Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherri Maley
Hi Cherri, 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?
I was born and raised in Texas, DFW to be exact. This is where I managed financial retail stores for 4 years in my 20’s. My family and I moved to Wimberley (just southwest of Austin) in 2010 and have been raising our son here. Our family bought the first vacation rental in 2012 and started our family-owned and operated business Wimberley Getaways. I earned my certification for meeting and event planning from Austin Community College. Along the way, I also took hospitality courses and we added 4 more vacation homes. Then in 2014, we purchased what is now the Messina Inn on Cypress Creek.
Messina Inn opened in 2017 after a 3-year renovation process to take the previous family estate and transform it into the Venue+Inn it is today. Messina Inn is set on 13 acres along Cypress Creek and has 11 suites and 2 cottages, a pool, hot tub, and sauna. Our family hosts mid-week/weekend guests, weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats, and other events. As the manager of Messina Inn and Wimberley Getaways, I enjoy meeting new people from all over and helping create lasting memories in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. In addition, I get to apply my background in finance, customer services, technology, and hospitality operations to ensure our hotel runs efficiently and guests leave with a memorable experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to becoming a successful hotel manager in the hospitality industry is never without its challenges. Throughout my career, I have faced numerous obstacles going through the pandemic and the economic changes—some expected, others completely unforeseen—that have shaped me into the professional I am today.
One of the earliest hurdles I encountered was navigating the intense pace and long hours that define this industry. The hospitality sector demands a level of commitment that often means being on-call 24/7, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and being able to handle guest requests and issues at any given moment.
I quickly learned the importance of time management, delegation, and maintaining a calm, solution-oriented mindset. This approach helps me not only meet expectations but also exceed them, earning the trust and respect of my family and guests. Over time, this ability to lead with empathy and authenticity has become one of my greatest strengths.
From online booking systems to guest experience technologies and social media marketing, staying ahead of technological advancements can feel overwhelming. One of the benefits of being a small family-owned business is that even though this job is demanding, my family is typically right by my side.
We’ve been impressed with Messina Inn, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the manager of Messina Inn and Wimberley Getaways. Our family business specializes in hospitality and vacation experiences. Not only do we offer a wide variety of vacation options for all types of travelers from romantic stays, family gatherings, and work trips. We also specialize in wedding experiences with onsite lodging for up to 37 of your closest loved ones, 3 days and 2 nights of creating memories instead of just a one-day event.
One thing that sets us apart in the area is our inspiration to bring the architecture of villas in Italy to our beautiful 13 acres in the Texas Hill Country. Wimberley’s waterways are all privately owned making us one of the few places travelers can enjoy access to the flowing Cypress Creek. In addition to being minutes away from Downtown Wimberley and other popular nature spots our guests will soon be able to stroll and take in the natural landscape on our new walking trail. Our other amenities include our pool, hot tub, and sauna.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Work hard, develop good relationships, do your market research, be a continuous learner, and give back to your community.
Being the chair of the Wimberley Valley Chamber Tourism-Lodging Committee, I learned that when business leaders work together and provide a cohesive strategy to attract tourism (instead of the persona of everyman for himself) we are all more successful.
Pricing:
- Room Stays range from $150-320
- Monthly themed room packages start at $200
- Group Gatherings start at $187 for a half day.
- Wedding packages start at $11,000 including venue, lodging, and more.
- All-inclusive wedding packages start at $25,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://messinainntx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messinainntx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/messinainntx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messina-inn-tx/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtio3VrclHsDgMHUWwlKa5H_mf0k8H4-G
- Yelp: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g56901-d26583650-Reviews-Messina_Inn-Wimberley_Texas.html
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/sP8Pfy1
