B&B Incorporated: The perfect corporate retreat
While designing sessions and choosing a facilitator is key to a successful retreat, the location can be equally as important. Choosing a destination that offers a variety of distraction-free and stress-free options is critical.
Why not consider some good old southern hospitality in a town that feels like coming home to a vacation? New Bern offers scenic river views, walkable streets, friendly merchants and a beautiful historic downtown district. It also offers a nice selection of Bed & Breakfast Inns that cater to business travelers and company events.
As part of the retreat, or after a day of sessions, your team can enjoy any number of diversions within walking distance of the Inn. Group activities, recreation and tours can be scheduled and free time is great for dining, shopping, galleries or simply taking in the art and history that make New Bern such an interesting place to visit.
Take a moment to check out the incredible selection of Bed & Breakfast Inns open in Downtown New Bern.
The Jarvis at 222
Innkeepers Denise and Michael Gleason
220 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC
www.TheJarvisat220.com
(252) 631-1452
The Jarvis features spacious rooms, comfy king-size beds, modern bathrooms, and gourmet meals, but it also includes things that are more oriented to meetings, conferences and retreats. It has three living rooms (four if you count the one in the basement), dining areas that can double as meeting spaces, a large and customizable outdoor area, and proprietors who eagerly find ways to grant the wishes of companies looking for venues. Something they offer that specifically addresses corporate requirements: Most rooms are located on the second floor or higher. For some reason business travelers like that.
The Benjamin Ellis House Bed & Breakfast
Innkeepers Gretchen and Tracy Du Peza
215 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC
www.BenjaminEllisHouse.com
(252) 259-2311 or (252) 636-3810
The Benjamin Ellis House, formerly Harmony House Inn, offers an intimate and private setting for small meeting groups. It has an over-sized dining room which can accommodate up to 16 for meeting space. Additionally, there is a parlor which can seat up to 12 to 14 for informal meetings or social gatherings. The Inn can sleep up to 18 people. All rooms are individually decorated with private bathrooms, smart TVs, telephone and tablet charging, and most have work spaces. It has numerous spaces for relaxing or breakout sessions, including a reading nook, game table area, upstairs conversation area and full width front porch. They also provide 24-hour access to hot and cold beverages, snacks and homemade cookies. Additional meals or receptions can be provided for separate fees. Off street parking is available.
Aerie B&B
Innkeepers Keith & Dina Tholen
509 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28562
www.AerieNC.com
252-636-5553
The Aerie offers comfort, charm, and modern amenities along with the option to rent the entire space, which affords guests a relaxing area that is all their own. For small groups (up to 18) they provide rooms onsite, a meeting room with projector, Wifi, drinks (water, coffee, tea, soft drinks at no extra charge), and a comfortable breakout area. There are outdoor patio areas to enjoy, that include Wifi, which make for wonderful additional work spaces. Personalized concierge service — reservations for tours or restaurants – is available and catered meals in can be arranged. All guests enjoy a sit-down, gourmet breakfast and a wine social hour in the evening included with their room. Of course, the close-proximity to the historic downtown area and everything it has to offer is an added benefit.
Meadows Inn Bed & Breakfast
Innkeepers John & Betty Foy
212 Pollock Street, New Bern, North Carolina
www.MeadowsInn-NC.com
(252) 634-1776
At the Meadows Inn, having corporate retreats and/or small groups meeting has been part of the marketing plan since the Inn was renamed in 2000. According to the Innkeepers, even when the big groups come to New Bern, the corporate boards prefer the quieter B&B’s for their stays. The Meadows Inn offers a casual friendly setting where breakfast is just down the hall in the breakfast room and complimentary beverages, via a guest refrigerator, are always available. And, like the others, Meadows features walk-ability to everywhere downtown.
Captains Stay
Innkeepers Craig & Denise
718 Pollock Street, New Bern NC
www.TheCaptainsStay.com
(252) 288-5133
The Captains Stay offers old world charm with a coastal flair nestled in New Bern’s historic district. All the rooms are quite comfortable and located on the second floor of the Inn. Common areas include the living room, dining room, game room, patio/garden area and a large front porch. Complimentary beverages are available as well as chips and snacks. The game room contains a pool table, darts, chess, puzzles and board games. Special requests are gladly met whether it be fresh flowers, a chilled bottle of wine, chocolates or assistance with directions or reservations.
Hanna House
Innkeepers Joe & Camille Klotz
218 Pollock Street New Bern, NC
www.HannaHouseNC.net
(252) 635-3209
The Hanna House is a grand, historic B&B that is an ideal place to escape to a quiet environment that encourages relaxation. Unlike most Inns, you can choose from an extensive breakfast menu that will be served at your choice of times. There are a total of five guest rooms and the entire Inn can be reserved for meetings, retreats and special occasions. Concierge services include everything from floral arrangements, reservations and event tickets to in-room massages and a day spa.
When you’re ready to schedule your corporate retreat, annual conference or company event consider the beautiful waterfront setting of historic New Bern. For more details go to www.VisitNewBern.com, send us an email or call 252-637-9400.