The morning routine starts with tea water and coffee in the dining room at around 7 am. This is self service. Some regional newspapers usually arrive at about 8 and we typically get two or three delivered for sharing around the morning rooms. We serve a full breakfast, or any part there of, to our inn guests (included in the room rate) which is available between 8:30 and 10:30. Guests take a place in the dining room and one of the crew will tell them about that morning's breakfast which might one day be waffles, French toast, omelets or other goodies made from scratch each day as well as fresh fruit and juice. Jeanne usually knows a couple of days ahead what might be offered in the coming days, so if guests are curious or have special dietary concerns, they're advised to ask what's up!
We have a large bar on the porch that has all manner of mixers and ice available to inn guests throughout the day and evening. The ice machine has ample ice to stock coolers for any daily outings. These services and items are also included in the room rate. On the nights that we serve dinners, we may have a bartender to take care any beverage and mixing needs. We can refrigerate wine and beer in the kitchen or for more immediate use guests might put things on ice behind the bar themselves. Gay Head, like most island towns is "dry". Alcohol sales are only permitted in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, so if beer, wine or spirit is something folks might like during their stay, they'd either bring some with them or we can order things daily for delivery here in the late afternoon. Aside from the two "down island" towns that serve alcohol, BYOB is the standard for most island eateries.
There are many services offered on the island from massages to deep sea fishing. Renting bikes or kayaks is a nice pastime and there's great horseback riding, tennis and golf here. We sail our big catamaran Arabella daily from Menemsha to visit remote beaches and neighboring islands. Visitors have only to ask about any of these or other activities.
We serve dinner to our guests and a number of people from outside the inn most every night of the week. Because seating is limited and we are in such great demand, it is important that if an inn guest wants to eat with us on any given evening, they should let us know as soon as possible.
We're not big on rules, but the 11:00 check out is pretty important as we schedule the cleaning crew around this time and the incoming guests. Often, however, travel plans mean a guest leaves the island later in the day. As long as their room is cleared out, they are welcome to spend the day around the inn or at the beach and to use the restrooms off the living room to clean up and change before traveling on.
