Tips for traveling with your pets!

When traveling often times it can be hard to leave your beloved pet behind. But often times the thought of taking a pet with you on a trip can become very overwhelming. In order to make it less overwhelming it is important to be prepared. Here are some quick tips to make traveling with your pet easy and enjoyable.

1: Book your hotel rooms before you get on the road. When you call us, tell us how big your pet is a how much they weigh. Some hotels have limits on pets and size so you don’t want to be surprised when you show up. Don’t forget most times there is a pet fee associated with the stay and sometimes can depend on those factors.

2: When you are at the hotel be courteous of other guests. When you arrive at the hotel make sure to ask where the dog walking areas are and take them there before visiting your room. Make sure they are a little extra tired so they don’t get restless in the room and start barking.

3: Everyone has different rules in their home, and while it may be ok for your dog to be on furniture on home make sure to bring some extra sheets. We don’t want to charge you for the accidents of a pet, so better to be prepared in advance.

4: It maybe that you don’t have cleaning product with you when you arrive but always ask the front desk right away if your dog has an accident. That way there is no build up of smell in the room.  Often times a dog especially may just be marking their new territory so it is not their fault but again it’s easier to take care of it right away.

5: Make sure you bring anything your pet might need such as potty bags or scratching posts. Don’t forget to clean up after your pet when you walk outside so as to be courteous to other pet owners.

6: As a hotel we would rather you use a towel to clean off your pet after a trip outside then just letting them shake and dry themselves off after a rainy day outside. It’s easier to wash a towel then clean a whole room and again we wouldn’t want to charge you for your pets accidents.

7: If you need to leave your room make sure to secure your pet and use the do not disturb sign provided. It is also a good idea to provide a cell phone number to the front desk in case of emergencies while you are gone. It is important that you do not leave your dog alone all day in your room. We understand you may need to run out but just like you wouldn’t leave them home alone all day please don’t at a hotel either.

8: Most hotels will not clean your room if a pet is alone in the room. And if you are staying for a prolonged time make sure to arrange a cleaning time of your room while you take the dog out.

9: If you are traveling with an out of the ordinary pet make sure to give the staff an extra heads-up. Surprises may make it harder for the staff to deal with later and make your stay harder.

10: And last but not least have fun. 

Woot Woot Here Comes Summer

I bet you’re curious…  Yes, this summer at the Jersey Shore is shaping up to be fantastic!  Schools are letting out in the upcoming days and it is time to think Summer Thoughts, namely Firework Displays.

Kaboom is still on the kabash for this year in Red Bank due to organizational and financial issues, but there are still plenty of nearby towns planning on providing spectacular visual entertainment for you and your family.

The longest running event during the Independence Day holiday at the Jersey Shore is the Atlantic Highlands Fireman Fair.  This unique town offers tremendous water views, great restaurants, a marina and fishing boats available to charter throughout the year.  The fair will be going on from July 2-July 6 at Municipal Harbor on Simon Lake Drive.  Circle your calendar for Fireworks on Friday, July 5^th with a rain date of Saturday July 7^th.

Hazlet is always a winner with fireworks.  Start your holiday weekend early by watching the Wednesday July 3^rd display.  Get to Veterans Park, grab a prime spot and wait patiently for the sun to set. (Rain date Friday, July 5^th)

Spend the day in Keansburg at the amusement and water parks.  Spend your night ooooing and aaahhhing at the colors exploding across the black canvas of the night sky.   They offer a double feature – Wednesday and Thursday July 3^rd and July 4^th at dusk – Fishing Pier and Boardwalk

Long Branch proudly presents Oceanfest on Thursday July 4^th – all day free family fun can be found.  This annual festival is a crowd pleaser “for shore” with activities happening all day long starting at 10am.  What can be better than good old fashioned family fun at the Promenade in Long Branch!?!  Don’t forget to stop at Strollo’s Lighthouse and cool off or celebrate with an authentic Italian ice or delicious homemade soft serve ice cream.

Union Beach, one of the most devastated Monmouth County communities from Sandy’s wrath, did not have any plans to conduct their annual fireworks display.  Those residents have spent the last 210 days rebuilding their town and their spirits.  One resident entered a contest for a free community fireworks display and Won!  They have not yet posted a date for this wonderful gift that has been bestowed upon them.   Be sure to come and celebrate their victory in determination.  You will never meet a more deserving bunch of people.

So pack up the car and the kiddos – shoot, we’re pet friendly at the Comfort Inn Middletown, so bring the family pet too – and head on down the shore to Exit 117.  There is something to do every day here and we look forward to creating Summer 2013 memories with you!

Ka-Boom went Ker-Splat in 2012

Well it’s a shame that this happened and I am sure there are people who are still lingering in disappointment since hearing that KaBoom Fireworks will not be displayed along the Navesink River in Red Bank this year.

