Position for 2016

[inntropical]

Well this is my 2nd year of being an Innkeeper and this year I am in a beautiful spot (as I was last year) but an extremely over populated tourist town. I'm a semi-live in and questioning the whole live-in situation but in the right situation I feel it would be great! And I'm learning what size Inn/B&B I think would be a perfect fit for me. 16-19 rooms is too much. I would love to run or be the Innkeeper for 6-8 rooms in Massachusetts/Connecticut. I'm not sure if this is the right place to put this post, also not sure if it's too early but time goes by so fast and the season seems to be flying by already that I thought why not!
I hope everyone is having a great season and it's been great reading the post of the season....I can soooooo relate!

 

[TheBeachHouse]

There are three (maybe 4) inns for sale in Rockport, MA right now. It sounds like you are looking for a job rather than an investment, but maybe you can get an investor. ??

 

[inntropical]

There are three (maybe 4) inns for sale in Rockport, MA right now. It sounds like you are looking for a job rather than an investment, but maybe you can get an investor. ??.

I love Rockport! However I am looking for a position not an investment. Or an Inn that is looking for someone to run/manage their B&B. Truly no more than 8 rooms. I presently am at a 5 Star Select Registry Inn.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?

 

[inntropical]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.

 

[undersea]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

The first thing I would think is, that the fewer the rooms, the lower the salary. There is a certain amount of revenue, and salaries have to fit.
Perhaps in a more upscale area...

 

[gillumhouse]

Here is one for you. Risk $150 to try to win a great B & B. I have been there several times and attest it is great.
Go here

 

[Morticia]

Here is one for you. Risk $150 to try to win a great B & B. I have been there several times and attest it is great.
Go here.

That's a good suggestion! Win the inn.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.

Very typical complaints many here have. If you go to a smaller property, there's less staff and you'll be expected to do more. Same complaints, just a different location.

 

[inntropical]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

The first thing I would think is, that the fewer the rooms, the lower the salary. There is a certain amount of revenue, and salaries have to fit.
Perhaps in a more upscale area...
.

This is a VERY good point! Thank you! My whole area so far has been upscale area...

 

[inntropical]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.

Very typical complaints many here have. If you go to a smaller property, there's less staff and you'll be expected to do more. Same complaints, just a different location.
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!

 

[Breakfast Diva]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.

Very typical complaints many here have. If you go to a smaller property, there's less staff and you'll be expected to do more. Same complaints, just a different location.
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!
.

"I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different"...The nature of the beast is that in a busy inn, we're all overworked. I'm not sure that if you changed to another place, your workload would be any less. It sure would be nice to be more relaxed and to spend some quality time with guests, but in reality, that just doesn't happen often. There's always something that needs to be done. If the position is live-in then you're never really off the clock.

 

[Morticia]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.

Very typical complaints many here have. If you go to a smaller property, there's less staff and you'll be expected to do more. Same complaints, just a different location.
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!

You are doing everything except cleaning and nightly reports for up to 19 rooms???
If I'm piecing these comments together properly you are taking reservations, doing all the check-in checkout work, checking up on the housekeepers, talking to guests, making breakfast, either actually doing or else gathering the laundry and you're on call all the time?
That would kill me!
Do you do the marketing for the business? Grocery ordering? Social media? I'm guessing the owners have an accountant or bookkeeper who handles all of the money side.
That's a lot of work for one person.

 

[inntropical]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.

Very typical complaints many here have. If you go to a smaller property, there's less staff and you'll be expected to do more. Same complaints, just a different location.
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!

You are doing everything except cleaning and nightly reports for up to 19 rooms???
If I'm piecing these comments together properly you are taking reservations, doing all the check-in checkout work, checking up on the housekeepers, talking to guests, making breakfast, either actually doing or else gathering the laundry and you're on call all the time?
That would kill me!
Do you do the marketing for the business? Grocery ordering? Social media? I'm guessing the owners have an accountant or bookkeeper who handles all of the money side.
That's a lot of work for one person.
.

