The One Thing You Didn’t Know About Kitchen Kettle Village

There is a secret Kitchen Kettle Village has that not many people know. But I’ll give you a hint: I know it. Part of that secret is just how special an early morning is in the Village. Before the shops open and the lights begin to glow in the shop windows, a gentle hum of new-day excitement fills the air. The quiet strumming of bluegrass plays softly as I walk down the main thoroughfare, greeted by the occasional team member passing my way.

Around the middle of the Village something stops me mid-walk: the Village’s biggest secret is now laid out in full view for everyone to see. And seeing as KKV has let its visitors in on it, I’ll let you in on it too. (above image credit: Kitchen Kettle Village)

The Inn & Suites at Kitchen Kettle Village

The Inn is really special. It’s not just that its twenty rooms are hidden throughout the Village – each unique and beautifully appointed. It’s not that each guest gets complimentary breakfast (lunch in the winter) at the upgraded Harvest Cafe. It’s not even that you get stellar service from each team member, both at the Inn and throughout the Village. For me, it’s special because it’s where I got my start in the hospitality world. The Inn is my inn. I poured so much of my love and energy into upholding and extending the 5-star status achieved by those who went before me. And even after stepping away to take some time to be a full time mom, I still love to come back and see it – which I had the pleasure of doing this week on a bright wintery day.

The (new-to-me) sign of the Inn & Suites is painted a serene type of blue, evoking a sense of calm amidst a busy Village day. I walked inside and was greeted warmly by Halle Woodall the Lodging Director. Having been here for about 4 years, she’s seen the seasons play out at the Inn enough to bring not just information, but the stories behind these 20 hidden rooms.

“There are so many different hotels and bed and breakfasts in Lancaster County. But I think it’s so special how many guests truly feel like this is a home away from home. We have some guests who will visit us every three weeks just to get a break from normal life.”

I nod in agreement recalling how many frequent, long-time guests I had met. Halle smiles as she recounts how things have changed in the Village over the last few years. Expansion, new additions, and new multi-bedroom suites for families. We walk toward one of the newer suites, the Benjamin House, to take a look. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite feels like a breath of fresh air. Where cool colors meet warm farmhouse decor, the Benjamin House is big enough to spread out (living room and kitchenette included) without losing any of its cozy charm.

“One of the best reviews is not the cleanliness of the room – although we always get amazing feedback on how clean the rooms are- or, you know, shops we have at Kitchen Kettle Village, but it’s the hospitality that they feel throughout all of our shops including our lodging team.” Halle goes on in earnest about the way Kitchen Kettle works : Everything is about the guest. How can we serve the guest better? How can we make the experience better? How can we delight and surprise the guest? All of the employees from the leaders down to the newbie are brought into the ethos of Kitchen Kettle – finding ways to help the guests and doing so with true kindness.

Continuing our tour, we explore several suites and Halle lets me in on her personal favorite. “The Village Overlook! It’s one of our one-bedroom suites, but it has this beautiful balcony that overlooks the Village. I love the fact that our guests can just sit up there and people watch on a busy day. It’s almost like you’re in your own little world as you get to watch other people walk around Kitchen Kettle Village. It’s just so peaceful because Kitchen Kettle is such a happy place and you get to see that from an outside point of view. So, I love, love, love that room!”

And this is where Halle and I geek out just a little about how lucky guests are to have after-hours access to the Village. Yes, the stores are closed – but the charm is not. The Village is set against the backdrop of beautiful farmland, and many long-time guests know that after hours walking to the edge of the parking lot right by the fields has the most beautiful views of the countryside and lots of seating to enjoy them from. A sunset or sunrise in that big sky is a little piece of heaven.

As we finish up our tour, we stop by the Roasted Rooster to grab one of their specialty drinks. I choose Lavender Chai because in this wintery weather, I love little hints of springs here and there. And sure enough, the barista makes a perfect iced chai – even allowing me to take a pic or two. We stroll the brick lined street and pass by the windows of shops beginning to glow as the new day begins.

Why Guests Love Kitchen Kettle Village

Knowing just how intense the Innkeeper role can be, I ask Halle about her ‘why’- what makes her show up each day to the job she loves.

“I think in any job in hospitality, there’s ups and downs, there’s good days and there’s bad days. And lodging is 24/7. We’re always moving. But I So a big skill that I have learned is to know that these guests are on vacation. So, whatever we can do to make their stay the best, we will do. Whether that is switching rooms or adding fun accommodations for them or whatever it is…we’re here to do that. Our team all throughout the Village has that mentality of, ‘You guys are on vacation. You’re enjoying Kitchen Kettle Village. We are here for you, and we’ll do whatever we can to make your stay the best in Lancaster County.‘”

What I hear from Halle is really what makes Kitchen Kettle so magical – and keeps guests coming back year after year. You walk into the Village and walk into another world. One where things are a little more peaceful and the people are a little more friendly – and they mean it. In her own words, Halle has a message for those who have never been here before “Come experience Kitchen Kettle Village! We are such an amazing place where you can have a whole vacation on one property. You’ve got your shops, restaurants, and your beautiful lodging room all in one. So come see us, come say hi.“ I couldn’t agree more. I hope everyone gets the chance to experience that KKV magic at least once. And now, you know exactly where to stay.