B&B PMS Redux

So, lots of chat over the years about PMS (property management software) systems suitable for the B&B and Country Inn markets. I'm currently shopping around and accepting demos from various systems. My automatic instinct would be to run to HotelDruid since I am a *huge* fan and supporter of FOSS (free and open source software), BUT it is more than disappointing that the HotelDruid interface is suck in 1st generation web design--which renders it unusable due to its appearance.
So, in the absence of good FOSS alternatives, I began researching the various PMS solutions in the world--and there are more than plenty of them! My search criteria thus far have included the following:

1. Reservations / Bookings / Web Reservations
2. Simple and Useful Front Desk Interface with Support for Cash Drawer and CC Swiper
3. Automated Folio Generation and Reconciliation
4. Housekeeping Management with Maintenance Request Reporting
5. Group and Event Management Features
6. Corporate Account Support (stored and automatic billing to company CC for all reservations by corp)
7. Data API (I'm a NERD, so I need raw data for dashboards and a way to automate routine tasks from external programming scripts)
8. Automated eMail System (a/k/a CRM) for Pre- and Post-Arrival
9. POS System to Handle Breakfast Upsells, Beach Equipment Rentals, Wine Sales, Gift Sales, etc.
10. Inventory Management
11. Guest Profile Management with Dietary Requirements/Requests Tracking

I have been looking most seriously into these SaaS solutions:

• OpenHotel
• Clock PMS
• InnRoad

I am interested to see what the collective wisdom of the Innkeepers present will have to say on this subject. Our goal is to provide 4-Diamond service to our guests--and have deep and useful insight into our numbers on an ongoing/live basis. What do you think?
Thanks!
--Eriks

What are you using now? How many rooms? Why do you think your present system doesn't work?
I think what you're looking for is probably above and beyond anything most people here are using with the exception of a couple of larger properties.
Most of us are under 10 rooms without too much in the add on sales dept. No front desk to speak of. Cash drawer is a box on a shelf, that sort of thing. Most don't have housekeeping and maintenance staff so it's pretty simple.
I don't think we've ever discussed any of the systems you mention.
But everyone will pop in with their favorite systems as the day progresses!

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

The only thing I use now is Reservation Key. Never heard of any of the things you mention.

Maintenance request reporting?
"Honey, there's a bulb out in the beach room!"

what's handy on my system is add on's ie small reception sales - all on a drop down menu so have the right price and easily added on so I don't have to try and remember 4 days ago someone bought a pack of muslie.

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)

TheBeachHouse said:

Maintenance request reporting?
"Honey, there's a bulb out in the beach room!".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Maintenance request reporting?
"Honey, there's a bulb out in the beach room!"

Click to expand...

That sounds familiar.

Sounds very sophisticated and as some have said for larger places ... your spa offers massage and other luxury add ons? ... with lots of point of service sales. This is very high end and not in the realm of my experience.
That being said ...
For what it's worth, I have been less than satisfied with free and open source software. I have found that proprietary software is more reliable. I prefer support rather than a forum of users for advice and troubleshooting. Since you are, as you say, a 'nerd' this might be enjoyable for you but it definitely is not for me since I am not and I have had little time to play with software to get it to do what I want. I am/was a hands-on kind of innkeeper not a property management kind of innkeeper and spend/spent lots of time doing the physical running of the place.

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Maintenance request reporting?
"Honey, there's a bulb out in the beach room!".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Maintenance request reporting?
"Honey, there's a bulb out in the beach room!"

Click to expand...

That sounds familiar.
.

Click to expand...

For me, it is get the ladder and replace it, old fool (unless in the showers and then it is call the plumber). No one else to do it.

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.

Jcam said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.
.

Click to expand...

we actually have three contractors. one VERY expensive but can tackle the big jobs like our whole kitchen. one midpriced who does carpentry and nothing else - he built our deck. the third is the lowest in price and will do just about anything. he put in our bathroom remodel and has painted almost the whole house.

TheBeachHouse said:

Jcam said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.
.

Click to expand...

we actually have three contractors. one VERY expensive but can tackle the big jobs like our whole kitchen. one midpriced who does carpentry and nothing else - he built our deck. the third is the lowest in price and will do just about anything. he put in our bathroom remodel and has painted almost the whole house.
.

Click to expand...

I need a do anything person! I've got a bunch of small jobs Gomez doors not want to think about much less do.

