Recent content by KenW

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  1. KenW

    Is anyone using texting to communicate with guests?

    We have a separate system for receiving incoming calls and separate number specifically for business. We use text all the time but mostly for pre arrival information and communication while guests are with us.
  2. KenW

    How do you handle far-advance multi-day reservations?

    Year in advance 15% down...balance due 120 days before arrival. All problems solved.
  3. KenW

    What would you do? Who right?

    We had to deal with those...the answer is..why didn't you book it? Our prices could change daily and not only up...
  4. KenW

    I Want to Cancel My Non-Refundable Reservation...

    We have strict policy..over 60 days less 3% cc fee full refund. 30 to 60 50% plus 3% for cc fees, less than 30..no refund. With all that said if it re- books then we refund less 3% less the difference if we have to discount.
  5. KenW

    Guests Are Changing...

    I think most guests are respectful of our property. By raising our prices we have eliminated a lot of problem guests but not 100%. We have a covered grilling area and one idiot grilled a steak in the oven on the rack with no pan.. Some are just lacking intelligence..so just chalk it up to part...
  6. KenW

    Mattress Questions

    We had a guest that had worked for a mattress company and he said not to buy from a strictly mattress Co. The more coils the better..a nice 2 pillow top. Plus we pit a nice padded cover and works great and guests love them. The set with frame. Box and mattress was about $1200.
  7. KenW

    Reservation Software

    It's really all we have ever used, for 8 rooms plus 2 other properties. It's got to be pretty simple for us to set up and use. It was one stop for everything and they continually to make improvements.
  8. KenW

    Reservation Software

    Little hotellier, it has been awesome for us.does everything. Management system. Website creator,multi channel booking system. My wife and I set it all up and they have great support. Under $200 a month for us.
  9. KenW

    Pursuing a B&B

    Ours is a very seasonal biz...open May through 1st week of September. We work pretty much 7 days a week for those months. Then our work just consists of booking and taking it easy for the other 8 months. It's a good fit for us as our place is in Alaska...and in Texas for the fall and winters.
  10. KenW

    Hello from Wales!

    Welcome! Not knowing your area it may be some trial and error. Use all the platforms you can to build your reviews then focus on direct bookings. Have a great site and easy to use. Through the last 6 years we continue to tweek how we operate. Yes add a direct booking discount to your site web...
  11. KenW

    Registration / Guest Paperwork

    We use little hotellier and print out all registrations and when they check in they sign it
  12. KenW

    Looking for some help

    Yes...7 months in it may be time to find another lender.
  13. KenW

    Looking for some help

    I'm a little stumped...why would they ask a question like that? Usually its..how much equity do you have? How's your credit? How much cash reserve do you have? How much do you have to put down? Show me the business plan. I had 0 experience in the hospitality business but successful in other...
  14. KenW

    Guest Vaccination Requirement

    No but....H--- No, We are not required to ask or do anything in AK. It is your place and your rules and your rights the way I see it.We saw guests relieved that they were optional and all but a handful chose to wear the face diaper. I guess some didn't get the memo that vaccinations do not...
  15. KenW

    Just Set 2022 Rates - A Few Thoughts

    It was a little work monitoring local rates and we have come to believe we set the rates for our area. Meaning we think that the other simular accommodations keep an eye on us to see what we are charging. We use little hotellier as a management platform, probly much like Rezkey...easy to adjust...
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