New Years Day in only 6 days!

That's right! New Years is only a short 7 days away. When you're traveling this year, be sure to get a safe and comfortable hotel room. Exeter, NH only a few short miles from Both Hampton Beach and Portsmouth, NH is the ideal spot!

www.marriott.com/psmex  Get yourself a room now, before you're stuck paying double the normal rates at a lower class, non marriott property!

Lunar Eclipse on the 21st!

This coming Tuesday, December 21st there will be the first Lunar Eclipse in nearly 7 years. What makes this one so special is that it's 100% visible from every single region in the United States! I don't know about you but I'm pretty excited for this. The moon will be a coppery red hue, and at approximately 3:17 AM, the Lunar Eclipse will be at its peak!

Frankly the parking lot at the Fairfield Inn and Suites will be the perfect viewing location for this. There are very few trees to obscure your vision and we'll even provide hot cocoa and coffee to all of those whom wish to participate! I'll be there myself!

So come on down, set up a reservation and join me! www.marriott.com/psmex

Let's hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling

Or however that song goes. But it is the season! Though you wouldn't know it with the tepid 40+ degree days here in cloudy old New Hampshire. We did have a light sprinkling of snow the other day though! But it barely even clouded up our windshields.

I think we need a good 3-5 feet like Buffalo, NY got the other day. Talk about a snow storm.

In the meantime, we all need to consider our holiday shopping. Personally, I'd like to see some more thought put into gifts this year. No more "As Seen on TV" items showing up under my tree Santa. Thanks. What about a weekend away at a nice hotel? That's what I'd give someone. All inclusive, give them a gift of relaxation. We have HBO, Movie Channels, and the most ridiculously comfortable beds this side of Interstate 95.

www.marriott.com/psmex

And while you're at it, check out our parent company, Maine Course Hospitality Group. http://www.mchg.com/ 

There are many other hotel options to choose from, all over NH and Maine.

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

It's this time of year when we all start thinking about the Holiday Season and Holiday Shopping. No, this doesn't mean it's ok to turn on the Holiday music. Unless you're the Christmas Tree Shops, then it's kind of mandatory. But irregardless.

This year, give the gift of freedom. Personal freedom, for a weekend, for a mid day week, for anytime. I'm talking about a Hotel Stay. Who wouldn't want a free 1 or 2 nights stay on Christmas morning? You can pack up the kids, bring a friend, or maybe that special someone? Take a quick get-a-way. Stay in bed all day eating Haagen Daas Ice Cream and Oreos. Watch HBO or one of the other movie channels we have. Bring videogames and plug right into our TVs. Do whatever you want, so long as you put that Do Not Disturb sign up, you can stay in there all day!

This year, give the gift of freedom. Freedom isn't free, but the joy in knowing you're giving someone a weekend away from life in general is priceless.

www.marriott.com/psmex

Today is Election Day 2010!

Today is Election Day, November 2nd 2010. I won't go on here and spout off my own political views, but just remember that this is the time where the popular vote matters! (No electoral college here). We here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH encourage everyone to vote and stand up for what they believe in.

Also, coming up in a few short weeks is Thanksgiving! I'll be sharing with you all some of my favorite Holiday Food Recipes, including a new favorite, Eggnog + Baileys. Rumor has it, that it's one of the legitimate favorite drinks of our Management Team here. Stay tuned for more details!

Hampton Inn and Suites Rockland/Thomaston, ME!

One of the newer additions to our Hotel Management Family is the Hampton Inn and Suites in Rockland/Thomaston Maine. While they're not a Marriott Property, the Hilton's are still alright. We invite you to check out their new Facebook Page and become a fan of it.

That way you can keep up to date on the happenings around town!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomaston-ME/Hampton-Inn-Suites-RocklandThomaston-Maine/160893747268238?v=app_2373072738#!/pages/Thomaston-ME/Hampton-Inn-Suites-RocklandThomaston-Maine/160893747268238?v=wall


Click that link there and you'll be all set!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Topsfield Fair is in town!