"What do you think?"
Pull the other leg.
And btw thanks for explaining the acronyms PMS and FOSS before asking our opinions. This forum is good for information. That is for sure.

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Jcam said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.
.

Click to expand...

we actually have three contractors. one VERY expensive but can tackle the big jobs like our whole kitchen. one midpriced who does carpentry and nothing else - he built our deck. the third is the lowest in price and will do just about anything. he put in our bathroom remodel and has painted almost the whole house.
.

Click to expand...

I need a do anything person! I've got a bunch of small jobs Gomez doors not want to think about much less do.
.

Click to expand...

He is the perfect handy man. Needs the money but craves the flexibility of his own schedule. And good at carpentry, painting, electrical.

TheBeachHouse said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Jcam said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.
.

Click to expand...

we actually have three contractors. one VERY expensive but can tackle the big jobs like our whole kitchen. one midpriced who does carpentry and nothing else - he built our deck. the third is the lowest in price and will do just about anything. he put in our bathroom remodel and has painted almost the whole house.
.

Click to expand...

I need a do anything person! I've got a bunch of small jobs Gomez doors not want to think about much less do.
.

Click to expand...

He is the perfect handy man. Needs the money but craves the flexibility of his own schedule. And good at carpentry, painting, electrical.
.

Click to expand...

In the UK only electricians can do electrical stuff - we are very lucky in that we have a semi retired one who is happy to do little jobs like light switches and changes of fittings - I am changing all my hall and landing switches to key operated as sick of people messing with them.
We have a good handyman but needs booking in advance - we have him in currently tiling room 10's bathroom which has been a complete nightmare job from start to finish.

Jcam said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Jcam said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.
.

Click to expand...

we actually have three contractors. one VERY expensive but can tackle the big jobs like our whole kitchen. one midpriced who does carpentry and nothing else - he built our deck. the third is the lowest in price and will do just about anything. he put in our bathroom remodel and has painted almost the whole house.
.

Click to expand...

I need a do anything person! I've got a bunch of small jobs Gomez doors not want to think about much less do.
.

Click to expand...

He is the perfect handy man. Needs the money but craves the flexibility of his own schedule. And good at carpentry, painting, electrical.
.

Click to expand...

In the UK only electricians can do electrical stuff - we are very lucky in that we have a semi retired one who is happy to do little jobs like light switches and changes of fittings - I am changing all my hall and landing switches to key operated as sick of people messing with them.
We have a good handyman but needs booking in advance - we have him in currently tiling room 10's bathroom which has been a complete nightmare job from start to finish.
.

Click to expand...

He does tile, too.
small electrical, like switching a wall sconce. Nothing inside walls.

Jcam said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Jcam said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.
.

Click to expand...

we actually have three contractors. one VERY expensive but can tackle the big jobs like our whole kitchen. one midpriced who does carpentry and nothing else - he built our deck. the third is the lowest in price and will do just about anything. he put in our bathroom remodel and has painted almost the whole house.
.

Click to expand...

I need a do anything person! I've got a bunch of small jobs Gomez doors not want to think about much less do.
.

Click to expand...

He is the perfect handy man. Needs the money but craves the flexibility of his own schedule. And good at carpentry, painting, electrical.
.

Click to expand...

In the UK only electricians can do electrical stuff - we are very lucky in that we have a semi retired one who is happy to do little jobs like light switches and changes of fittings - I am changing all my hall and landing switches to key operated as sick of people messing with them.
We have a good handyman but needs booking in advance - we have him in currently tiling room 10's bathroom which has been a complete nightmare job from start to finish.
.

Click to expand...

Jcam said:

In the UK only electricians can do electrical stuff - we are very lucky in that we have a semi retired one who is happy to do little jobs like light switches and changes of fittings - I am changing all my hall and landing switches to key operated as sick of people messing with them.

Click to expand...

are you sure about this?
are you sure you don't mean "as long as they follow regulations/code"?
As far as I know homeowners (owner-builders) and such can do electrical in the UK. It is the same in the USA, the regulations change annually, so you need to build/install/wire "everything by the book" as the saying goes.
Obviously you would not want someone who is notcompetent to handle elecrecity at all, even moving switches, adding power points, etc. but as long as "code" is followed you are able to do your own electrical.

JoeyBloggs said:

Jcam said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Jcam said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.
.

