Paper Diary Anymore?

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Highlands John

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In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
 
I use index cards and a "recipe box" with month tabs. I went through too many melt downs to trust electronics totally. I have started putting them (just room/date) on my calendar on my phone.
 
We do, but it's only because DH refers to it. I can't get him to just look on the computer that is on all the time and has the up to date reservations. Often, I forget to write the res in the book. We do also print the res and keep it filed alphabetically. We're rural, so if we lose power, we'd be up a creek since we also wouldn't have cell coverage to be able to check ResKey.
 
I use index cards and a "recipe box" with month tabs. I went through too many melt downs to trust electronics totally. I have started putting them (just room/date) on my calendar on my phone..
I keep two calendars, one for the 2 suites in the house and one for the cottage. While I am taking the reservation I block the calendar for the particular accommodation as I fill out the paper form. Once the guest is off the phone I fill in our computer form of the confirmation (guest gets a pdf e-mailed as well as a printed copy snail mailed to them, I keep a copy for my records), block out our on-line calendars and then double check the process to make sure I have not missed something. From hang up to double checking takes about 15 minutes.
If we had on-line bookings I would still want a paper copy of the reservation...just in case.
 
We do, but it's only because DH refers to it. I can't get him to just look on the computer that is on all the time and has the up to date reservations. Often, I forget to write the res in the book. We do also print the res and keep it filed alphabetically. We're rural, so if we lose power, we'd be up a creek since we also wouldn't have cell coverage to be able to check ResKey..
Breakfast Diva said:
We do, but it's only because DH refers to it. I can't get him to just look on the computer that is on all the time and has the up to date reservations.
Welcome to my world.
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place.
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
You can export from Reskey to Google or Excel and yes, you get your notes too.
 
First year without a paper calendar. Will have one again next year. For DH, who doesn't do the rez system. Have to agree with Mort, its is easier to see it all at a glance without having to fire up the 'puter first thing. This year I've made many daily notes from the guest info in Reskey - so I have it at the ready in the kitchen etc....who doesn't want what and so forth. And Diva has a good point. In case of a power outage I wouldn't know what was what without Reskey.
 
You bring this up at a time in my life I am reliving a very horrific time in my life. The hell began 10 yrs ago this 8/29 when Karrina hit the gulf coast. The stories have begun airing on TV and have reminded me of so much of the hardship this area went through.

Now getting to this post. We were without power for 3 weeks and were some of the first residential areas to not be in the dark. But internet access was months down the road. And phone service was hit or miss.

With known reservations on the books but no way to see them, I was with Webers. back then, I was able to go to the public library where one of the companies had come in to set up internet access but everyone was given only a certain bit of time. I logged in and was able to send a message to the owner at the time (before homeaway purchased). He took it upon himself to send each of my guests an email telling them the status of our business and that I would be in touch. Nice to remember the kindness of others.

Had I had a print list, I could have written them letters, but without mail service for 2 mths (at least) I would have still had to travel about 100 miles to get to an operating PO. But I think it would have had me less panicked over that aspect.

For a long time after, I kept paper but became comfortable once again with the wonderful paperless office. This anniversary has me thinking once again about having back ups in place.
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
Perhaps a good generator...
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
Perhaps a good generator...
.
undersea said:
Perhaps a good generator...
$3k for a generator vs a few cents for paper. Given how loud they are, we've used one a couple of times, it wouldn't really save us any business because no one would stay with the noise. Plus, unless it runs the entire building and comes on automatically, it wouldn't help.
The one we have can run the heat and some lights.
 
You bring this up at a time in my life I am reliving a very horrific time in my life. The hell began 10 yrs ago this 8/29 when Karrina hit the gulf coast. The stories have begun airing on TV and have reminded me of so much of the hardship this area went through.

Now getting to this post. We were without power for 3 weeks and were some of the first residential areas to not be in the dark. But internet access was months down the road. And phone service was hit or miss.

With known reservations on the books but no way to see them, I was with Webers. back then, I was able to go to the public library where one of the companies had come in to set up internet access but everyone was given only a certain bit of time. I logged in and was able to send a message to the owner at the time (before homeaway purchased). He took it upon himself to send each of my guests an email telling them the status of our business and that I would be in touch. Nice to remember the kindness of others.

Had I had a print list, I could have written them letters, but without mail service for 2 mths (at least) I would have still had to travel about 100 miles to get to an operating PO. But I think it would have had me less panicked over that aspect.

