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What people will try astounds me, although I shouldn't be surprised. What really angers me about this is the fact they're targeting small, independent hospitality businesses. They clearly understand that they're dealing with the types of owner/operators who'll bend over backward for a guest...

Thanks for the welcome, Arks! I really enjoy your posts. Everyone here seems really engaged - and they all seem to be smart, generous innkeepers. I'm really honored to be here.

Thanks for your insights, andyCPA. It sounds like you know your stuff. Quick follow up question: Is the Avg. cost method preferred for the hospitality industry, vs other methods?

When my business was slow, I would often focus on social media as a way to help drive direct bookings. Sometimes these initiatives would be in partnership with local tourism efforts to attract people to the destination, though often just posting special promo rate along with a positive guest...

For the record, Cloudbeds is flat-fee, no extra charge to connect to OTAs with over a hundred options plus GDS, pay month-to-month, no contract. Three tiers of service available. If you'd like to see a demo, just message me.

When I was in your business, we could - though rarely did - blacklist guests. Is this something you (all) do, or would even consider?

Hi, Full disclosure: I work for Resnexus' best competitor, Cloudbeds. Resnexus' system is quite good. The only thing I really see it lacking is the ability to customize it, make it your own. For example, many innkeepers discover, after they've used a system for a little while, in hindsight, they...

Makes you wonder if this guest is "familiar" with the B&B experience -- the creaky floors and the bathroom location are (sometimes) part of it. I take it s/he hadn't stayed with you before?

Hi Mort, When I arrived here and signed up, I immediately introduced myself, and I posted Cloudbeds information in the content section (Resource - Link). What I do is completely transparent and listed in my signature - plus there's my username. I did add a link to the software in the Resources...

Hi Mort, I originally had my company name, Cloudbeds, in my signature but was told I was in jeopardy of being booted because I was advertising. Accordingly I adjusted my signature line to exclude my company affiliation. I have over 15 years of firsthand experience in this business, and as a...

Sounds great except so few channel options (only 3, or did they add some?), plus that 3% OTA connection fee actually makes it more expensive. Does that connection fee make it more challenging to budget for, or do you just limit your exposure on the OTAs?

Does your property management system automatically charge the guest, or is that a manual process for you?

I don't mean to be a contrarian, but banks generally back up hotels provided they have the "we reserve the right to make a charge to the guest’s credit card" language in their guest billing agreement. You are absolutely correct, though, that hotels/inns/b&bs may not place unauthorized charges on...

AndyCPA - thanks for making yourself available. I have a question. You mention you can recommend the best accounting software. Which package do you think is best, for say, a very small inn: 3-10 rooms? Thanks for sharing your insights!

Totally agree! I've worked at some of the country's "first class" resorts and it always amazed me what my guests would try -- and oftentimes get away with (oh, and steal: furniture from a luxury suite? artwork that wasn't fastened down? one-of-a kind patio cushions? yes indeed, all of it and...

If money's owed for services rendered and provided such language is included in your payment guarantee/statement, charges can be assessed post-departure. In fact most every hotel in the world keeps payment details securely "on file" in case of theft, damage or folio charges that weren't assessed...

Your post made me curious, do you keep credit card information (in a PCI compliant format of course) in the event charges need to be applied after the fact?

For professional staff, you might consider a job posting on Hcareers, hospitalityonline.com, or LinkedIn. Another great resource is the hotel business in your town - if you know someone, reach out to them and let them know what you're looking for. If you don't know someone, contact HR person and...

All I can say is you are all Saints! Innkeeping is hard enough without all the special requests. I know because I've been there - 20+ years of guest service myself. Keep up the amazing work, All of You!

Hi, if you're in the Wells area, I can recommend The Beaches. Joe and Claire will take excellent care of you - they're pet and kid friendly, so keep that in mind depending on the experience you're looking for. http://beachesofmaine.com/