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University Guest House changes hands by Cindy Abole Public Relations For years, visitors to Charleston have been drawn to the city’s rich cultural history, friendliness of people and beauty.    At MUSC’s campus, visitors and guests have enjoyed the charms and convenience of the nearby University Guest House while conducting business or visiting with family and friends at the medical center. Now MUSC visitors can continue to enjoy that sample of Lowcountry hospitality and more thanks to recent operational changes and partnership with the nearby Ashley Inn and Cannonboro Inn.   Cannonboro Inn innkeepers Diane Mott and Barry Carroll display an information shingle at the University Guest House. To make reservations, call 723-8572. The change places the guest house in the experienced hands of Charleston innkeeper Barry Carroll and his team, proprietor of both historic establishments located adjacent to MUSC’s main campus. The Cannonboro Inn will be responsible for coordinating reservations, check-in, guest relations and daily operations of the University Guest House  located on Ashley Avenue. MUSC will continue to provide parking and safety support.   “We’re excited at the opportunity to work with the institution and the MUSC Foundation in this effort,” said Carroll, a Chicago businessman who relocated to Charleston in 2002 to fulfill his dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast establishment. “We see our role as a natural extension of what MUSC has always provided in the past, comfort and convenience for their guests. We want to supplement that with new choices and our own personal touch and gracious service.”      The MUSC rate for affiliated guests is $99 per night, plus tax. The rate includes an upgraded continental breakfast for guests and concierge service. All reservations will be conducted directly between the Cannonboro Inn and university departments. Reservations made prior to Nov. 19 at the previous lodging rate will be honored.   With rising insurance and property costs and operating on little overhead, the move for the MUSC Foundation to partner with a professional innkeeper-owner to run the guest house seemed inevitable, according to John Runyon, MUSC Business Services director.       Carroll, who is a member of the S.C. Bed & Breakfast Association and is on the board of the Charleston Bed & Breakfast Association as well as the Charleston Hotel Motel Association, has successfully managed the historic Cannonboro Inn, and equally successful Ashley Inn for six years. Official turnover of services began Nov. 6.   Built around 1850, the guest house features three guest rooms, each named in honor of an MUSC friend or faculty member; a library/living room, kitchen, utility and linen closet, storage room and parking on the premises. The facilities received a face-lift in 1984.      “This is a wonderful agreement between MUSC and a professional bed and breakfast business,” said Runyon. “The University Guest House’s furnishings and ambiance is certainly comparable to other historic B&B establishments in the city. University guests and visitors can look forward to a comfortable stay and enjoy a level of service and support that’s expected at this facility.”   Carroll can be more flexible when it comes to accommodating guests staying at either the Ashley or Cannonboro inns as well as the guest house. When Carroll’s facilities are at capacity, he can offer additional rooms at the house. And the same plan can be applied whenever the guest house is full.   To make reservations for the University Guest House, call 723-8572.     Friday, Nov. 16, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.