|
|
|
The Inns and Outs of Hospitality: The Hochelaga Inn |
|
|
|
Written by Lorette C. Luzajic
|
|
Thursday, 31 May 2007 |
 When Anne Boyd and her husband Ron received an out-of-the-blue offer for their Muskoka family resort, they were heartbroken. Life revolved around the family business. The Boyds loved the water and Muskoka’s storybook landscape was idyllic. They weren’t considering doing anything else, but when an offer opened them to consider alternatives, they were up for a change. Accustomed to orchestrating food and lodging for 100 people every day, downsizing to a 20-room historic inn, The Hochelaga, was a chance to experience a completely different spin as hospitality entrepreneurs.
Fewer accommodations to organize freed the Boyds to focus on new ideas, giving Anne a chance to develop her talents as a decorator, something she really enjoys. The inn was in dire need of renovation when they purchased it, and there were some problems getting approval for exterior restorations from the Historical Society. Through meetings with the society, agreements were made eventually and the Boyds were able to complete the necessary tasks. Now the inn boasts some of the most unique and beautiful rooms and gardens in all of Kingston.
It’s been four years this month since they bought the inn, and Anne feels very lucky to have been led there. “When I’m away for a day, I walk back in and say, ‘It’s so beautiful,’” Anne says, still awed to be a part of such a gorgeous heritage.
Ask for help when you need it
The extensive luxury spa that adds distinction to the inn was a big step for Anne. “It’s been a great added value for our guests,” she says. “People will stay longer and enjoy a spa treatment. It’s really fun!” The catch was that Anne didn’t know anything about spas. “I started at the beginning. I got some books about spas—and found that they are not easy to find. I thought: who can I hire as a consultant to help me set up a spa?” Anne found help from a spa owner who generously shared her expertise. The business owner, who does not wish to be named, is often asked about consultation and declines, but did Anne a favour. This kind of teamwork is a positive direction for women’s businesses. Instead of competition models that are common in enterprise, mutual support can benefit all parties. “Women could do this more often,” Anne says. “Take advantage of working together as a team. You’re in the same business, and you’ll refer clients to other people who can help them.”
Collaboration pays off
This kind of teamwork also came into play when Anne and Ron bought the inn. The Historic Inns of Kingston is a group of a handful of inns that includes The Hochelaga, and Anne had to adjust to working with a like-minded community instead of independently. Though everybody has her own ideas about how things should be run, the sharing of knowledge and common interests had unique privileges. “If you can work with others in the same business, you pool your resources, and you can be so much more efficient. Instead of considering it as competition, you view it as a benefit. People may be afraid of competition, but you can all work together. If I’m full, I can send guests to another inn from my group.” The melding of minds paid off in this case, and the Historic Inns of Kingston group won an award two years ago for Best Marketing and Advertising.
Pay attention to paperwork
Anne describes herself as a vivacious, spirited person. “I have a lot of fun with life and with people,” she states. But her highly organized side is definitely a necessity in running something of this magnitude. She advises hopeful entrepreneurs to get in touch with their paperwork. “You have to pick it up and deal with it,” she says. “Have a little corner of your own that no one else can touch, and do that paperwork. Phones will be ringing, people will be asking questions, but the paperwork is not going to go away.”
 Meet and greet
She also stresses the importance of getting out and meeting people in a new community. “It’s hard, because you don’t rest, you work every hour,” she acknowledges. “You don’t think there are any spare minutes in the day.” But it’s important to get to know the community that will direct clients to you. “Join economic development groups, women’s groups, the bicycle club.” On top of running a business and savvy networking, Anne says you still have to make time just for yourself. Hers is Thursday night book club. “Women tend to really work hard all day but you’ve got to find that bit of space just to keep you balanced.”
Learning from scratch all about running a spa was a considerable leap, but Anne’s never shied away from trying new things. It’s more of a challenge to stop for a minute. At first, when asked about sacrifices she’s made, Anne couldn’t think of any. She and her husband Ron have always been a team and share the labour harmoniously. They don’t argue and their interests complement each other.
“We haven’t had to make any sacrifices,” she says. And then she pauses. “Well, there’re always sacrifices—I’m so used to being busy that I don’t think of things in this way. There are times in the summer when you would like to travel; I’m lucky if I can get away in November. You don’t have a steady paycheck. You have to worry about the business’ success. You become completely and totally absorbed and enveloped in the business. Your whole life is this business. You phone all the time if you aren’t there. You never stop thinking about it.”
And I suspect Anne wouldn’t have it any other way.
About the Hochelaga Inn and Spa
Built in 1879, this picturesque Victorian mansion is famous for its old-world charm and beauty. The inn is perfectly located near the water, and steps from Kingston’s fashionable boutiques and restaurants in an historic district with winding cobblestone paths. On top of the impossibly beautiful guest rooms and a roster of relaxing spa services, Anne Boyd and her staff will be happy to take care of anything you need for the perfect stay, from arranging dining reservations to booking tours or the 1000 Island Cruise. For more information, visit www.hochelagainn.com
 |
|
|
|
|
|