Ok, so it's not exactly "in" Exeter, but it is just a short 30 minute drive away in Topsfield, MA. By staying up here in Exeter you get to avoid all of the hassles associated with America's Largest and Oldest Agricultural Fair. You get to avoid the horrid traffic coming from Boston on 95 North and you get to avoid the horrid traffic just south of Topsfield going back into Boston. You simply hop onto the highway(which is a short 2 miles from our hotel), head into the fairgrounds and then reverse it for the opposite direction to come home! Plus with the Fair taking place down there, all the hotel prices are likely out of proportion too. Why pay $250-$300/night at a Hotel when its half of that here ?

http://www.topsfieldfair.org/

I suggest taking a look at what they have, I would personally like to see the over 250+ Beekeeping exhibits being shown there, the largest collection of bees, honey and honey related products in the entire USA!

Looking for a fun family activity? Look no further!

We here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH would like you to stop on by and set up your reservation here so that on your next weekend get-a-way you can check out the infamous Corn Maze at Coppal House Farm in Lee, NH. Just a short 14 mile drive away and very convienently located too!

Bring a flashlight (we have plenty available for your  use at the Front Desk) and spend an evening exploring a huge corn maze followed by a large bonfire, home made donuts and hot fresh cider!

The Holy Grail has been found!

Well...not really. But the restaurant and pub has been! Our very own Chief Inspiration Officer, Sean Riley visited this establishment a few weeks back and sent us the pictures, I was just too busy posting about other events to get it settled and put in here! So here it is now.

http://www.theholygrailpub.com/



They offer a very diverse beer selection and they used to be a church ! Guess it's appropriate given it was empty and without a congregation. Though its congregation now is a bit different, though equally happy thanks to said beer selection!

I too have been to this famed place, and yes, it's that good. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is great for either a family or a group of friends just having a few drinks. (Yes a few, why stop at one?)

National Hunting and Fishing Day, A family affair!

That's right. In just 2 short weeks the National Hunting and Fishing day extravaganza will be taking place at the Sig Sauer Academy in Epping, NH. This Fun filled family day takes place on Saturday September 25th from 10 AM till about 3:00 PM. There are live demonstrations, libations and of course a fishing pond filled with Large Mouth bass, no license required! So come on down, spend the day with the wife, the husband, the kids and the entire family and have yourselves a fun filled day sponsored by the good folks over at Sig Sauer.

http://www.sigsaueracademy.com/ for more information!

Pick your own fruit? Why I don't mind if I do!

That's right, its Fruit Picking Season. I find late summer/early fall to be the best time of year to get this done for a few reasons. One, the crowds won't be as intense as Early Summer Strawberry or Raspberry picking. Two, the weather is easily bearable. And Three, its a great thing to do and spend an afternoon with either friends or family, or both!

I'd reccomend checking out Applecrest Orchard and Farm.

http://www.applecrest.com/ 

They also have Cider Donuts every morning. Made fresh, and apple cider. Nothing in life is better than Hot Apple Cider with a freshly made Cider Donut. Try it, even if you're not a huge sweets person, you'll thank me. If you don't love the combo, let me know and your Donut is on me!

When I was a boy, we didn't have spongebob

But we did have Rugrats and Rocko's Modern Life. Talking babies and talking wallaby's were always more entertaining to me than a talking sponge who wears pants and lives in the ocean. But I won't lie to you, I do have Spongebob Singing "The Best Time to wear a Striped Sweater" song on my phone, as a ringtone for certain individuals. And I'm 27!


Now a days, with the support and help from Nickolodeon Studios, including Television Characters into everyday life is becoming more and more omnipotent. So much so that it seems like it's everywhere! So check this little advertisement out and book your stay now. We're more than happy to have your little ones running around and we'll do our best to accomodate everyone, with local attractions, huge playgrounds and plenty of family fun for all.

