First, I have to give a shout out and thank-you to a new InnFirst.com customer, The Blue Horse Inn in Woodstock, Vermont. They’ve built out an amazing new website (still working on it) and had some great suggestions for a couple of small improvements to InnFirst. Those small improvements gave rise to the enhancements outlined in this email. Here is a screenshot and link to the Blue Horse Inn website in Woodstock, VT.
 |
Online Booking Process
The online booking process has had some modifications that both reduce the amount of screen space required for the reservation details and reduce the number of steps in the booking process. Both modifications make the display more simple and the booking process easier.
 |
The “services” component of the online booking process has been added to step #1 and step #2 removed. The room total box was redesigned and positioned closed to where the number of guests are entered. Also the Show Rate Details area has been changed to a mouseover effect, rather then a drop down effect. The end result is that the interface is cleaner and more intuitive.
Visual Calendar
Using the same mouseover technology that is used in the Show Rates Detail during the online booking process, we were able to incorporate this into the visual calendar as well.
As a property owner myself, it always bothered me that I had to click on the reservation within the calendar to find more information about the reservation such as services ordered, check-in / check-out time, invoice comments, etc. Now it will be possible for you to simply move your mouse over each reservation and a window will appear with additional reservation details. It’s a great time saving people for all of us who value every second of the day! This will launch this week, we are still tweaking the display. Here is a screenshot:
 |
Visual Calendar Rate Quoting
Another feature that I’ve wanted for some time is the ability to quickly quote a rate to a potential guest. There really is no easy way within the current application quote a rate – and that’s a problem!
Later this week (or perhaps next week Monday) we’ll launch the ability to quote rates for individual properties or rooms from within the visual calendar. Multi-unit rate quoting is more complex and will have to wait.
Once it launched you will see a new modal window when making a reservation using the visual calendar. The current modal window looks like this:
 |
The new modal window with Rate Quoting will look like this:
 |
The rate quoting will be general rate quoting it will pull specific rate data, but it won’t allow you to enter services, etc. I am hoping it will allow you to enter number of guests and then refresh the rate quote for those of you that have per person rates enabled. Either way, it’s a big improvement. I’ve been having to load up my online booing calendar to give quotes to potential guests and it gets on my nerves. :-)
Upcoming Enhancements
Reporting. Improved reporting framework that will allow you to create reports that suit your business on the fly.
Amenities Interface. Amenities interface will be replaced with a more dynamic interface that will allow you to enter custom amenities, as well as copy amenities from property to property or room to room.
Automated Communications. Option for property owners to automate confirmations. Currently all property owners must manually send out confirmations or balance due reminders. New options would allow confirmations or documents of your choice to be sent out upon completion of certain trigger events such as payment of reservation deposit or remaining balance due, etc..
Guest surveys. Guest reviews. Automated email surveys that guests can receive at the end of their stay to help track guest satisfaction as well as integration with TripAdvisor to help increase number of positive reviews being posted to TripAdvisor.
Property Management Module. This one will take awhile, but we are well aware that the property managers using the system need some significant new features and reporting before the application will fully meet their needs.
I hope your year is progressing well. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me directly at 877-593-2083 x3 or via email at sales@innfirst.com.
Best regards,
Brent M. Kleinheksel
Owner, InnFirst.com
Online Bookings by InnFirst.com
Like this post? Post Comment, Download and Subscribe RSS