There is one other Innkeeper to which we work different hours rarely overlapping. 16 rooms. Check-in check-out work, take reservations, talk to guests, do laundry, check rooms after housekeeping and re-check if necessary, dishes from breakfast, set up afternoon beverages, each guest is walked to room and explain everything they need to know in room (even though it's in a book), concierge, give tour of inn, check all messages and call back as necessary, make hor's doevres/cookies/muffins. This was not a live-in position however since I work late a few nights a week, I stay and I offered to be on-call.
They do no social media, grocery ordering is done by cook, marketing/accounting done by owners.
Here's the deal. I am completely aware that there is always something to do at an inn. However, my first inn, being 19 rooms, I never did all of this housekeeping and laundry and dishes. 16 rooms is alot. And kudos to all of you who are doing it. I won't even mention pay to which I took 50 cents less an hour to be at a 5 star B&B. I mean this could truly not be the right fit for me. And I'll own that. I applied for a smaller B&B (6 rooms) at the same time, but a girl who worked there before got the position. Same pay I'm receiving at this one and only 1 mile from this one. And much more of a cozy place. Maybe I just need to be in a quieter area. I just feel this many rooms may be too much for me/my personality. I'm a hard worker but I don't want to feel taken advantage of. That's all.
.

 

[user 26]

oh my, yes! Try to win the INN! You could totally run it on your own with all the work you're doing and it would be YOURS. It makes such a difference when it's your business.
As for looking for a different position, you should. I did most of the work for an eight room place and it was very hard. Even when I found chambermaids.
Not all positions are created equal, of course. When I left I discovered that those who came after me were paid twice as much for doing half the work, so ... it was a learning experience.

 

[inntropical]

Here is one for you. Risk $150 to try to win a great B & B. I have been there several times and attest it is great.
Go here.

So cute! thank you!

 

[Morticia]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.

Very typical complaints many here have. If you go to a smaller property, there's less staff and you'll be expected to do more. Same complaints, just a different location.
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!

You are doing everything except cleaning and nightly reports for up to 19 rooms???
If I'm piecing these comments together properly you are taking reservations, doing all the check-in checkout work, checking up on the housekeepers, talking to guests, making breakfast, either actually doing or else gathering the laundry and you're on call all the time?
That would kill me!
Do you do the marketing for the business? Grocery ordering? Social media? I'm guessing the owners have an accountant or bookkeeper who handles all of the money side.
That's a lot of work for one person.
.

There is one other Innkeeper to which we work different hours rarely overlapping. 16 rooms. Check-in check-out work, take reservations, talk to guests, do laundry, check rooms after housekeeping and re-check if necessary, dishes from breakfast, set up afternoon beverages, each guest is walked to room and explain everything they need to know in room (even though it's in a book), concierge, give tour of inn, check all messages and call back as necessary, make hor's doevres/cookies/muffins. This was not a live-in position however since I work late a few nights a week, I stay and I offered to be on-call.
They do no social media, grocery ordering is done by cook, marketing/accounting done by owners.
Here's the deal. I am completely aware that there is always something to do at an inn. However, my first inn, being 19 rooms, I never did all of this housekeeping and laundry and dishes. 16 rooms is alot. And kudos to all of you who are doing it. I won't even mention pay to which I took 50 cents less an hour to be at a 5 star B&B. I mean this could truly not be the right fit for me. And I'll own that. I applied for a smaller B&B (6 rooms) at the same time, but a girl who worked there before got the position. Same pay I'm receiving at this one and only 1 mile from this one. And much more of a cozy place. Maybe I just need to be in a quieter area. I just feel this many rooms may be too much for me/my personality. I'm a hard worker but I don't want to feel taken advantage of. That's all.
.
.

It's a lot of work, that's for sure. At least it sounds like you are getting some time off. We've had paid innkeepers on here who were IT 24x7, no time off at all and on call every night.
But, you're making good observations about yourself and you should probably keep looking for a better fit. Just know that another inn will question your 'loyalty' if you leave in peak season. They might be afraid to take you on. But, I think you said you were looking for next year.

