We have decided once again to make some changes around here. If there is one thing that is for certain it is that our Hostel has not yet found its final form. We learn so much every year that we realize our layout and offerings just aren’t quite right for what people are looking for here in the Finger Lakes. As we change, though, we don’t want to lose the charm, community, and simplicity of a hostel environment.
Taking you back to 2015 when we first bought this building, we knew that the typical American traveler would not be the most familiar or comfortable with hostel style lodging. With that in mind we kept our dorm rooms small, our beds comfy and large, our kitchen well stocked, and our customer service welcoming and reassuring.
We have found though, that our guests DO enjoy the social aspect of hosteling, but they still want their privacy. Fortunately we have been able to add 2 private rooms, since our initial grand opening, with previously unused space in our building. In 2019, we are transitioning our smallest dorm room into another private room. There have been too many nights where one dorm room sits empty, while all the private rooms are filled. I have loved being able to offer the option of two dorm rooms, but I would rather be able to welcome more customers and make them feel comfortable.

This is one of the two private rooms we added in 2018.
This will not be the only change this year. We made a BIG decision this year to do a complete renovation on the small building on our property which we so lovingly call “The Cottage”. Before, The Cottage was sort of an ironic name. The Cottage was simple, plain, and really just a place to lay your head. Our guests loved it though because it had a private bathroom and was a completely private rental.

Our modest little Cottage
With this new renovation The Cottage will really feel like a Cottage! Instead of being lake side it will be right across the street from the world famous Watkins Glen Gorge. The Cottage is just shy of 300 square feet and will now be equipped with a kitchenette, a full bathroom, vaulted ceilings, sound proof, and maybe even a front porch ( haven’t decided yet). The space will have a cape cod vibe, and will make guests wish they booked another night. It will be a guests’ home away from home.

Our modest and simple layout for the cottage when we started renting it in 2018.

INSPIRATION FOR THE COTTAGE RENOVATION
It wasn’t easy to make the decision to invest in the cottage and take it from a low-end/low-cost rental to what will definitely be a high-end rental competing with the more typical pricing you find in Watkins Glen during peak season. I am confident, though, that our property will stand out among the many options travelers to the finger lakes have to choose from.
Check in again soon. I will be sharing about some of my design ideas for the Cottage!
Emily