Only one housekeeper is being added to the staff of 20, Patterson says. Bed and breakfasts are not a big business in Charlotte, dwarfed by the ranks of chain hotels and a surge in extended stay hotels. Billy Maddalon, a partner in Unique Southern Estates, which owns and manages The Morehead Inn and The VanLandingham Estate, which also recently opened its doors to bed and breakfast guests, says he doesn't fear the mansion having an impact on his business. I'm thrilled about it. With our product type, we win by having more of us.
People are more aware.
The businesses already have worked together, recommending each other when they're booked. Even business travelers are starting to want an experience. They're starting to search places like this out. They want to be in an environment that's a little more residential, has a little different feel to it. The residential, non-corporate feel is one reason why the Duke Mansion's billing as a conference and training center also has succeeded.