A Room at The Inn

As a young hotelier, John Cario quickly realized that managing a hotel wasn't just about handling bookings and standing behind the front desk-it was about connecting with a constant stream of eccentric guests, rushing to stop midnight water leaks, and navigating the ever-changing circumstances in the hospitality industry. In A Room at the Inn: My Journey Through Hospitality, John takes readers beyond the hotel lobby and into the world of hospitality, sharing what it really takes to manage a thriving hotel.
Written with humor and warmth, A Room at the Inn is a teaching memoir that combines lessons from life as a hotel manager with memorable stories highlighting the value of leadership, community, and connection.
Whether you're a seasoned hotelier, a curious guest, or dreaming of a career in hospitality, A Room at the Inn will offer you a unique, heartfelt, and often surprising perspective on what it truly means to serve others in the hospitality industry and beyond while building a legacy of leadership and excellence.

John Cario has spent the past several decades managing hotels across the U.S., chronicling his adventures along the way. Inspired by his unique encounters with guests and one-of-a-kind experiences along the journey, John wrote A Room at the Inn: My Journey in Hospitality. John grew up in Sayville, New York, and attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he graduated with a degree in hotel/restaurant management. His passion for hospitality led him to meet his wife, Sandy, at a company softball game in the summer of 1986. John has two children, Stephanie and John, and has called Richmond, Virginia, home for nearly thirty years. Committed to giving back, building meaningful relationships with those around him, and lifelong learning, John brings these values to his professional and personal life. In his free time, John enjoys biking, spending time with his family and new grandchildren, and visiting the Carolina Beaches when time permits.