Sandra Wolf Soule, editor of America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs and Small Hotels for St. Martin's Press, has been writing about bed and breakfasts for nearly two decades. The Washington Post said her series is "far superior to the country's other lodging guides." Conde Nast Traveler called it "comprehensive, honest, and delightful to read."
Sandy also maintains the INNroads Web site, one of the most useful B&B sites on the Internet.
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Recently, Sandy took some time to answer a few questions about her current work and what she predicts for the future of B&B guidebooks and directories.
When did you first stay at a bed and breakfast?
1982, in San Francisco.
What do you remember about that first inn?
It was a homestay experience, booked with an RSO. Our kids were little, and the hosts were really nice about letting us go into the kitchen to give the kids cereal when they woke up at 5:30, with the three hour time change from the east coast.
Tell us a little about your writing background.
I've always worked in the travel biz, first in student travel for what is now Council Travel, and started writing marketing pieces for students and college travel offices. I then worked for EP Dutton Publishers as the editor of the Let's Go Travel guides (Harvard Student Agencies) and other travel guidebooks.
When did you decide to start writing about bed and breakfasts, and why?
In 1981 or 82. I edited the first edition of Bed & Breakfast USA by Betty Rundback. She had self-published a little booklet on "Tourist Homes and Guest Houses" which I had heard about. When I read an article in Time Magazine about B&Bs being the coming trend, I decided it was time to publish a mainstream book on the subject. It was the first, and was very successful for many years.
Describe the process of securing your first book contract and getting your first book published.
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Books by Sandra Wolf Soule currently available through Amazon.com:
America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs and Small Hotels
America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs and Small Hotels: New England
America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs and Small Hotels: Middle Atlantic
America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs and Small Hotels: The South
America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs and Small Hotels: West Coast
America's Wonderful Little Hotels and Inns: Midwest
America's Wonderful Little Hotels and Inns: Southwest and Rockies
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How do you choose the inns that appear in your books?
They must be recommended by guests. We also have visited hundreds of inns, although not every property we list has been visited by our staff. (So many inns, so little time and money!)
Your books include guest comments. Why did you decide to add that feature?
It adds depth and credibility. The more comments you get, the more accurate the description and the more varied the write-up, since different people have different perceptions.
How do you choose the comments you use?
We tend to quote those which have the most detailed descriptions of the food, lodging, hospitality, etc., and try to cut those which are a list of hyperbolic platitudes.
How do you deal with negative comments?
We send a comment to the innkeepers, since it's only fair to hear both sides. If the complaint(s) are not resolved satisfactorily, the listing is dropped from the guides.
How has the Internet changed the world of B&B guides?
It's ending the world of the printed guidebook. We are discontinuing our print editions, and some other writers are doing the same, I believe.
The other reason for the change is the success of this type of accommodation. When I started, there was typically only one or two inns in each town; now there are dozens. Travelers feel less anxiety about finding/choosing a B&B -- in addition to the Internet, you can find them through any chamber of commerce, listed in the Yellow Pages, and of course, in AAA GuideBooks (which never listed them in the early years). B&Bs have gone from being unusual to mainstream -- you can tell by the way they are mentioned in everything from ads for credit cards to retirement funds!
How do you think online and print directories may change over the next 5 years?
Online directories will all have searchable databases; individual entries will be updated by the inns themselves; all will link out to the inns' own home pages. The online directories which are not first-rate will be discontinued; many print guides will be discontinued as well.
How many bed and breakfasts do you visit each year?
Who has time to count? About 150? Maybe more? Our contributing editors visit another 100, approximately.
Are you always working when you visit, or do you ever get to visit purely for pleasure?
Occasional pleasure visits, but more work. Touring inns (walk-throughs, not overnights) is fun but especially hard work.
What features do you consider most important for a bed and breakfast (such as a private bath or rural setting)?
Most important for me is that the inn be owner-operated, for genuine hospitality, flexibility and caring, plus a real knowledge of the area. Setting, amenities, comforts and food are important, but not at the same level. Comfort and cleanliness, plus a focus on guests' needs (as opposed to the innkeeper's needs) are more important than fancy amenities.
Do you have some favorite inns?
Lots and lots, but one particular favorite is the October Country Inn near Killington, Vermont. Wonderfully warm and casual atmosphere, caring innkeepers, scrumptious food, affordable rates. Great place to stay.
Have you ever considered becoming an innkeeper?
NONONONONONO. Please. I have enough on my plate already!
What type of people do you think make successful innkeepers?
Extroverts. A genuine enjoyment of people, plus impeccable attention to detail, and a good dose of flexibility. Season with a healthy sense of humor!
If you'd like to contact Sandy directly, send email to ssoule@email.msn.com.
Book cover on this page courtesy St. Martin's Press.
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