Renowned Deer Path Inn in Chicago’s North Shore Appoints James Barnett as New general manager

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Renowned as one of the premier hotels in the Midwest, Deer Path Inn proudly welcomes James Barnett as its new general manager and innkeeper. With its 95th anniversary approaching, Deer Path Inn stands as a cherished gem for residents of Chicago’s North Shore and a cherished destination for travelers worldwide. Barnett, hailing from Australia, brings a wealth of hospitality experience to his role, having managed prestigious establishments in Australia, London, and Chicago.

Having begun his career in the scenic environs of Thredbo, Australia, Barnett then ventured to London, where he oversaw the operations of the esteemed Soho House property, Electric House. His tenure in Chicago included leadership roles at Soho House Chicago and subsequently as part of the Global Task Force for Soho House, ensuring excellence across international locations. Most recently, he served as VP of Hospitality at Bonhomme Hospitality, overseeing a diverse range of venues and concepts.

“A beloved property with a rich history needs a powerhouse leader with creativity and heart,” said Matt Barba, Chief Operating Officer of Charlestowne Hotels and former innkeeper of the Deer Path Inn. “Highly respected in the industry, James brings hospitality know-how from around the world, and a thoughtful approach to leadership. Innkeeping is truly an artform—James not only understands but embodies this. He will be a considerate steward of Deer Path Inn’s storied legacy, and key element to its continued success.”

In his new capacity, Barnett will leverage his extensive background in hotel management and food and beverage to enhance Deer Path Inn’s acclaimed dining experiences, including The English Room, White Hart Pub, The Bar, and Afternoon Tea service. Collaborating with the team, he aims to curate innovative programming that caters to both local patrons and global travelers.

“Personalized, high-touch service is what sets you apart in hospitality today, and the Deer Path Inn exemplifies excellence in the curation of the guest experience,” said Barnett. “Their ethos beautifully aligns with what I wanted to do next in my career. There’s an honesty to the service here. It’s easy to get caught up in new ways of doing things, but Deer Path Inn maintains traditional methods in a modernized environment, which is rare and beautiful to find. It’s been heartwarming to see that this inn is a staple in its community, and the community embraces it back. I am proud to be joining a talented and longstanding team dedicated to ensuring that each and every guest enjoys a luxurious respite while here.”

Consistently lauded for its excellence, Deer Path Inn has garnered top rankings among Midwest resort hotels by Travel + Leisure and is distinguished among the top 1% of hotels worldwide by TripAdvisor. These accolades underscore the unparalleled quality of service, accommodations, and overall guest satisfaction synonymous with the Deer Path Inn experience.

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