My name is Sarah Shepherd. Co-owner and proprietor of Heights House Hotel, a luxury nine room boutique hotel, venue and bar.
I’m currently available for consulting engagements and speaking opportunities.
I know hotels inside and out. Since slowly handing off day-to-day operations of my property, I have realized my passion is to help others create small, jewel-like hotels out of existing properties that need preservation and a new lease on life. I work with clients to determine the best uses for their space and to create something truly exceptional out of their property, be it a historic estate or a languishing B&B, a cattle ranch or a castle by the sea.
I am based in Raleigh, North Carolina but have lived and explored all over the world. My travels fueled my desire to open an authentic and intimate hotel where all are welcome.
Aside from overseeing the property and a team of nearly twenty people, I am a mother to two children, both born during the renovation of the property. I am passionate about supporting other mom-owned and operated businesses.
Guests want to love your hotel. My job is to make sure they do – and that they are willing to pay for your authentic experience and come back again for more. I will show you how to command higher rates and longer stays, develop new clientele, maximize PR, improve staff, and garner rave reviews. I love to work with property owners from the earliest conception of a property to grand opening day and beyond; or to simply help re-envision a lackluster, outdated, or underperforming property and let the owners take it from there.
After graduating with a degree in Psychology, I spent many years behind a desk at a 9-5 job while always working part-time in hospitality. Eventually, after numerous business plans and following a desire to create something meaningful and unique in Raleigh, the dream that was Heights House became a reality. After acquiring the property in 2018, it took over eight months to rezone for commercial use. Renovations on the historic property began in early 2019. Heights House made its debut in May 2021 as an unexpected and inspiring space for both the local community and travelers seeking something out of the ordinary. The Italian-inspired property has surpassed its initial operating goals, has launched over a dozen of its own in-house events and in only five years organically gained 20K+ followers on social media. In 2022, the property was named one of the best new hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure. Additionally in 2023, Heights House was named one of the most incredible hotels in the world by Fodor’s Travel.
Hourly Consulting
Do you feel good in some areas but need specific help in others? Hiring consultation to support the areas you may not feel super confident in navigating alone can make a huge difference. Avoiding hiring the wrong person or forgetting something imperative can save you time and resources down the road. No one can teach you how to open a property except someone who has already done it!
Full Service Consulting
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Bring me on as part of our team from the beginning and I will be there to support your vision from start to finish. I will work integrally with you from conception to opening day. I would have made far less mistakes with someone on my team that had been through the process before. Including consultation in your start-up costs will save money in the long run by doing things right the first time.
