On this new sequence, we highlight unbiased inns to be taught extra concerning the on a regular basis challenges, rewards, and alternatives of working an unbiased property.
Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana
Occupancy: 94 rooms
Open: 12 months-round
Web site: thecarmelinn.com
Surrounded by giant oak timber and southern mansions alongside Bayou Lafourche, the Carmel Inn and Suites is a Louisiana landmark identified for its family-run hospitality, which incorporates complimentary morning breakfast. We chatted with operations supervisor Rhonda R. Gaubert to be taught extra about working a profitable unbiased property within the coronary heart of Cajun nation.
Inform us a little bit bit about your property – its historical past and what makes it distinctive.
Rhonda: Effectively, this space and this property is full of historical past. Actually, we’re a historic landmark resort. In 1855 it was a convent and then a catholic highschool. My husband’s household – the Gaubert household – purchased the constructing and in 1973 reworked it right into a Vacation Inn. It operated beneath different flags as properly however, in 2009, the resort was restored to replicate its historical past and was renamed the Carmel Inn & Suites. My husband, Greg Gaubert, is managing accomplice and proprietor and our household has been working it since then. In the present day, it’s ranked the #1 resort in Thibodaux by TripAdvisor.
How do you promote/promote your property – by Journey Advisor? Phrase of mouth?
Rhonda: We positively rely on on-line evaluations and bookings by TripAdvisor and Expedia. We even have an ideal relationship with Nichols State College, which is positioned in Thibodaux, so phrase of mouth is essential to us. We deal with our company like household, whether or not they’re mother and father visiting their faculty scholar or guests who’re a part of the medical tourism and eco-tourism within the space.
Do you cater to a sure sort of demographic? (household pleasant vs extra catered towards adults/honeymooners, and so forth.)
Rhonda: You may be stunned however we’ve hosted individuals from all around the world. We actually have a translator obtainable on the desk who can translate in 10 completely different languages. It’s not simply the college drawing them. There are others who go to our a part of the bayou system, and all of the historic plantations close by. We even have had many films filmed in and round Thibodaux, just like the Ray Charles story, “The Haunting,” and “The Butler.” We’ve had quite a lot of Hollywood actors keep right here on the resort.
What are among the ache factors you will have in terms of shopping for merchandise/supplying your resort with merchandise?
Rhonda: We’re a mother and pop operation, so our finances is tight, and we don’t have the storage to purchase provides in bulk. That may be difficult when there are buy minimums on sure objects. So we’ve to be very strategic about ordering what we’d like for the property. However we additionally attempt to provide a neighborhood really feel. Our bathtub cleaning soap is from a neighborhood natural distributor, and our espresso is from a Louisiana brewer. Folks discover if you use eco-friendly merchandise which are distinctive to your group.
What recommendation would you give to these new to proudly owning/managing an indy resort?
Rhonda: Effectively, you need to perceive that it’s a life dedication. You need to be totally concerned to make it work. We deal with our 24 staff like household, so they’re additionally invested in our success. It does take time and effort. We aren’t New Orleans, Baton Rouge or Lafayette, so it has taken a while for extra individuals to learn about us and know concerning the completely different actions and points of interest in our space. Yearly, we welcome extra company.
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