Official Review: Sugar Hill Inn Art of Innkeeping

Mai Tran · Post by **Mai Tran** » 04 Aug 2019, 13:00

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sugar Hill Inn Art of Innkeeping" by Steven Allen.]

4 out of 4 stars

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When his only daughter went off to college, Steven Allen decided to sell his empty nest and follow his dream of running a country inn. After a long search, he purchased the Sugar Hill Inn in 2006 and has never looked back. Despite being a visible ruin at the time, the historic New Hampshire farmhouse had an undeniable charm, abundant growth potential, and a breathtaking view of the White Mountains. In his book, Sugar Hill Inn Art of Innkeeping, Allen records his eleven-year-long journey of trying to turn the inn from a run-down place into what he envisioned as “the perfect romantic mountain getaway."

Allen’s passion for his work truly shines through in this beautifully written memoir. He discusses at length about his innkeeping philosophy, along with his occasional insights on running a small business. Since he wants the Sugar Hill Inn to be the embodiment of fine living, Allen and his team put painstaking efforts into providing only the best, from great companies, good food, fine wine, original art, to sophisticate accommodations.

Reading this delightful book made me want to visit the Sugar Hill Inn one day. You just have to love a place where everything is made from scratch and cooked to order. Since the author is a graduate of the famous French Culinary Institute in New York (known today as the International Culinary Center), his enthusiasm for food and wine are especially captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his wine tasting trips and the inn’s ever-growing selection of wine.

On the other hand, I wish the author had shed more light on the financial and operational aspects of his small business. Renovating the inn had to cost a lot, so I’m curious as to how Allen budgeted and prioritized each project. I imagine readers who are interested in getting into the business would also want to learn more about the inn’s day-to-day operation.

Sugar Hill Inn Art of Innkeeping is an inspirational story about following one’s dream and striving to be the best. I believe anyone who wishes to fulfilled long-held dream would feel encouraged by this book. Although I was hoping for more insights on running a small business when I picked up this book, it’s still a very informative read. I strongly recommend it to readers who are curious about the works involved in running a country inn. The book is professionally edited with only a few minor errors that don’t distract much from the reading experience. For these reasons, I gladly give this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Sugar Hill Inn Art of Innkeeping
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FREDFDK · Post by **FREDFDK** » 05 Aug 2019, 13:45

Good work!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 05 Aug 2019, 20:37

I would love to have a little bed and breakfast. I'm curious to see how the author made this into a successful business. I think I'd want to visit the Sugar Hill Inn myself after reading this. Thanks!

OuKoyoo · Post by **OuKoyoo** » 05 Aug 2019, 20:39

After reading the review, just like the reviewer who would love to visit the Sugar Hill Inn one day; I would also love to visit the place someday. Further, I believe that this is one book that people should look out for as it could act as a source of inspiration and encouragement. Thank you for a great review.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 06 Aug 2019, 07:50

I imagine Sugar Hill Inn having a very homey and exotic feel to it. I love fine dining and the mention of food and a culinary school has me interested. Great review!

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 07 Aug 2019, 00:22

Allen sounds passionate about his inn, and I believe passion is always in the end result; I love visiting places made with love.
Great review. The financial implications of the project would have been an informative addition; I love how you've pointed this out. Have a great day!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 07 Aug 2019, 16:52

Sugar Hill sounds like a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the stellar accommodations. Thanks for the wonderful review!

essyallan7475 · Post by **essyallan7475** » 11 Aug 2019, 21:17

A great review. One our children will leave the nest. Its good that Steven Allen decided to follow his dteam and open a bed n breakfast. It makes up for missing his kids and he wont feel loney. Great plot

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 16 Aug 2019, 08:19

I would have liked more information about the costs and the day to day running of the inn as well, versus the information about the wine. It still sounds like a very interesting book. Thanks for a wonderful review!

BookPower9 · Post by **BookPower9** » 08 Sep 2019, 06:27

Every time I encounter inspirational story, I feel so excited! This is the only time that I can be recharged. Especially, if someone was able to run a business and made it to profit How I wish also that one day I can visit this popular sugar hills. Nice review! Thanks.