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Why The Green Gate Bed and Breakfast Hates Americans

Where: Ardara, Donegal, Ireland

The Sunday Times called the Green Gate B&B "the greatest little B&B in Ireland", Fodor's claimed this property was "one of the world's top establishments", and even the LA Times called it "the best B&B we have ever stayed in", but before you start clicking around for rates and availability you should know that the B&B-keeper "doesn't deal with Americans".

While this may seem a bit harsh, Green Gate's owner, Paul Chatenoud has his reasons:

It's not me that doesn't like Americans, it's Americans that don't like me. I've recently had 10 American couples who decided, once they saw the B&B, they didn't like it. Most didn't tell me to my face; they said they were going into town for a drink, then called up and cancelled, refusing to pay. The cottage is exactly how The Sunday Times described it: remote and basic.

It's got low ceilings, brown water -- but is in the most beautiful place in the world. Some Americans love it, most seem to hate it. They want an old cottage that is actually brand-new.

It's only Americans that this happens with and I can't take the risk any more. I have revised my website to warn that the Green Gate is the opposite of the American way of life. I advise Americans to come and look first, but not to book in advance.

Ugh, bailing on a hotel room without being upfront about it is so cowardly.

What exactly is Paul's web warning?  Well there are many, but our favorite "yankee go home" sign on the Green Gate website is the on that says:

The Green Gate is not a fake, pink, new, stupid, American Disneyland Castle.  It is a real, green, old, radiant Irish thatched cottage.

This guy rocks. He is up front and honest, and while he may sound a bit like the the militant innkeeper in West Virginia, let's face it, when you own a four room B&B you can turn away whomever you damn well please.

Related Stories:
· Green Gate B&B reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Green Gate B&B Commentary [TimesOnline]

Tags: Hotel Hell / Militant Innkeepers / → All Tags

Militant Innkeeper In West Virgina

Where: WV, United States, 25411

No doubt you have heard of the legendary Soup Nazi, and those of you intimate with SF might hold a special place in your heart for the now deceased Bruno, and his deranged Zam Zam rules, and now we have the Militant Innkeeper.  

According to Hotels Online, the Berkeley Springs Inn and Spa in West Virginia, has some hard and fast rules:

• We won't take couples traveling together
• We won't take singles
• We won't take people having affairs
• We won't take gay couples
• We won't take smokers

Discrimination in the name of heterosexual romance, according to the innkeeper, Chase Everhart.

But wait, how does Mr. Everhart wield his bigoted wand with such righteousness?  Can you really tell if a couple is having an affair by talking with them on the phone?

"I let people know what the expectations are up front. We're not a hotel with anonymous service. We don't take everyone who calls, we're picky."

He went on to say that after 15 years in the business of running an inn, he can tell when a couple calling to book are having an affair. "You just know it, really," he said.

What year is this again?

Oh, and the Berkeley Springs web site proudly states, "Berkeley Springs Spa and Inn - Voted Most Romantic!", mysteriously, the site doesn't say who emblazoned such a moniker on the Inn--any guesses?

Related Stories:
·   Singles Need Not Apply[face2face]
·   Inn at Berkley Springs Reviews [TripAdvisor]