An innkeeper is a hospitality professional who manages an inn, a lodging, dining, and drinking establishment. Innkeepers work in a variety of settings around the world, from luxury bed and breakfast inns in popular vacation spots to specialty inns with amenities such as pet-friendly lodging, historical reenactments, and themed lodging. Working as an innkeeper can be difficult, and it is best suited for people who can think on their feet and get along with others.
In the past, innkeepers owned their businesses and lived on the premises. Some innkeepers still live on-site, but others live off-site and may or may not own the inn. In contrast to an off-site staffer who must be summoned in the event of a problem, an on-site innkeeper’s services are always available to guests immediately. Small innkeepers frequently choose to run their own businesses because it is more cost effective and they enjoy the experience.
Depending on the establishment, an innkeeper’s responsibilities differ. In a small inn, the innkeeper may cook, clean, and cater to the guests’ every need. A housekeeping staff may be used for cleaning services in larger inns, leaving the innkeeper to focus on taking reservations, assisting guests with activities, and greeting guests; in some cases, the innkeeper is simply a regular staff member, rather than a manager or head of the inn. A cooking staff, in place of an innkeeper, could do anything from serve breakfast to prepare luxury dinners, as well as provide picnic baskets and other food-related services.
In addition to managing the inn’s reservations system, innkeepers are usually in charge of guest relations. They welcome guests and assist them in settling in, as well as providing information about the area that may be useful to them. Guests can make arrangements with an innkeeper for a variety of activities prior to their arrival, ranging from planning a wedding to purchasing museum tickets, and innkeepers can also assist guests with special needs, such as guests who may require medical attention during their stay or guests who require childcare so that they can enjoy a night out on the town.
Innkeepers are educated at various levels. Some have degrees in hospitality or hotel management, particularly if they are in charge of large inn staffs, whereas others may only have high school diplomas and focus on guest relations, leaving management to an inn manager. People can find innkeeping jobs by looking through local classified ads in newspapers, as well as listings published by professional innkeeper organizations, which are often only available to members.