Diary of a Key West innkeeper by Susan Jinbo

by Susan Jinbo

Have you always dreamed about owning a bed and breakfast?. Millions of people long for the day when they can say goodbye to their 9 to 5 job and enter the peaceful, romantic world of owning a guest house in paradise. Victorian furnishings surround you as you mingle with interesting guests from around the world, sipping mimosas on the porch and sampling your latest rendition of eggs benedict. Its a beautiful dream, but often times dreams can become nightmares. Diary of a Key West Innkeeper takes you on a journey with a couple who pursued their dream and the zany reality that ensued. One armed painters, diaper wearing guests, French nudists and kung fu fighters await you. Susan Jinbo expertly details the humorous, hilarious and often times touching experiences of their innkeeping adventure with 20 stories that could be straight out of a Faulty Towers episode with a tropical twist. Floods and fires, Ramen Noodles, mysterious substances and several bottles of wine round out this true-life

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on the plane ride home from my honeymoon in Key West. It honestly made the start of the plane ride fly by with comical true stories about the daily trials and tribulations of life as an innkeeper on the island of Key West. 20 short stories round off this hilarious look at what can, and will, go wrong when starting out in the hospitality business with a small inn. Having just left the island myself, I felt more connected to the writing than I probably would have otherwise. Locations were familiar and it allowed me to take a piece of the keys home with me in a sense. Overall, this is a well written and humorous account of two inkeepers struggling to get by, all the while trying to make the best of every situation!

[Curt Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of our annual Key West binge read. Everyone who has lived in Key West eventually has to grasp our relatively small role in the history of the island. This chronicle of a couple's two year experience owning and operating a Key West B and B. demonstrates that notion well. Having owned a small hotel the experiences were right on. One can hardly imagine how the stories of others play out in our nation's lodging facilities. Nothing is off limits. These stories are an amusing account of several of them. Light reading and helps you to round out some of the island's magic .

[Lynn Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I laughed out loud! Bought a copy for my mom who's always wanted to own a B&B - I think this might change her mind!

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and funny stories from someone in the hospitality industry. A good beach read.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've ever dreamed of owning an inn, read this book. It will save you from yourself.