Click to expand...

we actually have three contractors. one VERY expensive but can tackle the big jobs like our whole kitchen. one midpriced who does carpentry and nothing else - he built our deck. the third is the lowest in price and will do just about anything. he put in our bathroom remodel and has painted almost the whole house.
.

Click to expand...

I need a do anything person! I've got a bunch of small jobs Gomez doors not want to think about much less do.
.

Click to expand...

He is the perfect handy man. Needs the money but craves the flexibility of his own schedule. And good at carpentry, painting, electrical.
.

Click to expand...

In the UK only electricians can do electrical stuff - we are very lucky in that we have a semi retired one who is happy to do little jobs like light switches and changes of fittings - I am changing all my hall and landing switches to key operated as sick of people messing with them.
We have a good handyman but needs booking in advance - we have him in currently tiling room 10's bathroom which has been a complete nightmare job from start to finish.
.

Click to expand...

Jcam said:

In the UK only electricians can do electrical stuff - we are very lucky in that we have a semi retired one who is happy to do little jobs like light switches and changes of fittings - I am changing all my hall and landing switches to key operated as sick of people messing with them.

Click to expand...

are you sure about this?
are you sure you don't mean "as long as they follow regulations/code"?
As far as I know homeowners (owner-builders) and such can do electrical in the UK. It is the same in the USA, the regulations change annually, so you need to build/install/wire "everything by the book" as the saying goes.
Obviously you would not want someone who is notcompetent to handle elecrecity at all, even moving switches, adding power points, etc. but as long as "code" is followed you are able to do your own electrical.
.

Click to expand...

Maybe she means in a business setting. I know we can work on our own house but not if it's also a business.
We had to get an electrician, and a permit, to move an outlet 2 feet. Something you could do on your own in your own house, but not in a business setting. Here. In this town.

JoeyBloggs said:

Jcam said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Jcam said:

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?".

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

Inventory management in our place sounds like this,
"chit! this set of sheets has a tear! I'll order more on Amaz on!"
"The box of soaps is low. Can you order more?"

Click to expand...

What do you mean you didn't order the soap?
Then there are times we sit down with the catalog and say, "ooooh, why don't we get this, too?" (Shower caps.)
.

Click to expand...

Or its phone the "fill in as appropriate plumber, joiner, glazer, handyman, decorator, electrician etc) as the thing has just broken (fallen off, marked, just about (fill in the blank) or there is water coming out of the(again fill in the blank) )
I feel I have finally got a team of people that I can work with - however feel its all going pear shaped with the new bathroom and feel even more annoyed as thought I had this one cracked - more fool me! just really don't want this to become a VERY expensive pain in my arse.
.

Click to expand...

we actually have three contractors. one VERY expensive but can tackle the big jobs like our whole kitchen. one midpriced who does carpentry and nothing else - he built our deck. the third is the lowest in price and will do just about anything. he put in our bathroom remodel and has painted almost the whole house.
.

Click to expand...

I need a do anything person! I've got a bunch of small jobs Gomez doors not want to think about much less do.
.

Click to expand...

He is the perfect handy man. Needs the money but craves the flexibility of his own schedule. And good at carpentry, painting, electrical.
.

Click to expand...

In the UK only electricians can do electrical stuff - we are very lucky in that we have a semi retired one who is happy to do little jobs like light switches and changes of fittings - I am changing all my hall and landing switches to key operated as sick of people messing with them.
We have a good handyman but needs booking in advance - we have him in currently tiling room 10's bathroom which has been a complete nightmare job from start to finish.
.

Click to expand...

Jcam said:

In the UK only electricians can do electrical stuff - we are very lucky in that we have a semi retired one who is happy to do little jobs like light switches and changes of fittings - I am changing all my hall and landing switches to key operated as sick of people messing with them.

Click to expand...

are you sure about this?
are you sure you don't mean "as long as they follow regulations/code"?
As far as I know homeowners (owner-builders) and such can do electrical in the UK. It is the same in the USA, the regulations change annually, so you need to build/install/wire "everything by the book" as the saying goes.
Obviously you would not want someone who is notcompetent to handle elecrecity at all, even moving switches, adding power points, etc. but as long as "code" is followed you are able to do your own electrical.
.

Click to expand...

technically you can change like for like ie one light fitting for another but anything more than that nope - I personally wouldn't risk it as it would invalidate my insurance immediately - not worth the trouble.