It broke my heart when I saw it come across the wire.  For 50 continuous years, a fun family time of food, entertainment, catching up with friends, and most importantly fireworks was celebrated in the 2.2 square miles of Central New Jersey called Red Bank.  It was the party of all parties, a display of lights flashing across the night sky bedazzling spectators while synchronized to music played on Q104.3, but this year the night sky will be only illuminated from the light of the stars swirling around our universe.

I will need to rethink my plans for this year.  After all, there is still Long Branch.  They have Oceanfest along the boardwalk and promenade on Ocean Avenue.  Oceanfest lasts all day long and will tire out even the most energetic child.

Farewell KaBoom, maybe next year or possibly the year after, but I truly hope to see you again.  

Great News for Foodies!

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week is coming back April 13-22, 2012! 

Participating restaurants are gearing up to dish out the deliciousness you are craving.  The participating restaurants will offer a three course menu for $20.12 or $30.12 per meal.  You will be able to choose from three appetizers, three entrees and three desserts.   There is “shore” to be something for everyone.

So far some great restaurants are on board to serve up their dinner specialties.  In Red Bank, which is right around the corner from the Middletown Comfort Inn; Basil T’s, Pazzo and Temple Gourmet Chinese will be available for your dining pleasure.  If you go a bit to the east of us in Rumson, you can enjoy the scrumptious meals served at David Burke Fromagerie, Salt Creek Grille, and Undici Taverna Rustica.  There are plenty more restaurants to choose from along the shore.  I dare you to not cook all that week!

Did you miss Restaurant Week in the past because you couldn’t make it out for dinner?  Great News, this year select restaurants will offer Lunch Menus during this special week!  So mark your calendars, or iPhones or Blackberries – don’t miss out!

Pet Owners Should Prepare for Emergencies

Okay the winter season is upon us.  So far we have been spared the brutal forces of Mother Nature (insert big smiley face here), but winter is not over yet.  It is always best to have a plan set up in advance, especially when you have four legged family members living with you.  Below is a guide to what you should consider.  The Comfort Inn Middletown is pet friendly all year round.

If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.

Plan for Pet Disaster Needs

• Identifying shelter. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets — well in advance of needing them. There are also a number of guides that list hotels/motels that permit pets and could serve as a starting point. Include your local animal shelter’s number in your list of emergency numbers — they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
• Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they’re not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a “pet survival” kit which could be easily deployed if disaster hits.
• Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
• Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can’t escape.

Prepare to Shelter Your Pet

• Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get advice and information.
• If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close.
• Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet’s medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current. Include copies in your “pet survival” kit along with a photo of your pet.
• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside — NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water.  Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.

During a Disaster

• Bring your pets inside immediately.
• Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Feed the animals moist or canned food so they will need less water to drink.
• Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
• Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.
• In an emergency, you may have to take your birds with you. Talk with your veterinarian or local pet store about special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food a bird is given. Make sure that the bird is caged and the cage is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and filtered light.

After a Disaster

• If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own.
• In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside. Always maintain close contact. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost. Also, snakes and other dangerous animals may be brought into the area with flood areas. Downed power lines are a hazard.
• The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water. 

EMACC Super 50/50

The EMACC Educational Foundation was established to assist students (both full and part time) who have worked very hard to enrich their future through higher education. The foundation grants scholarships each year. In 2011, the Educational Foundation granted an incredible 11 scholarships totaling $17,500.00 – it was through your contributions and the diligence of the Foundation Committee that this was even possible!

EMACC is holding a SUPER 50/50 where the proceeds will benefit this wonderful foundation. You can buy a book of 5 tickets for $100.00 or you can purchase single tickets for $20.00 each. This is a definite win-win situation! You might be the winner of a couple thousand dollars AND your act of kindness by purchasing a ticket will help a determined student in need.

You can find more information about EMACC and the Foundation by visiting www.emacc.org. The drawing will be held at 7pm on January 18, 2012 during the EMACC Annual Meeting being held at the Shadowbrook (1 Obre Place, Shrewsbury). Good Luck!

Free Stuff and Elvis.. Can it get any better than this?

Can’t believe it’s Free!  Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank is offering a free viewing of “Desperately Seeking Susan” starring Madonna on Tuesday January 10, 2011 at 7pm.  Get out those leg warmers, wigwam socks and fluorescent clothes and celebrate a brief trip into the eighties.  Score those free tickets at http://www.countbasietheatre.org/calendar/show/show.asp?id=43247232

Stepping further back in time – January 20^th at 8pm Count Basie Theatre will present The Elvis Birthday Bash.  This popular event is back for its 8^th year.  Tickets start at $19.50 and can be purchased online, at the box office or over the phone.  Slip on a pair of your favorite blue suede shoes and celebrate the memorizing career of “The King”.  Visit http://www.countbasietheatre.org/calendar/show/show.asp?id=43247064 to reserve your seats.

