Internet and they gave us very high reviews. We get a lot of people who just want to veg out, just lounge around and hang out. I am surprised at the number of young people who want to stay at a bed and breakfast. We have people who come for conferences and want a quiet, personal space to get away to.”
Skip: “We also see a lot of artists who come for art openings, and musicians.”
What can you tell us about volume of business?
Rona: “We are as busy as we want to be.”
Skip: “Two rooms are easy to fill. We maintain a respectable volume. Every weekend this September is full and we are busy during the weekdays as well. We get about a third as much business during the winter.”