So - You Want to Be an Innkeeper (Paperback)

~ Jo Ann M. Bell (Author), Susan Brown (Author), Mary Davies (Author), Pat Hardy (Author), Mary E. Davies (Author) "Country inns, bed-and-breakfasts, guest houses-it's getting downright complicated to choose an escape to a simpler era..." (more)
Key Phrases: interim innkeeper, property evaluation worksheet, trains kitchen personnel, Industry Study, United States, Disabilities Act (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With over 70,000 copies sold, this must-have guide has proven itself the best and most reliable source of information for aspiring innkeepers. Highly recommended by both the American Bed and Breakfast Association and the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, it presents the facts from the insiders on how to start, operate, and promote a successful establishment. Now completely revised and updated, So - You Want to Be an Innkeeper also includes new information on cottages, luxury properties, and spa services - a reflection of recent trends in innkeeping. Charts and worksheets for financial planning, property evaluation, and cash flow projection keep potential innkeepers' feet planted firmly on the ground. For anyone who has ever dreamed of opening their own cozy little B&B, here is the inn-side scoop from those who've been there.

About the Author

Mary E. Davies, Pat Hardy, Jo Ann M. Bell, and Susan Brown have all run successful bed and breakfast inns. Mary lives in Port Townsend, Washington, Pat and Jo Ann in Santa Barbara, and Susan in San Diego.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 4th edition (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811841103
• ISBN-13: 978-0811841108
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #198,297 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overall how-to, September 25, 2007

By	Cris Crosse (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This is a very concise, well-organized overview of what it takes to run a successful inn. I really liked that it also includes a no-varnish look at the downsides to this business. Well put together and full of useful information, especially the financial data and analysis.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read for aspiring innkeepers, though dated, July 9, 2007

By	S. Soule (Riverside, CT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a must-read for aspiring innkeepings, written by leaders in the industry, with a good balance of experiences. When reading, bear in mind that it was written before the Internet became the prime source of reservations for innkeepers, so all the computer related marketing and operations info is not current.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best How-to Book Available for Aspiring Innkeepers, February 4, 2009

By	Michele Cozzens "www.michelecozzens.com" (Cloud 8) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first read an edition of this this wonderful book some 17 years ago while planning to become an innkeeper. Now that I am a successful innkeeper, I continue to refer to it and refer others to it as well. I remain incredibly grateful to the authors, and credit the information learned in this book as a reason for our success. It helped us ask the right questions, particularly about whether or not we had the personalities to make it in this diffficult business. Also, it was invaluable in creating our business plan. Don't open a B & B before reading this.

Michele Cozzens is the author of I'm Living Your Dream Life: The Story of a Northwoods Resort Owner.