Hotel Online Reservation System

A hotel reservation system, or hotel reservation software, is a technology platform that allows hoteliers to accept direct bookings via the hotel’s website and through multiple distribution channels.

Also known as a reservation system or online booking engine, it's a tool that permits hotel customers to schedule the dates of their stay, choose rooms at the time of reservation, and take payment from them.

A hotel reservation system is a software solution that permits business owners to automate the procedure of accepting and managing bookings. A good hotel reservation system serves as a centralized platform that permits consumers to make reservations for rooms, amenities, and services. Meanwhile, an online reservation system also gives hoteliers a streamlined way to handle reservations, availability, pricing, and customer information.

A hotel booking system is a software application that permits customers to reserve directly with the hotel online, with no mediators necessary. The software essentially procedures online bookings made via the hotel’s website and then passes these details to the hotel’s own backend so that the data can be simply accessed. Reservations are then managed by hotel staff.

The hotel reservation system integrates with other key tools like a channel manager and a booking engine. This makes sure the hotel’s rates and availability are always up-to-date and that precious direct reservations can be accepted.

How a Hotel Reservation System Works

As an overview, hotel reservation systems typically work by allowing customers to book the dates for their stay based on the real-time display of your rates and inventory across all reservation channels and finalize their reservation via an online payment portal.

The reservation management software essentially automates the booking procedure, syncing up with your hotel’s website and social media so that customers can reserve easily and conveniently without having to visit another site. The reservation system can also connect up to the channel manager, permitting hotels to distribute their availability to both online agents in real time.

These types of booking systems are used in the hospitality industry in order to permit customers to book their own stays online through software. It helps facilitate a smoother booking procedure and easily gathers data into your system. Additionally, it provides you with an edge over your competitors and increases efficiency by automatically syncing across your system and channels.

Below is a simple step-by-step process of how a hotel reservation system usually works:

• A potential customer inputs a specific number of people and their planned check-in and check-out dates to the calendar of the system.

• The system confirms the reservation and automatically updates room inventory in the hotel’s PMS. It also generates a confirmation number which can be automatically sent to the customer via email.

• The customer reserves their desired room through the system by delivering their personal details like name, contact number, and payment details. They can also add special requests like a room with a view or a exact location, and the system will notify the hotel of these requests.

• The system validates the availability of the hotel’s various room types and your indicated travel dates, then displays the available rates at the time of the search.

What are the benefits of using a hotel reservation system?

Nowadays, having software to manage reservations is without doubt fundamental, no matter the size of the property. So, let’s take a look at why it is necessary and the benefits that an online booking system brings.

Improved efficiency

A reservation system increases efficiency for hotels, primarily because availability is updated immediately across all channels, involving your own system. This decreases the amount of time required for the front desk to dedicate to administrative tasks and also decreases the risk of overbooking.

Meet traveler expectations

Nowadays, travelers want to reserve a room without having to email the hotel or wait on hold. With a website reservation engine, customers can create an online hotel reservations system at any time, from anywhere – generating reservations while you sleep.

Lower prices

In contrast to reservations that you make directly, a hotel booking software system often delivers negotiated corporate rates. By providing lower rates via these sites, hotels can benefit from a higher volume of customers.

Reduces chances of human error

When you have your own system, customers are in charge of making their own bookings, so presumably, they'll be no errors in customer details and contact details.

Offer multiple booking options

On your website or social media channels, you can promote multiple room types, promotions, and packages, targeting a broad range of traveler budgets and tastes. Many third-party sites don’t provide this flexibility.

Build guest relationships prior to arrival

Most OTAs don’t share customer contact details when forwarding a reservation. When customers reserve these through your website, you collect these details directly. Using email automation software, you can invite them to begin planning their stay, upgrade their room, or order an amenity.

Why do you need a hotel reservation management system?

A hotel reservation system is essential for today’s accommodation supplies, both large and small.

A growing number of travellers are relying solely on online reservations in order to reserve their accommodations, and without this capability, you'll lose a significant amount of business.