Nick Your Stay! Click here!

Who lives in a Pineapple Under the sea?

Aborbent and yellow and porous is he! Spongebob Squarepants! Marriott International has now partnered with Nickelodeon Studios for a new promotion at Hotels across the country. This promotion, called the "Nick your stay" package, features additional items added to each guest room themed with none other than Spongebob himself!

We encourage you to explore these options and set up your reservation today, we have rooms available all next week and plenty of availability for the summer and early fall! www.marriott.com/psmex

For additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Hotel directly by calling 603-772-7411. Ask to speak with the Front Desk and we'll be sure to accomodate you and answer any questions. You might even get a chance to talk to the guy who writes all these fantastic blogs!

Exciting July Events!

Well the 4th of July has come and gone and here we are approaching another sweltering and humid weekend. Yes, sweltering and humid have similar names but once you live in New England you'll understand the necessity for both adjectives.

Personally, I had a fantastic 4th of July Weekend. The hotel was booked solid and we had guests from all over the world staying here! Being the closest hotel to the Beach has its benefits too. Not including the 200 hotels on the beach that are sold out every weekend. We're always available and have plenty of cool and Air Conditioned rooms available so check us out before you make that reserveration elsewhere. We're just a short 6 miles from the beach too!

www.marriott.com/psmex

Also....The Annual Stratham Fair is coming up in a few weeks and we urge you all to make your room reservation now. We'll be filling up so make sure to get your room reservation as soon as possible. From there we're just a short 2-3 mile drive and you're at the fair in less than 5 minutes! Keep checking here for information on the fair. We may even be able to score some tickets too!

Exeter High School, my alma mater. Or however that expression goes, it is just a year under a decade that I graduated from you and moved on into the great blue yonder that is this world. You may be just graduating and moving on to college, the military or the civilian lifestyle, but before you know it, you too will be forced with the prospect of your 10 year high school reunion.

So enjoy it while you can, and hope that by the time your 10 Year Reunion rolls around, you'll have a sweet Porsche or BMW you can drive to said event and impress everyone from your highschool. That's what I'll be doing, renting a porsche. Nobody has to know I don't own it....and if the rental plates are from a different state, tell them you own a condo or house in that area. You'll be the king of the reunion! Now just so we're clear, it is never ok to rent, drive, or own a 4 door porsche. If it's an SUV (the Cayenne) that's one thing, but that new 4 door sedan they have is an abomination. So do yourself a favor when your reunion comes around, don't rent the 4 door Porsche Sedan. You'd hate to ruin your grand entrance with a travesty on 4 wheels.

Also, don't bother telling people you invented the Post-It. We've all seen the movie, we know you didn't do it. If you're going to lie about your profession make it something that's easily backed up. Investment banker, trust fund kid, Podiatrist. The easy stuff. If you say podiatrist get ready to look at some feet.

But I digress. It's the time for Celebration and Libation. Congratulations Exeter High School graduates. May the next 10 years of your life bring you happiness, success, and new friends and experiences.

Congratulations to the Local Exeter area graduates!

This weekend marks the Phillips Exeter Academy Graduation for the class of 2010! Soon to follow will be the Exeter High School Graduation. We here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH would like to formally congratulate all of you on your hard work, dedication, and committment to success. We wish you all the best in life after highschool, whether it be Military, College, Peace Corps or straight to the work force!

Look at it this way, the best is yet to come. And as the fortune cookie that came with my chinese food tonight says "It is better to be the beak of a hen than the tail of an ox."

Happy Memorial Day!

This is a big Happy Memorial Day to all you armed services individuals out there. From the Exeter Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott we want to thank you for all you do. Both active and inactive duty. I certainly couldn't do it, but you can, and we genuinely appreciate you!

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Weekend is almost here!

I don't know about you, but man am I glad for all these National Holidays and Special Event weekends! Were we a country bed and breakfast out in the middle of North Dakota, I wouldn't have anything to blog about, except green pastures and the mountains.

