Copy of a letter to the TAG APPROVED ACCOMMODATIONS directory...

To whom it may concern,

We receive a copy of your tag approved accommodations directory every yr but curiously we have never been it. Our accommodation is gay-owned and gay-friendly. The award winning centrally located Country Inn the City is part hotel, part bed and breakfast and part vacation rental and we have been in operation since 1991. Our target market is the discerning adult traveler (gay or straight) who prefers a superior accommodation at a reasonable price -- at the expense of fewer services. We have been featured in many travel publications such as Frommers, Fodors, Knopf, Eyewitness Guides, National Geographic Traveler, Virgin Travel Guides, 50 through 100 Best Wonderful Little Hotels, Out and About, New York Times, Time Out Magazine, Louis Vuitton Travel Guide, USA Today, Financial Times of LONDON, Guide De Charme, Swissair Magazine, Qantas Magazine, and more.

We think it really is a shame that in an age of big business that small but significant players like us often fail to get recognized by gay publications except in the case of OUT AND ABOUT magazine and the fact that we list on PURPLE ROOFS. When guests stay at unique gay-owned or independent businesses like ours (i.e. not a big hotel chain) they feel like they are contributing to something noble, that is to say to an enterprise that is, by virtue of its independence, more unique, more hands-on, and more identifiable -- and consequently more worthy of attention. When they come here they get to meet the owner and they get the added satisfaction that they are contributing to a real individual's success rather than a corporation while at the same time not sacrificing on quality and reputation. We truly are that rare breed of accommodation that offers a best of both worlds experience, one that is equal parts charm and reputation.

In essence, we believe we would be a great addition to your listings and that we truly represent what your readers are looking for, a small guest-specific intimate residence where gays and non-gays alike can experience a great city like New York while feeling like a native rather than just another tourist. Our central Upper West Side neighborhood/location of course has a big hand in this and I urge you to take a look at our website. A new stunning website with professional images will be launched in JULY.

Regards,


Fergus O'Brien