Are you looking for a place to stay when you visit Amish Country? A place that's not too expensive? A place close to all the shops in Berlin? A place that's really, really clean?
Well, I've found the perfect spot for you!
The Berlin Village Inn sits on the western edge of downtown Berlin. There are two buildings: the upper building was built 20 years ago, and the lower one, 15 years ago. Built on a hill overlooking the rolling hills of Holmes County, the business is owned by Willis and Elsie Mast and their daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Bob Habeger.
Deanna Rausch has been the manager of the inn for a year now, and is definitely its best cheerleader.
"I really enjoy being busy," Deanna said, "and this job certainly is just that. I enjoy the variety of tasks I get to do ... I even help the ladies clean! I just do a little bit of everything, and love every minute of it."
There are 22 rooms at the Berlin Village Inn. All rooms have amenities such as hair dryers, coffee pots and TVs, and the rooms in the upper building each have a refrigerator. Eighteen of the rooms have two double beds, two have a queen-size bed, and two have just one double bed. All rooms are simply decorated in the local Amish Country style.
"We dont have a lot of extras," Deanna said, "but we offer lower prices than most, and our rooms are just spotless -- that's our maids, for you. We do an annual cleaning that can't be beat. Our ladies even take toothbrushes and clean out the corners and edges in all the dresser drawers! I was amazed when I saw that the first time. We're constantly getting compliments from our guests about how spotless the rooms are. You know, that's very important to our guests."
A continental breakfast awaits the guests at the Berlin Village Inn each morning in the lobby. Doughnuts, fresh daily from nearby Kauffman's Country Bakery, along with bagels, toast, oatmeal and cold cereal, are available. An array of fresh fruit and beverages complete the breakfast. Guests may eat at the cozy table in the lobby, take their breakfast back to their rooms, or, during warm-weather months, eat out on the deck, overlooking the countryside.
Fall in general, and October in particular, is the busiest season for the Berlin Village Inn, according to Deanna.
"We start to get really busy when school is out in late May and early June," she said. "Summer is usually pretty steady, but it really gets busy as the leaves begin to turn."
The inn is within walking distance of most of the shops in downtown Berlin, however some guests choose to drive in a little closer. With parking at a premium, it may be simpler just to walk. That way, you can bring your packages back, take a little rest, and then go back and shop some more!
Deanna says the inn gets many repeat customers who have become like family over the years, known by the maids and staff on a first-name basis!
"We have a couple that spends a week here twice a year," she said, "once in the summer and once in the winter. They enjoy the winter trip because it's not so crowded in town and the country scenery is so pretty. But their summer trip is enjoyable, too, because they can walk around more here in town, and they enjoy seeing the Amish farmers out in their fields."
So if you are looking for a nice comfortable place to stay that's "spotless" and not too expensive, or you aren't looking for a swimming pool or Jacuzzi or other "pricey" extras, you'll find just the place at the Berlin Village Inn on your next trip to Amish Country. Let Deanna and her staff make your stay here the relaxing, memorable vacation you deserve.