But being that we're in a bustling Seacoast Town with all sorts of festivals, holidays and activity going on, there's always something new to discuss!

This coming weekend is the ever anticipated Memorial Day. This is the time of year that most folks open their pools for the summer season, put their boat into the water, and fire up their kegerators to get ready for a good old fashioned shindig. Me, I work! But that's the life in the Hotel Business, and on the plus side, I get to meet all sorts of interesting people from all over the world. You could say we're a small version of the United Nations, right here in Exeter, NH!

All this being said, you should consider making a reservation with us this coming weekend. Our rates are very reasonable and despite the sweltering heat outside, it's a cool 70 degrees inside. Which to be fair, I'm quite thankful for given this shirt and tie get-up I'm sporting.

So visit us online or stop by our hotel!

www.marriott.com/psmex

New Front Desk Agent here at The Hotel!

This week I thought I would bring about a nice change of pace by introducing the latest (and dare I say greatest) addition to our Front Desk Team here at The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH.

This lovely flower goes by the name of Morgan and you can find her here most evenings of the week and sometimes on the weekend too! She's got a very diversified background and brings a fun level of professionalism and candor to the team. Not only that, she's an absolute laugh riot too!

In only a few weeks time she's mastered our finicky computer system too! Heck it too me about 2 months to get it all down pat and I look like a computer nerd. She did it in less than 14 days. She's more than happy to help out and always has a smile on her face.

We're lucky to have her here with us and we look forward to growing with her too!

Happy Mothers Day!

Mother's Day is here in just 3 more days! I'll be working Sadly, but I do have some flowers en route to mom for her special day...and let me tell you; I avoided the whole roses and carnations scenario. First off, Roses say I love You...and while I do love my Mom, it's not something I find to be appropriate. Secondly, Carnations say "I'm too cheap to get you decent flowers". So this year I went with a tropical bouquet including a few Bird of Paradise flowers and some Purple Lilly's. There's a few other blue and greenish flowers in there too, and let me tell you, it is fantastic. Hell, I'd like to get a bouquet like that!

So this Mother's Day, don't forget to tell your Mom that you love her, you miss her, or that she means something to you.

From all of us here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH....Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there!

Mother's Day is fast approaching!

That's right everyone, Mother's Day is just around the corner. This year, the Holiday Takes place on Sunday May 9, 2010. What better gift than a nice relaxing weekend stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter NH with our heated pool and complimentary breakfast ?

Visit us online Exeter Fairfield Inn and Suites and set up your reservation today. Book within the next 5 days and mention this blog or our facebook to the Front Desk and receive a special in room gift and a fantastic discount too! **Certain restrictions apply, see Hotel Staff for questions**

Now before you go and book that room, make sure you have an actual tangible present for your Mom this Mother's Day. If she's anything like my mom, and I'm willing to bet she is, you're going to either need something Shiny, or something that smells Nice. Whatever you do, don't get your Mom clothes. If it's too big she'll think you're calling her fat. If it's too small she'll think you don't even know her. Gift certificates are a great way of saying "I don't care about you enough to put thought into a gift, so here's 50 bucks to your favorite store".  Get her flowers, roses or tulips or something fancier, like Bird of Paradise.

Regarding Perfume, all women like Liz Clairbone scents. They're flowery, not too strong and they come in fancy little bottles. Just make sure you avoid any scents that remind you of Church. Nobody wants their mom to walk around smelling like Frankinscense or Myrr. (3 Kings of Orient Far anyone?)

That all being said, make sure you get her a card too. Moms are women (Generally speaking of course, it is 2010). And women as a whole enjoy the sentimental attachment to gifts. Spend 5 to 10 minutes in Hallmark, get a nice card that says "I love you" or "You're the best Mom I've ever had" or one of those cards with the music in it. But if it has music in it, only listen to it once at the Hallmark Store...otherwise you're going to annoy the rest of the shoppers around you.

