Legal Definitions - innkeeper

An innkeeper is the individual or legal entity that owns and operates a public establishment offering temporary lodging and related services to travelers in exchange for payment. This term emphasizes the proprietor's role, meaning the person or company ultimately responsible for the business, rather than an employee who manages the establishment on their behalf.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: The Family-Owned Bed & Breakfast

  Maria and David own "The Cozy Corner Inn," a charming bed and breakfast in a popular tourist town. They personally handle bookings, prepare breakfast, and maintain the guest rooms for visitors seeking a place to stay overnight or for a few days. In this scenario, Maria and David are the innkeepers because they are the proprietors who operate the public establishment, provide lodging and services, and receive compensation from travelers.

• Example 2: The Large Hotel Chain

  "Global Stay Hotels Inc." is a corporation that owns and operates hundreds of hotels worldwide, including a prominent high-rise hotel in a major city. While the hotel has a general manager who oversees daily operations, and numerous staff members who provide services, "Global Stay Hotels Inc." itself is the innkeeper. The corporation is the legal entity that owns the property, offers lodging to the traveling public for a fee, and is ultimately responsible for the business, not the individual employees who work there.

• Example 3: The Boutique Lodge

  A group of investors forms "Mountain Retreat LLC" to purchase and run a luxury lodge nestled in a national park, catering to hikers and nature enthusiasts. The lodge offers private cabins, dining, and guided tours. "Mountain Retreat LLC" is the innkeeper because it is the legal entity that owns the lodge, makes it available to the public for temporary stays, and charges guests for the accommodation and services provided. The individual manager hired to run the lodge day-to-day is an employee, not the innkeeper.