LIFESTYLES “ Hospitality at its best”
Published in The Local paper Yukon News, By Darrell Hookey

Here’s another reason for tourists to stay one more day: The third best bed and breakfast establishment in North America is right here in Whitehorse .

Arrington’s Bed and Breakfast Journal has put the Midnight Sun Bed and Breakfast into its 2003 book of lists.

This magazine is sure to be in the faces of RVers next year as they plan stops along their way to Alaska .

For those who crave the family-oriented service and personalities of bed and breakfasts, as opposed the warehousing effect of large hotel chains, Whitehorse will automatically become a desired location.

"Best in Canada " says the framed document hung proudly on the wall of the local B&B. More so proudly because bed and breakfasts are "extreme hospitality."

Guests actually live with the proprietors and their families. They eat meals with them. They become part of the family.

So, how one become the best in such a demanding field? It’s in Farshid Amirtabar’s blood.

He is Persian, an ancestry that has made hospitality a part of its culture.

"It doesn’t matter what your religion," says Amirtabar. "Doors are always open."

It helps that his wife, Del , is a naturally gracious lady who is a full partner in this "lifestyle."

Even their two sons get into the act, taking guests on tours of the town and even giving up their bedrooms when a frequent guest can’t stand the idea of staying in a hotel because their four rooms are full.

Looking at comments left behind in a guest book, words pop out at you -- family, graciously, superior and kindness -- that explain how Arrington’s chose them.

Stephanie Smith, managing editor of the B&B magazine, says no "spies" were sent to check up on the Amirtabar family. Instead, it relied on feedback from its readers.

She says Midnight Sun can expect more reservations from its exposure in the pages of Arrington’s.

Farshid says the business is already busy. They are booked solid until the middle of November, which is supposed to be a slow month.

But he is happy not just for his family, but for Whitehorse as well. Regardless of who is recognized, this kind of award will bring visitors to Whitehorse .

Besides the friendliness to be found at Midnight Sun, there are a lot of nice touches in its construction just three years ago.

The stairway is extra wide so luggage won’t be bounced off the walls. Motion detectors are attached to lights to assist late-night wanderers. And the rooms are sound proofed with R-20 Plus construction.

Then there is each of the rooms decorated for a particular theme.

The Egyptian and Persian Rooms have art on the walls from Farshid and Del ’s cultures.

The Victorian room is pink and trimmed with roses while the Yukon Room has pine furniture and Jim Robb prints.

And, to make the Yukon Room just a little more special, there is a bar fridge because "Yukoners like their drinks," says Farshid, a wink in his voice.

But, if the Amirtabars like to give more service than is expected, then so does their house.

Upstairs at Midnight Sun, at the end of the hall, is a living room/dining room/kitchenette.

It is unusual for a bed and breakfast to offer more than just the room and a seat at the breakfast table.

In this room, guests can meet at the end of a long day working or sightseeing. There are books and games for relaxing and a 32-inch television facing the couches.

Behind folding doors is a coin-operated laundry pair. In the kitchen are dishes, utensils and a fridge stocked nightly with snacks

In spite of all the extras, the American Automobile Association is holding back its fourth diamond rating until they offer in-room breakfast.

Del and Farshid exchange a look across the table as if they are reassuring each other of their resolve. They explain that their guests like to eat breakfast in the main dining room.

They like to visit with their hosts and they like to visit with their fellow guests.

The AAA inspector came a couple of times in disguise. She was looking for full-length mirrors in each room, smoke detectors, approved pillow and mattress protectors and a tri-light lamp on both sides of the bed.

She even looked for dust on top of the picture frames.

Also being withheld is a fifth star from Canada Select. For that they would need to have a hot tub or Jacuzzi in one of the rooms.

So, they can keep their stars and diamonds. The important thing is that both of these organizations have lots of nice things to say about Midnight Sun.

And, obviously, so do their guests: "So and so said, ‘You must stay here’," is what the Amirtabars have been hearing from new guests.

When they leave, says Farshid, "I just want to see happy faces. "

By Darrell Hookey (News correspondent)