Is it Soccer Season already?

With so many soccer teams and schools in the Hotel this weekend you'd think it was fall or late summer! But Soccer Starts early for most schools now a days and we here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH are glad to have them stay with us!

You couldn't ask for a nicer group of people, and being a former soccer player of no small skill myself, I can appreciate their dedication and committment to something they love. So if you and your family are considering spending a weekend up here to watch a family members game or attend a tournament, consider us first for your hotel lodging needs! We're nearly brand new at just under 8 months old, we have a heated indoor swimming pool and a 24 hour fitness center as well. Don't forget the complimentary deluxe contintenal breakfast we have every morning! Perfect to fuel up before the big game!

Visit us online at www.marriott.com/psmex and set up your reservation today!

Our Deepest Condolences to the People of Poland

In these darkest of times we here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH would like to offer our condolences to both the people of Poland and the families of those from Poland who suffered such a tragic loss this past weekend. You'll be in our minds, our hearts, and our prayers.

Happy Easter!

Easter is fast upon us and just a few short days away! The weather is fantastic and what better way to celebrate the Holiday and the season with some outdoor games, grilling and good times!

We're having our very own Easter Egg hunt here in the Hotel, one lucky winner will get a significant discount coupon for their next return stay, usable during any time period! No blackout dates! See the Front Desk for Details. The Eggs will be hidden in the common areas of the Hotel, but the Hunt is only available to Hotel Guests with a current reservation.

The weather is finally turning around and it's expected to be in the mid 70's this weekend! So get on out there and have some fun, and don't forget to stop on by and stay with us!

March Madness Riddle Trivia!

While the outside may be frightful, the people inside are delightful! Inside the Fairfield Inn and Suites right here in Exeter, NH that is!

This month, in honor of April Fools Day coming up, April 1st, we are offering a very special rate for those of you who can properly answer this riddle! The rate is available only upon checkin and mentioning this blog, but I assure you, it's fantastic!

What is weightless, can be seen by the naked eye, and when put in a barrel, makes it lighter ?


Please reply with your answer in the comments section of this blog and we'll be sure to keep track of all the right answers! The answer to this riddle will be featured in next week's blog! And by next week, I mean the end of this coming week.

Visit us on the web and make a reservation today, and don't forget to mention this blog upon checkin for special rates and promotions! www.marriott.com/psmex

Spring hath sprung, so let's Spring Ahead in Time too!

It's that time of the year again everyone! Spring is on it's way! The Groundhog inevitably failed us, but what can we do, he's just a small mammal with no true psychic abilities anyways.

Spring However, is on it's way! Which means it's time to set those clocks ahead 1 hour this coming Sunday around 3:00 AM. That's 3:00 AM Sunday, or you can look at it from the mindset I share which is really late Saturday evening. Don't forget!

This means the sun will be staying out longer, no more 5:00 PM sunsets, and no more 7 AM Sunrises!

Come on down to and help celebrate this momentous occasion with all of us at The Exeter Fairfield Inn and Suties by Marriott in Exeter, NH.

Also, if you happen to be reading this blog, you should head on over to http://www.mchg.com/blog/index.html and Check out the Blog of our Company COO Sean Riley. He may be the Chief Operations Officer to most people, but to me, he's our Chief Inspiration Officer or CIO for short. He's been with our company for 20 years this year and he deserves some extra special comments of congratulations on his blog!

Feeling Hungry ? Needing a drink or two after a hard day at the office?

Well if either of those sound like you during this up and down weather combined with the Hustle and Bustle of every day life, I suggest taking a trip right into downtown historic Exeter, NH!
Well the weather is finally taking a turn for the better and what better time of year to experience all that Exeter, NH has to offer! Multiple shops, clothing stores, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and gift shops ! Trends Gift Gallery is a great place for greeting cards, NH Made Items and T-Shirts and many other great gifts!

