Why Do You Want to Be an Innkeeper?

Even looking back, it is hard to pinpoint exactly why I originally wanted to be an innkeeper. I love people. Ok, most people. I love being creative and I love decorating. I love a challenge. But back then, when I was soaking in the tub with pencil and paper in hand, I can't imagine that I could put my finger on any of those. I just knew that I wanted to have a bed and breakfast.

Now you might be under the impression from my original post that I would never go back to operating a B&B. Not so. I currently am the general manager of a 21 unit condotel property on a barrier island in SE North Carolina that the staff and I strive to operate with the hospitality of a B&B.

So You Want to be an Innkeeper

For many years, I dreamed of operating a bed and breakfast. A quaint little home in a beautiful little downtown manageable by myself alone with 3-4 guest rooms and a little tea room for luncheons and special events. Dreaming and scheming, I would escape the kids by locking myself in the bathroom with a hot bath and pencil and paper. I would draw, design and take notes. Lace curtains here. Vintage china there. Fancy cookies and tea upon arrival. I clipped recipes. Saved magazine articles of bedroom designs that made me feel good, that I thought others would enjoy. Hospitality all around. I believed that this was all doable and that it would all be profitable. Be very careful what you wish for.