US visitors' delight at B&B leaves them........

5 Star Struck

A BLACKPOOL bed and breakfast hotel has earned it's stars and stripes from overjoyed American visitors.

A trans-Atlantic tribute for the Kimberley Guest House on Gynn Avenue was sent to Lancashire Tourism Partnership by two visitors who extended their stay from four days to two weeks.

The seven room venue was "beyond expectations and surpasses any merit that can be awarded for hospitality." said Susan Carter who visited with husband Nhan Nguyen and their baby daughter.

They were thrilled by the hospitality shown by hosts Gwynn and Maude Thomas. "This is the best place I have ever stayed at during all my travels. Not only is the Kimberley beautifully decorated and colour coordinated, it is immaculately clean, fresh and neat."

After praising the food and comfort Ms Carter said it was Mr and Mrs Thomas that set the place apart.

"They treated us like family from the moment we stepped through the front door. Nothing was too much for them. They even did laundry for us and allowed us to make important personal phone calls on their private line. My husband and I only intended to stay four nights and then move on with our journey."

"However Gwynn and Maude were so hospitable and The Kimberley so comfortable that we ended up staying the full two weeks of our vacation at their B&B. Please spread the word to any travelers looking for an extraordinary place to stay at ordinary rates."

Mr Thomas said that the service they gave was nothing exceptional. "The welcome you give is very important," he said.

"If you want people to come back you have to sell yourself."

Mr Thomas came from South Wales to start the business 10 years ago after retiring from ill health.

"It has been brilliant," he said.

"The work isn't to hard with careful planning and if you accept all the help and advice you can."

Excerpt from The Evening Gazette, By Tom Halstead.