If you happen to fancy yourself a bite to eat, I reccomend checking out The Green Bean right in Downtown Exeter! They have a lovely outdoor patio area for those warmer weather days and multiple soup and sandwich combos, not to mention a killer chinese chicken salad!

Care for a drink and maybe a more casual atmosphere ? Check out 11 Water Street! (http://www.11waterstreet.com/ ) Very reasonably priced menu and a fantastic group of people working there.

All of this information can be found on our own local Chamber of Commerce Website. http://www.exeterarea.org/

Thanks and keep at it, the weather is getting better and better every day!

Rain rain go away!

It’s Saturday February 27th 2010 and we are busy as ever! Several local sports teams are in the area for a multitude of Regional Tournaments and Events. There is the Regional Hockey Tournament taking place at the Rinks at Exeter


( http://www.therinksatexeter.com/ ).



The weather may be dismal, but it’s warm and friendly on the inside of our Brand New Hotel! The pool is heated to a nice 84 degrees and there is always coffee and hot cocoa ready to be had!

Going Green!

What's new at Fairfield Inn & Suites Exeter, you might ask?
Well, we are officially going green!  All along we have already had top notch programs in place includeing the ozone laundry system, saline pool, CFL lightbulbs and guest linen re-use.  Today we added the option of recycling to all our guest rooms.  This request for recycling came from our guests themselves who have a genuine concern for reducing their carbon footprint.  Well ask and you shall receive!  The Exeter Fairfield Inn & Suites is proud to take this next step in becoming an Environmental Leader!

I'm Alissa and I look forward to hosting you soon!

New MCHG Hotel In the works in Hanover, NH!

Visit http://sixsouth.com/ today and take a look at the progress being made on the newest addition to the Maine Course Hospitality Group Family. Our very own Boutique Hotel right in Downtown Hanover, NH. Just minutes away from the esteemed Dartmouth University!

The new Hotel will offer state of the art design and top notch eco-friendly technology. It is one of the first Hotel's of it's kind to have Geo-Thermal Heating for the Hot Water System. Basically this technology takes heat from beneath the Earth's Surface and uses it to heat Water...thus greatly reducing the need for conventional means of hot water heating. And being that the Center of the Earth is molten Lava and the rest of the earth is consistently warm, there is never going to be a reduction or loss in available hot water!

We applaud this level of ingenuity and dedication by our parent company, MCHG, in working towards becoming and staying a Green Company.

Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce After Hours Party!

Join us Thursday January 28th for the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce After Hours Party here at the Exeter Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH. The event is an evening get together with an anticipated start time of 5:30 PM. Come early and take a tour or show up fashionably late for some drinks, food and conversation! There will be door prizes, local business owners and many of the people from the surrounding communities.

In addition to that please keep checking back here for exclusive only offers and promotions. Including an exciting new promotion we're working out for guests who stay here just to celebrate a Birthday! Special Birthday Rates (With valid ID) and we're even working with a local Bakery to provide a custom made Cake for your special day!

Please visit us on the web at www.marriott.com/psmex or give us a call to book your reservation at 603-772-7411.

When it's cold outside...I've got the Month of May

The new year and new decade is quickly on it's way as we're already 9 days into January in 2010. We here at the Exeter Fairfield Inn and Suites would like to invite you to check out some of our sister properties.

Specifically our Towne Place Suites up in Gilford, NH. The Team up there are truely dedicated to provoding the best level of guest care and the Hotel itself is brand new too! They're minutes away from several Popular Ski Destinations and their rates are not only affordable, but downright exciting!

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mhtgf-towneplace-suites-gilford/  Check it out there to book a room or find more information about the hotel!


In addition, should you find yourself lacking inspiration or down on a wintery day...please check our our CIO's Blog (CIO stands for Chief Inspiration Officer). Sean Riley is his name and you can find his writings, ramblings and often prophetic truths here :    http://www.mchg.com/blog/index.html