Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Smith.
Hi Bobby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Starting at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (what a place to learn the ropes), then being part of the reopening of the The Hermitage Hotel after its historic renovation—that alone is a career highlight most people never get. And opening not one but two Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown properties as Director of Sales & Marketing? That’s the kind of experience that shapes how hotels actually succeed, not just operate.
Moving into a more independent, personalized environment at The Germantown Inn as General Manager feels like a natural evolution—less corporate machinery, more direct impact on guest experience and culture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
That “slower and relaxed” environment often comes with its own challenges too, especially if you were used to clear metrics and constant motion. But it seems like you’ve found a different kind of reward: seeing your impact directly through people’s reactions rather than reports or numbers.
It also says a lot that guests associate their positive experience in Nashville with feeling welcomed at the inn—you’re clearly contributing to that atmosphere in a real way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As General Manager of The Germantown Inn, it is my goal as well as our team to make sure our guests experience Nashville’s most unique luxury boutique bed and breakfast, located in the heart of historic Germantown – Nashville’s oldest neighborhood. This beautifully appointed Inn, a historic 1865 Federal-style home reimagined as a ten-suite boutique hotel, offers the finest in modern day luxury. From the Italian Frette 1860® luxury linens, Turkish towels and Chadsworth & Haig® bathrobes, your comfort is paramount.
Upon entering you will immediately notice the work of Nashville interior designer McLean Barbieri. She expertly showcases the home’s original architectural features while adding distinctive modern artisan touches like custom-made wallpaper, Andra Eggleston curtains, or playful artwork by Caitlin Mello of notable U.S. Presidents. Every corner is a photo-worthy backdrop.
How do you define success?
Repeat guests don’t come back just because of a location—they come back because of how they felt staying there. That kind of loyalty is hard to manufacture and even harder to fake.
It’s a different kind of success metric than corporate life. Instead of KPIs or quarterly targets, its trust, memory, and experience. When someone chooses to return, they’re essentially saying, “this place—and the people in it—are part of my Nashville story now.”
It also creates a nice feedback loop: repeat guests tend to be more relaxed, more personal, and often more appreciative, which probably makes your job even more enjoyable.
If you wanted to lean into that even more, you could start noticing patterns—what brings people back, what little touches they remember, what they mention in reviews. That’s the kind of insight that can quietly turn a good place into a standout one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.germantowninn.com
- Instagram: germantown_inn