Count Basie Theatre is only 3 miles away from us at the Comfort Inn Middletown.  Reserve a room for the nights of January 10^th or 20^th and enjoy a discount at our fine hotel by mentioning rate code LCBTH.  Our friendly staff can be reached at 732-671-3400.

The free fun continues at Count Basie Theatre on February 14^th at 7pm with a viewing of “Garden State” starring Zach Braff.  This comedy-drama was filmed over 25 days with New Jersey being the primary filming location.  It made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004.  Tickets can be found at http://www.countbasietheatre.org/calendar/show/show.asp?id=43247235

Middletown, NJ Named a Top 100 Best Place to Live in Money Magazine

I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least give this a mention on the little hotel blog. Middletown, NJ was chosen as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live by Money Magazine.  We were ranked #89 for our sense of community and volunteerism, those who brave the one hour commute into Manhattan for work and our proximity to the fabulous beaches of Monmouth County.  We’re not just a great place to visit, you would want to live here.

For more information, here is a link to the Press Release.

Mark of Excellence & Middletown, NJ Family Featured on HGTV’s “Home Rules”

A young couple from Middletown, NJ had the opportunity to have their home renovated by a local contractor, Mark of Excellence through HGTV’s “Home Rules” television show. The Extreme re-model took place over a 4 day period watch and see the amount that was accomplished in 4 days, it was amazing. The family stayed with us at the Comfort Inn Middletown while they were filming the episode.  They have 4 very cute children and all 6 of them were a joy to have as guests.

We were excited to watch the episode which we thought (mistakenly) would be airing tonight.  Good thing there’s on-demand, so if you’re like us and missed it the original air date was Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 9:00pm.  We’ll post a re-run date if there is one.

Mark of Excellence has put together a great photo slide show of the project which you can view here.  If you are interested in contacting Mark of Excellence, visit their website www.MarkofExcellence.com.

We will post more details on our next family that is being filmed for now for a the show in a future post.

The Inn-Side Story – Meet Our Comfort Inn Hotel Family

The INN-Side Story is going to be a weekly post to the blog so you can meet our Comfort Inn Hotel Family here in Middletown, NJ. Our hotel has been owned and operated by the Pappas and Morris families since it opened it’s doors in 1962 as the Howard Johnson’s. Back at that time both the Howard Johnson Restaurant and Lodge were owned by the families.

The Howard Johnson Restaurant was leveled  and the Outback Steakhouse opened on August 4, 1998.  The Comfort Inn Middletown opened May 5, 2005. Renovations continued on the hotel throughout 2006 and into 2007. The grand re-opening ceremony was in September 2007. Two state of the art conference rooms were added, the breakfast rooms was upgraded, hotel rooms were updated and the facade was replaced among many other upgrades.

Spiro Pappas wins "Franchisee of the Year" award in 1998

Meet Our Principal Owner and General Manager Spiro Pappas:

Spiro has had a long history with both the Howard Johnson Restaurant and hotel. He started with the company on June 3, 1975 and as he says “May that day live in infamy.” He worked in the restaurant as a Chef and as the Assistant Manager of the hotel. In 1983 he married his beautiful wife and was promoted to hotel General Manager. He has had a very successful career and was named “Manager of the Year” with Howard Johnson for the first out 4 times in 1987. Between 1998 and 1990 he and his wife had a son and a daughter.

Spiro earned his Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) in 1995.   He served as the Chairman of the Franchise Board for Howard Johnsons from 1997-1998. Spiro is also very active in the community and in ’96 he was elected to the Parish Council at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. He served as the President from 2003-5 and Vice President 2009-10. He was the Vice President of CBA’s Alumni Association for 2007-8 and President 2009-10. He has also served as the VP of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association.

As the General Manager, Spiro is completely hands on in the day-to-day operations of the hotel. Most days you will find him answering the phone at the front desk, assisting housekeeping, or doing maintenance work on the grounds. He also enjoys entertaining guests with tales of the business and can be found having a cup of coffee with them in our breakfast room most mornings.  He is very dedicated to the hotel, his guests and employees.  Employee turnover is not an issue for him, many of his employees have worked him over ten years. He makes a special effort to treat them as individuals and recognize their unique talents.

Keep an eye out for future Inn-Side story posts.  I am going to try to highlight a person per week.  I am collecting stories, photos and memories to post here.  If you’ve had any experiences you would like to share I’d love to post them.  Please email us anything you would like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.  Feel free to leave you comments below as well.

The Comfort Inn Middletown – “It’s not where you sleep, it’s who you sleep with.”