Ghost Rials Inn makes impression

A local Alberton bed and breakfast has been nationally recognized for its hospitality through the Web site www.bedandbreakfast.com.

The Ghost Rails Inn was bought by husband and wife Thom Garrett and Grace Doyle in the spring, and since their opening day on April 1, they have been working to make the hotel and integral part of the community.

"We've really settled into Alberton," said Garrett.

The Ghost Rails Inn was named one of eight "Best of the Rockies" bed and breakfasts for the 2008-09 season, and is the only bed and breakfast in Montana. According to bedandbreakfast.com, only one other Montana bed and breakfast, the Good Medicine Lodge in Whitefish, has been given an award since 2003.

The couple is proud of the work they have done with the Ghost Rails Inn, renovating the rooms and cultivating the railroad image that Alberton has provided them with.

"So many new people in any smaller community come in and think that they're going to change the town. We didn't want to change Alberton, we like this town," said Doyle.

Doyle's quilting prowess is evident in almost every room of the house, and she has made quilts for most of the rooms. Those rooms that are not yet graced by Doyle's handiwork soon will be, as the couple works to create a friendly, comfortable atmosphere for their bed and breakfast.

Garrett said that many of their guests have never stayed in a bed and breakfast before, or have been impressed with their service compared to other bed and breakfasts they have dealt with in the past.

"We tell them, well if you feel that way, write us a review," Garrett said.

And it has paid off.

The bedandbreakfast.com award was based mostly off of the 35 customer reviews on the Web site.

"We've had guests book here because of the reviews," Doyle said.

A quick visit to the Ghost Rails Inn Web site will provide the viewer with an online virtual tour that highlights the hotel's unique rooms and flair.

But as much help as internet reviews have been for the Ghost Rails Inn, community involvement is what has helped Doyle and Garrett not only enjoy their time in Alberton, but also build their business.

"We're trying to be as involved in Alberton as we can be. We really like living here," Garrett said.

Doyle offers quilting clinics throughout the winter season for beginning quilters and seasoned veterans, and Garrett has used a unique literary talent to add some flair to the bed and breakfast motif.

Garrett has written a murder mystery with parts for seven couples that serves as a piece of dinner theatre that lasts into the evening and includes dinner and breakfast.

For more information on the Ghost Rails Inn visit, www.ghostrailsinn.com or www.bedandbreakfast.com.