Business hours

Control when motel4 picks up using Dashboard → Phone Settings → AI Answer Schedule.

Related: Call forwarding · Test your first call This works alongside (or instead of) carrier-level forwarding.

AI Answer Schedule in Phone Settings — pair with carrier forwarding so calls reach motel4 at the right times.

Routing modes

AI Always On

Every forwarded call is answered by motel4 immediately. Best for 24/7 coverage or when motel4 is your primary answerer.

After Hours Only

During your configured business hours, calls follow your carrier forwarding (typically ringing staff first). Outside those hours, motel4 answers.

Set your timezone, open/close times per day of week, and optional holiday overrides.

Ring First, Then AI

Calls ring your phone for a set number of seconds (default 20). If nobody answers, motel4 takes over. Best for single-line properties where you want first chance at every call.

Setting business hours

1. Open Dashboard → Phone Settings → AI Answer Schedule.
2. Choose After Hours Only.
3. Select your property timezone (US timezones supported).
4. Enable each day and set open/close times, or use a preset (Standard 8 AM–10 PM, Extended, 24 Hours, etc.).
5. Save — changes apply to the next incoming call.

Holiday overrides

For closed days (holidays, renovations), add a date override so motel4 covers the full day even if it would normally be “business hours.”

Carrier forwarding still required

Schedule settings tell motel4 how to handle calls that reach it. You still need call forwarding from your carrier pointed at your motel4 number. See Call forwarding.

Example setups

Property type	Recommended mode
Owner-operated motel, owner answers by day	Ring First, Then AI
Front desk 8 AM–10 PM, owner off-site at night	After Hours Only + forward on no-answer by day
No on-site staff	AI Always On + forward all at carrier