For a long time after, I kept paper but became comfortable once again with the wonderful paperless office. This anniversary has me thinking once again about having back ups in place..
What a nightmare for you and so many people. The details of the story and the personalization make it more real. Unforgettable and so scary. Glad you were able to resume life and business. Hugs.
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
Perhaps a good generator...
.
undersea said:
Perhaps a good generator...
$3k for a generator vs a few cents for paper. Given how loud they are, we've used one a couple of times, it wouldn't really save us any business because no one would stay with the noise. Plus, unless it runs the entire building and comes on automatically, it wouldn't help.
The one we have can run the heat and some lights.
.
Yea, I meant to access your electronics. It would be expensive for a whole house situation. In the temp situation we are living now, we have no internet (just cable). And it is quite inconvenient having to go out to use the laptops. Cellphones are good for some stuff, but it is not the same
On that note, does anyone use Rezkey via mobile?
 
First year without a paper calendar. Will have one again next year. For DH, who doesn't do the rez system. Have to agree with Mort, its is easier to see it all at a glance without having to fire up the 'puter first thing. This year I've made many daily notes from the guest info in Reskey - so I have it at the ready in the kitchen etc....who doesn't want what and so forth. And Diva has a good point. In case of a power outage I wouldn't know what was what without Reskey..
Obviously I am not up and running yet, but I was under the impression that RezKey had reporting capability. If so, seems like it could generate any type of list such as reservations, special needs, etc. to print out for any day. Not sure why keeping it separately on paper useful...
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
Perhaps a good generator...
.
undersea said:
Perhaps a good generator...
$3k for a generator vs a few cents for paper. Given how loud they are, we've used one a couple of times, it wouldn't really save us any business because no one would stay with the noise. Plus, unless it runs the entire building and comes on automatically, it wouldn't help.
The one we have can run the heat and some lights.
.
Yea, I meant to access your electronics. It would be expensive for a whole house situation. In the temp situation we are living now, we have no internet (just cable). And it is quite inconvenient having to go out to use the laptops. Cellphones are good for some stuff, but it is not the same
On that note, does anyone use Rezkey via mobile?
.
Our phone works. If I have the book I can call the service for any other info. Until the generator is turned on. But, we usually wait until several hours have passed unless it's freezing.
It's just this end of town. We're on a rural system where the rest of town is on a town system. We get hit with power outages regularly and inns a short walk away never do.
Some guests are good sports, others demand a full refund. We won't let anyone check in if we don't have an ETA on repair time. If it happens overnight we give them a refund to go get breakfast. If you can't make coffee you might as well not even start making breakfast!
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
Perhaps a good generator...
.
undersea said:
Perhaps a good generator...
$3k for a generator vs a few cents for paper. Given how loud they are, we've used one a couple of times, it wouldn't really save us any business because no one would stay with the noise. Plus, unless it runs the entire building and comes on automatically, it wouldn't help.
The one we have can run the heat and some lights.
.
Yea, I meant to access your electronics. It would be expensive for a whole house situation. In the temp situation we are living now, we have no internet (just cable). And it is quite inconvenient having to go out to use the laptops. Cellphones are good for some stuff, but it is not the same
On that note, does anyone use Rezkey via mobile?
.
Our phone works. If I have the book I can call the service for any other info. Until the generator is turned on. But, we usually wait until several hours have passed unless it's freezing.
It's just this end of town. We're on a rural system where the rest of town is on a town system. We get hit with power outages regularly and inns a short walk away never do.
Some guests are good sports, others demand a full refund. We won't let anyone check in if we don't have an ETA on repair time. If it happens overnight we give them a refund to go get breakfast. If you can't make coffee you might as well not even start making breakfast!
.
I once had no power for 4 days and it is hard to describe how helpless it feels. My wife was also caught in Jersey City at the same time as Sandy. Generator would have been nice, but since I have experienced this for about 7 total days in my > 50 years, I am not sure other than a small generator would be the way to go.
I would imagine myself as a good guest during such a time, but I know some people practically blame the innkeeper.
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
Perhaps a good generator...
.
undersea said:
Perhaps a good generator...
$3k for a generator vs a few cents for paper. Given how loud they are, we've used one a couple of times, it wouldn't really save us any business because no one would stay with the noise. Plus, unless it runs the entire building and comes on automatically, it wouldn't help.
The one we have can run the heat and some lights.
.
Yea, I meant to access your electronics. It would be expensive for a whole house situation. In the temp situation we are living now, we have no internet (just cable). And it is quite inconvenient having to go out to use the laptops. Cellphones are good for some stuff, but it is not the same
On that note, does anyone use Rezkey via mobile?
.
Our phone works. If I have the book I can call the service for any other info. Until the generator is turned on. But, we usually wait until several hours have passed unless it's freezing.
It's just this end of town. We're on a rural system where the rest of town is on a town system. We get hit with power outages regularly and inns a short walk away never do.
Some guests are good sports, others demand a full refund. We won't let anyone check in if we don't have an ETA on repair time. If it happens overnight we give them a refund to go get breakfast. If you can't make coffee you might as well not even start making breakfast!
.
I once had no power for 4 days and it is hard to describe how helpless it feels. My wife was also caught in Jersey City at the same time as Sandy. Generator would have been nice, but since I have experienced this for about 7 total days in my > 50 years, I am not sure other than a small generator would be the way to go.
I would imagine myself as a good guest during such a time, but I know some people practically blame the innkeeper.
.
undersea said:
I once had no power for 4 days and it is hard to describe how helpless it feels. My wife was also caught in Jersey City at the same time as Sandy. Generator would have been nice, but since I have experienced this for about 7 total days in my > 50 years, I am not sure other than a small generator would be the way to go.
I would imagine myself as a good guest during such a time, but I know some people practically blame the innkeeper.
We have a generator but it only powers the refrigerator and furnace and a few rooms. Not the whole inn. I told you about the time we lost power at breakfast and I ran out to Dunkin Donuts for boxes of coffee. Coffee matters!!
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
Perhaps a good generator...
.
undersea said:
Perhaps a good generator...
$3k for a generator vs a few cents for paper. Given how loud they are, we've used one a couple of times, it wouldn't really save us any business because no one would stay with the noise. Plus, unless it runs the entire building and comes on automatically, it wouldn't help.
The one we have can run the heat and some lights.
.
Yea, I meant to access your electronics. It would be expensive for a whole house situation. In the temp situation we are living now, we have no internet (just cable). And it is quite inconvenient having to go out to use the laptops. Cellphones are good for some stuff, but it is not the same
On that note, does anyone use Rezkey via mobile?
.
Our phone works. If I have the book I can call the service for any other info. Until the generator is turned on. But, we usually wait until several hours have passed unless it's freezing.
It's just this end of town. We're on a rural system where the rest of town is on a town system. We get hit with power outages regularly and inns a short walk away never do.
Some guests are good sports, others demand a full refund. We won't let anyone check in if we don't have an ETA on repair time. If it happens overnight we give them a refund to go get breakfast. If you can't make coffee you might as well not even start making breakfast!
.
I once had no power for 4 days and it is hard to describe how helpless it feels. My wife was also caught in Jersey City at the same time as Sandy. Generator would have been nice, but since I have experienced this for about 7 total days in my > 50 years, I am not sure other than a small generator would be the way to go.
I would imagine myself as a good guest during such a time, but I know some people practically blame the innkeeper.
.
undersea said:
I once had no power for 4 days and it is hard to describe how helpless it feels. My wife was also caught in Jersey City at the same time as Sandy. Generator would have been nice, but since I have experienced this for about 7 total days in my > 50 years, I am not sure other than a small generator would be the way to go.
I would imagine myself as a good guest during such a time, but I know some people practically blame the innkeeper.
We have a generator but it only powers the refrigerator and furnace and a few rooms. Not the whole inn. I told you about the time we lost power at breakfast and I ran out to Dunkin Donuts for boxes of coffee. Coffee matters!!
.
I cleaned out McD's one morning when the power failed during breakfast.
 
