This was a cute hotel with wonderful people that were at the front when we came and went. When we came to check in, we had to wait a bit and was wondering why there was no one to check us in. After staying there, we realzed that there was only one person for the hotel (Not many rooms, so that was not a concern). My suggestion is that when they need to leave the front, to put up a note saying just away from the desk, will be back at (estimated time). This may allieviate stress when trying to check in. Or a buzzer system letting them know that someone had a question or needed service from the front end.
However to stress, this was a cute and quaint place. I would go there again.