What can an Interim Innkeepers do for your inn?

Recharge. Rest. Rejuvenate.

Part of being a great Innkeeper is self care and taking the time to recharge, rest and rejuvenate. But who could do what you do you ask?  . . .  An Interim Innkeeper (AKA Innsitter)

A dedicated Innsitter is one who truly loves the hospitality industry and Bed and Breakfasts to be specific. Innsitters need to have almost the same knowledge, expertise and hospitality traits of an innkeeper.

We know Innkeepers have high expectations. They want the finances to be kept in order, few mistakes on the computer, the kitchen to stay the same , and guests who will miss you but not your service. We work along with staff while you are away to keep your Bed and Breakfast running smoothly and are in communication with you if needed

  • Ask fellow owners who they have used in the past.
  • Check your local association to see if any are members who belong.
  • Reach out to find one in your area.
  • Interim Innkeepers are happy to provide references.
  • Good interim innkeepers book up early, the more advance notice you can give the better.
  • One of the advantages in an emergency  is an Innsitter can be there in a few hours if available.
  • Most interim innkeepers prefer 1-2 months notice.
  • The average stay depends on your needs and wants but on average 5 days to 3 weeks.
  • All members are individual contractors – each Interim Innkeepers’ rates will vary.
  • Rates depend on the size and the specific duties involved in the daily management of the inn.
  • Travel costs may be charged in addition to the daily rate.
  • We typically have one day at the inn with you to get familiar with your systems and find out where the coffee filters are. There is usually something we just can’t find but we manage to figure it out.
  • One of the most important aspects of an experienced  Innsitter is educating themselves on activities, dining and tourist attractions in your area. When we travel to other states,interim innkeepers like to be well versed in the local scene.

Have this information ready for your Interim Innkeeper

An interim innkeeper will ask some of the following questions prior to confirming dates and fees.

  • What reservation system do you use.
  • Most are familiar with the most popular systems and are well versed on them.
  • Where do we sleep ?
  • Usually we are either in a guest room or your private quarters. It is up to you and your preference.
  • What about groceries?
  • We will need to shop occasionally and often petty cash is on hand for this.
  • Is transportation needed or within walking distance to shopping.
  • Do you have pets ?
  • Allergies and added duties must be discussed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answers.

Interim Innkeepers perform similar duties that are part of the daily routine for owner-innkeepers themselves. They can provide full surrogate innkeeper service while you are away.

They may include:

  • full or continental breakfast menu planning
  • shopping, preparation
  • service and clean-up
  • guest hosting
  • afternoon tea, snacks or evening wine & dessert service
  • answering of telephones
  • fax transmissions
  • regular and email response
  • check-in and check-out procedures
  • daily inquiries and reservations
  • bookkeeping
  • banking and other financial responsibilities
  • supervising room attendants or optional housekeeping
  • pet, plant and garden care
  • building security and maintenance

Unless you operate a very large inn and have capable and trusted employees who are trained to function as the innkeeper or owner, virtually every hospitality business has few effective options to assure their business can continue operating uninterrupted during their absence.

Just as with any business or employment, every innkeeper needs to take personal time away from their operation. It may be for

  • family outings or gatherings
  • emergency medical leave
  • meetings or conference
  • regularly scheduled vacations or sabbaticals

 

When the day arrives to take that needed time off, the options are clear…….temporarily closing your inn and halting “business as usual” or retaining an Interim Innkeeper who will operate your business as if you were there yourself.

Simply put……..uninterrupted business flow.

Interim Innkeepers are trained and experienced to operate your inn as if you were there yourself.

You can be assured of an uninterrupted flow of guests while maintaining the continuity of your style of guest services, comfort and enjoyment as established by your inn.

Interim Innkeepers are also trained to handle all prospective guest contacts with promptness and professionalism, converting inquiries into reservations and immediate cash flow. While you are away, your business is operated smoothly, efficiently, and profitably as if you were there yourself.

“.. and there is not a better feeling than returning from a vacation and finding the Guest Diaries full of ‘praises’ and a stack of bank deposit slips from advanced reservations secure while we were away!”