So -- You Want to be an Innkeeper: The Definitive Guide to Operating a Successful Bed and Breakfast Inn Third Edition, Revised and Expanded

By Mary Davies

Book Overview

This long-awaited new edition of a bestseller has been completely updated for the '90s and includes a new chapter on dinner service. The ultimate resource for innkeeping, it contains savvy insider information on how to start, operate, and promote a successful establishment. With substantial revisions and expanded scope, So-You Want to Be an Innkeeper is the essential guide for anyone who dreams of entering this lucrative and enjoyable profession.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 081181226X
• ISBN13: 9780811812269
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (CA)
• Length: 319 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

On my shelf for 10 years

I read this wonderful book 10 years ago while planning to become an innkeeper. Now that I am a successful innkeeper, I refer to it constantly and am incredibly grateful to the authors. I 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, author of I'm Living Your Dream Life: The Story of a Northwoods Resort Owner.

So - You want to be an innkeeper?

You betcha!!! My middle name is Innes (no joke!!!!!) but it might as well be "inns"(!!!!!), that's how much I wanted to be an innkeeper, and Mary Davies' book is "inn" (!!!!!!) the right place "inn" (!!!) my bookshelf. No, but seriously, with my sense of humour and my wife Marjorie's overly solicitous manner and ability to project her prurient judgmentalism and dissaproval wordlessly, we had a headstart in that we were the perfect couple to run a Bed-and-Breakfast. Even the best need a hand though, and this book is a must-read for those who don't want to make a dog's dinner of this rewarding career.

Best financial advice in a short book!

As an accountant, I really appreciated the financial planning section of the book. It has helped us to realistically assess different properties in making our investment decision. This book is a must for anyone seriously considering a bed and breakfast or a small inn. Being able to estimate costs and revenues up front is imperative for success.

Great book for potential inn-keepers

This book separated the romantic notions of owning a B & B from the business end. It was eye opening and very informative.

Fabulous and comprehensive from all aspects

Very comprehensive. Is better for those considering an "inn" vs. renting the spare bedroom.