Meet Tony and Patty Sapienza and Ed and AnnMarie Comer of Blue Shutters Beachside Inn in Cape Ann

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony and Patty Sapienza and Ed and AnnMarie Comer.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We are four friends — two married couples — who had an opportunity to buy a beachfront inn, the Blue Shutters, in 2007. All of us came from different careers — none in hospitality — but we couldn’t pass up the chance to own what is one of the most attractive seacoast properties in New England. We went to work cleaning and upgrading the rooms with the help of family and friends, and we came up with a new name, the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn. We then set out to spread the word of the changes taking place, reaching out to long-time guests and visitors to Cape Ann who were new to the Blue Shutters. We did this via a new website (www.blueshuttersbeachside.com), a monthly newsletter, advertising in the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce materials and online sites, and word of mouth. The news spread quickly, and by the summer of 2007 we were filling the inn with old and new guests. Each year since then, we’ve made improvements, but one thing hasn’t changed — the warm, casual, friendly and personal atmosphere we work to maintain. This has paid off — we’re fortunate to always be one of the highest-rated accommodations in our area. And best of all, today — 10 years after we launched this adventure — we have dozens of returning friends (aka guests) each year.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a very smooth road. We worked hard to upgrade the inn early on, and we continue to focus on keeping the rooms clean and attractive — adding new amenities each year — and making sure our guests enjoy their time here. It’s sometimes a challenge balancing our other responsibilities — careers, family obligations, etc. — but the happy, positive attitude of everyone who visits helps smooth out any “bumps.”

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Blue Shutters Beachside Inn – what should we know?
We’re an inn that caters to all sorts of visitors to Cape Ann — a seaside community located less than an hour north of Boston. We can accommodate families, groups, couples or individual travelers. We have small rooms, larger rooms and apartments — most of which face Good Harbor Beach, regularly rated one of the best beaches in New England. We’re the only property of our kind directly on the beach, and we work to make sure guest can enjoy their time swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. But we’re open year-round — unlike many other properties, and we’re focused on helping visitors discover the art galleries, museums, whale-watching, restaurants and night-life all around Cape Ann.

We’re most known for the atmosphere of the Blue Shutters — warm, welcoming, relaxing, casual and personal. This — and our location on Good Harbor Beach — is what sets us apart from the other hotels, motels and B&Bs in the area.

We’re most proud of the “friends” who return each year — many in the summer, but also throughout the spring, fall and winter.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our warm, friendly, casual and personal approach to innkeeping. While we work hard to cater to the needs of our guests, ensuring they’re comfortable, it’s most important that we make sure they feel like “friends” when they’re here and when they leave. That’s what keeps them coming back — and keeps them telling their family and friends about us.

Pricing:

• Our rooms range from under $100 in the off-season to just under $250 in-season. Our apartments range from $200 in the off-season to just under $350 in-season. These are very affordable, especially given our location and amenities.

Contact Info:

• Address: Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
  One Nautilus Road,
  Gloucester, MA 01930
• Website: www.blueshuttersbeachside.com
• Phone: 978-283-1198
• Email: info@blueshuttersbeachside.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/blue.shutters
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/blue_shutters
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/blue-shutters-beachside-gloucester

Image Credit:
Blue Shutters Beachside Inn

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