Highlands John said:
In these days of online bookings and property management systems, etc. does anyone still keep a paper diary?
I have done just as a backup in case of a system problem/failure, but it's a PITA and all I'm doing is copying from the screen to paper so this is my last paper diary.
I tried to go paperless last year and it was a disaster. I need the whole week laid out in front of me (all the dietary crap, all the add ons, number of guests, which rooms are booked, etc). Without that I'm lost .
Plus, we lose power enough here to worry there is no paper info to fall back on.
So, I tried it. It doesn't work for me.
Yes, I can see the whole week online, but that does not give me everything I listed above in one place..
Paper back-ups were discussed a while ago when RezKey kept losing our Manual Reservation info. Funny, they just lost another one yesterday....
Another inn in town lost there entire online reservation system into the ether when we first bought. They had no paper backup and their season was a disaster because they had no idea of who, what, when was booked. Can you imagine?
We have a Yearly Date Book with enough lines on each date for each of our six rooms for each month. I just block off the grid when a room is reserved. I carry said book everywhere, so if a call rolls from our phone to my cell, I know what's available... but there are no guest details.
So in case RezKey loses data, we have another power failure, etc. I simply hit the Print button on RK and file a copy of each reservation by date in a pendaflex. We pull them out that day and Poppa and I have immediate and easy access w/o depending upon technology that is not always dependable either locally or in the cloud. We also staple the signed credit card receipts to the printed reservation sheet.
In case of disaster, we can just grab the pendaflex and run.
 
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