Reflections on Our Stay at the Chestnut Inn

Typically I spend

a lot of time reflecting and this recent get together at the Chestnut Inn was no exception. I’m going to basically brainstorm with little or no censorship so if you don’t agree with my reflections on all points i can understand. Initially, I was somewhat disappointed and felt responsible since it was basically “my bright idea” when I got an e-mail over Thanksgiving weekend announcing “ a buy one get one free “ midweek pre-season special. As most of you know the initial price I was quoted was later rescinded and information given to us was changing rapidly. Sadly, the woman who I originally spoke to was fired by the organization that owns several properties ( The Settler’s Hospitality Group ) including The Chestnut Inn. In retrospect I believe that our total of $350 for a two night stay in a lakeside suite with breakfast each morning was a very good price considering a decent but simple hotel room can easily go for $200 or more a night. Some things I liked/loved: Being with beloved family members and friends. The atmosphere surrounding us especially the ever beautiful pristine Lake Oquaga at our doorstep. The coming of age memories that come back to me whenever I’m in that area. The king sized comfortable bed, the feel of the sheets and the really nice pillows ( in retrospect I probably did not need to lug my 4 pillows from home.) We actually used the big, jacuzzi tub ( and it fit two relatively comfortably ). The water 💦 was piping hot and the jets were forceful. I slept like a baby all through the night after that experience. Also, even though I did have some initial reservations, I was able to get myself back out of the deep tub without having to call for assistance from the front desk. We never once had to resort to turning on the two Television sets in our suite. All the staff members were most accommodating and bent over backwards to get anything we asked for including hot tea and coffee during the daytime hours while we sat and chatted on the front porch. Thing I wish could be changed: Possibly, set up a coffee and tea station in the dining room so guests could grab a cup on their own. Put a small refrigerator in the rooms for cheese, sodas and other snack items, etc. Put a soda, water and snack machines in a room on the main level. Provide an ice machine for guests to use. Guests have to ask staff to fill the ice buckets whenever ice is needed. Have Cornhole, horseshoe, darts and those types of games easily available. Have a couple of rowboats, and paddle boats available to justify the resort fee. Since I imagine this is the type of place that Seniors would like to frequent consider adding a little elevator. This would be especially useful when bringing in and removing luggage. It might be wise to focus the menu on a few superb entrees at a bit more reasonable price. The burgers were excellent and not overly expensive but their were a couple of other entrees that were definitely overpriced and didn’t even come with a side salad or bread ( for example: clams with linguine was $35 ) and a glass of wine ( not too generous of a pour )was $13. Some more things: A walk around the entire lake is a great way to get some cardio exercise and it gives you just under 8,000 steps. There was a sign posted “ No swimming “ and even though the water was quite cold, this fact should have been shared ahead of time. - Possibly the resort fee should have been waived until more amenities are in place.