 

[Morticia]

oh my, yes! Try to win the INN! You could totally run it on your own with all the work you're doing and it would be YOURS. It makes such a difference when it's your business.
As for looking for a different position, you should. I did most of the work for an eight room place and it was very hard. Even when I found chambermaids.
Not all positions are created equal, of course. When I left I discovered that those who came after me were paid twice as much for doing half the work, so ... it was a learning experience..

Not all positions are created equal, of course. When I left I discovered that those who came after me were paid twice as much for doing half the work, so ... it was a learning experience.

That is often the worst thing. You loved what you did but found someone thought other people deserved to be paid more. Ouch.

 

[inntropical]

What exactly is the challenge you're facing with the larger inn and how do you think that would change if there not as many rooms?.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.
.

Too many people, not enough time to give the kind of attention I'd like to give,too many rooms to check and re-check, too much laundry......and the inn is spread out and both inns I've been in have been 3 floors. I'm not complaining it's just something I'm starting to see about myself. Smaller groups would be lovely.

Very typical complaints many here have. If you go to a smaller property, there's less staff and you'll be expected to do more. Same complaints, just a different location.
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!
.

Hmmm......very interesting. Quite frankly I don't know how much more would be expected as I do almost everything right now except the evening reports. I actually thought this particular inn was going to be a bit different as they have a housekeeping staff. But it's been quite the opposite. Oh, and cook breakfast. I do appreciate all the input. I need to other innkeepers view. Thank you!!

You are doing everything except cleaning and nightly reports for up to 19 rooms???
If I'm piecing these comments together properly you are taking reservations, doing all the check-in checkout work, checking up on the housekeepers, talking to guests, making breakfast, either actually doing or else gathering the laundry and you're on call all the time?
That would kill me!
Do you do the marketing for the business? Grocery ordering? Social media? I'm guessing the owners have an accountant or bookkeeper who handles all of the money side.
That's a lot of work for one person.
.

There is one other Innkeeper to which we work different hours rarely overlapping. 16 rooms. Check-in check-out work, take reservations, talk to guests, do laundry, check rooms after housekeeping and re-check if necessary, dishes from breakfast, set up afternoon beverages, each guest is walked to room and explain everything they need to know in room (even though it's in a book), concierge, give tour of inn, check all messages and call back as necessary, make hor's doevres/cookies/muffins. This was not a live-in position however since I work late a few nights a week, I stay and I offered to be on-call.
They do no social media, grocery ordering is done by cook, marketing/accounting done by owners.
Here's the deal. I am completely aware that there is always something to do at an inn. However, my first inn, being 19 rooms, I never did all of this housekeeping and laundry and dishes. 16 rooms is alot. And kudos to all of you who are doing it. I won't even mention pay to which I took 50 cents less an hour to be at a 5 star B&B. I mean this could truly not be the right fit for me. And I'll own that. I applied for a smaller B&B (6 rooms) at the same time, but a girl who worked there before got the position. Same pay I'm receiving at this one and only 1 mile from this one. And much more of a cozy place. Maybe I just need to be in a quieter area. I just feel this many rooms may be too much for me/my personality. I'm a hard worker but I don't want to feel taken advantage of. That's all.
.
.

It's a lot of work, that's for sure. At least it sounds like you are getting some time off. We've had paid innkeepers on here who were IT 24x7, no time off at all and on call every night.
But, you're making good observations about yourself and you should probably keep looking for a better fit. Just know that another inn will question your 'loyalty' if you leave in peak season. They might be afraid to take you on. But, I think you said you were looking for next year.
.

That's what I did last year. I was on call 24/7 but knew I did not want to repeat that...especially in this size inn. So I do take the phoe 3 nights a week.
No, no. I would never leave during peak season. Last year I was flooded out of my place twice and i stayed....they had no place to put me and would have been down an innkeeper. I'm a pretty strong girl. This is for next year that I'm looking....thank you for all your input!

 

[Lee2014]

Here are some ads for innkeepers; some for singles, some for couples...... Check it out.
http://bbteam.com/resources/need-and-want-ads/