Final answer:
Consulting a database designer is the most suitable step for transitioning from an Excel spreadsheet to a proper database, as they can create a customized and scalable system for the inn, enabling a proper and efficient data migration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate next action for a small family-owned inn to efficiently transition from an Excel spreadsheet to a proper database for recording guest information would be C) Consulting a database designer to create a structured data design that fits the specific needs of the inn. This step is crucial for ensuring that the new database system will be scalable, secure, and capable of handling the inn's specific data requirements. Furthermore, a database designer can assist in the proper migration of the current data from Excel to the new database system, ensuring that all information is transferred correctly and without loss.
While hiring a data entry specialist may help in transferring the data, it does not address the need for a structured system that can manage data efficiently. Simply creating a new Excel sheet or uploading the existing one into a generic online database tool may result in a system that does not meet the inn's unique needs and may lead to issues with data integrity or scalability in the future.