Shirley and Don Wick are innkeepers of Old Town GuestHouse, an eight-room B&B in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This upscale, urban inn features modern amenities such as free WiFi and also serves as a private conference facility. Read on for an interview with the Wicks about why they love being innkeepers and what makes Old Town GuestHouse unique.
1. What do you enjoy most about being an innkeeper? The guests! Interacting with our guests is what makes this occupation worth doing. Everyone has a story, and so do we. What a wonderful way to sample lives and lifestyles that we’ll never experience other than through our personal ‘stories.’
2. How long have you been an innkeeper? Nearly 5 ½ years!
3. Why did you choose this inn and this city? There are so many reasons: weather (a bit of winter, but not too much); humidity (very low most of the time--great for the arthritis I’ll get some day!); small town atmosphere with big city resources. I have a mountain outside virtually every window in the place; we’re NOT and old Victorian--we’re a contemporary urban inn (a boutique B&B) with upscale amenities but home-like hospitality and location. We also have location--we're walking distance from 100+ shops, galleries, services, boutiques and restaurants, minutes from clubs and nightlife, and minutes from all of the area attractions such as hiking, biking, climbing, golf--you name it.
4. What sets your B&B apart from others? Everything above, plus TV/VCR/DVD in every room, fireplaces, private hot tubs (4), steam showers (3), game room, exercise equipment, Pikes Peak vistas, gourmet breakfast, conference facility with video conferencing on-site, and room phones with messaging. We have an elevator--we’re fully accessible with our ADA-approved room on the third floor, offering our handicapped guests ALL of the amenities and ambiance enjoyed by the rest of our clientele.
5. Why do you think travelers should choose B&Bs over hotels? Ambiance, hospitality, SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE, supports the local economy, unique surroundings with a personal touch, atmosphere, quiet elegance, and attention to detail.
6. Does your B&B have any special history? We are new but consistent with our surroundings and our past. We’re on the site of the first firestation in what was then Colorado City (the territorial seat of Colorado, and its first state capital briefly). We remain the ONLY lodging in Historical Old Colorado City.
7. What makes your town worth visiting—are there any interesting local attractions or activities? Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Air Force Academy, US Olympics Training Facility, Manitou Springs and several other attractions bring visitors from around the world.
8. Do you have any food specialties (for breakfast or otherwise)? Breakfast that you’ll not find at home. Gourmet meals with a difference; even our French toast has its own distinguishing characteristics.
9. Do you have any special offers coming up? We’re in our off-season with room rates greatly reduced. Check our website for details.