How to reach me (in order of preference):
- Instagram @i_like_journey
- Text
. . .
76. Carrier pigeon
77. Morse code
78. Voicemail
I communicate in “Millennial.”
Millennials differ from other generations in their communication style. Face-to-face meetings, telephone conversations, and 9 to 5 business hours are increasingly being replaced by social media and e-mail, on a 24/7 basis.
To reiterate: For the quickest response, e-mail me. For those who prefer other forms of communication, that is fine, but I submit this disclaimer:
TO THE 10% WHO MAY NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO THEIR TEXT OR E-MAIL WITHIN A DAY OR TWO, KINDLY SEND AN E-MAIL TO THE ACCOUNT WHERE YOU MADE THE RESERVATION!
Why do I prefer e-mails to texts and telephones?
I do want to respond to all of you in the shortest time possible. But I offer multiple properties to my travelers and host hundreds of guests every month. Hospitality is a 24/7 job, and I work more than eight hours per day. That being established, I am only human and do take time off –some weekends, major holidays and occasional vacations.
90% of the time, you can expect a prompt response.
Most property management companies operate 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. You may feel free to e-mail me during the weekend or when I am on vacation, as my team is always there to help with any concerns that you may have.
While living in paradise is great, it does present some issues with cellular telephone communication. I live right next to the Caribbean Sea, with tons of islands belonging to numerous different countries. The rates for cell phone calls and texts range from $1.99 to $5.99 per minute, depending on which country owns the particular island. So if I leave my cell phone on and a guest calls me to ask where the washer and dryer are, this could cost me $20. If I use my cell phone for a couple of hours per day, the cost could be 25 to 50 times as much. If we are talking about a vacation, the bill could skyrocket to $10,000, which I am not going to pay.
Here is an example of a text exchange during my recent vacation:
Guest: May I have a late checkout? = $1.99
Ella: In which place are you staying? = $1.99
Guest: Oh, I’m sorry! This is so-and-so from Aqua Beach Suite. = $1.99
I access my online calendar. Internet data = $20, then text my cleaning crew to confirm their schedule = $3.98.
Ella: Yes, you may (check out late), at 1 PM. = $1.99
Guest: May I go at 1:30 PM? = $1.99
Ella: Yes, but please use e-mail, as this is costing me $1.99 per text. = $1.99
Guest: Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. = $1.99
Guest: You’re the best! Thank you! = $1.99
Notice that he texted me twice after I told him that it was costing me $1.99 per message!
That same day, I got five texts from guests and two phone calls. For the next two days, I was in a zone with no cell phone service. When I returned from vacation, my phone bill was $950. So please don’t take it personally on those rare occasions when I don’t respond to your texts. It means that I am traveling.
If you send an e-mail to the account where you made your reservation, my experienced team will get back to you that day.
By following these simple guidelines, you will enable us to assist you in the shortest amount of time. You are in good hands!
Respectfully,
Ella
