Maximise visibility by connecting to your favourite booking channels with hotel channel manager software

A Channel Manager (also known as Channel Management Software or OTA Manager) is a tool that helps hotels, B&Bs, and other accommodations centrally manage the availability, rates, and other key information about their rooms. Whenever a room is booked or a rate is changed, all connected channels (such as Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb) are updated immediately. This prevents overbookings and ensures your rates and availability are always up-to-date.

For example, using RoomRaccoon is very straightforward: the platform automatically synchronises your rates and availability with every connected sales channel, without requiring any manual input.

Because competition in the online travel market is fierce, it’s crucial to be visible on multiple platforms. A Channel Manager automates the process of updating prices and availability across various sites, which helps you:

1. Increase bookings: by boosting your visibility.
2. Prevent overbookings: as all channels are updated in real time.
3. Save time and effort: by not having to update each channel manually.

Using Channel Management Software (also referred to as Hotel Distribution Software) provides several key advantages:

1. Time savings: Update your availability and rates for all channels at once.
2. Fewer errors: Real-time synchronisation prevents duplicate bookings and outdated rates.
3. Increased visibility: Connecting to multiple OTAs (both large and niche) helps you reach more potential guests.
4. Higher revenue: With accurate rates and a wider reach, you’ll generally see more bookings.
5. Centralised data insights: Everything is combined into one clear dashboard, allowing for quick and informed decisions.

Think of a Channel Manager like the conductor of an orchestra: all channels seamlessly play together, avoiding any chaos or double bookings.

This varies by provider, but it’s wise to choose a Channel Manager that offers connections to a wide range of OTAs and other distribution channels. RoomRaccoon, for example, connects with over 200 channels, including:

1. Major OTAs: such as Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, and Vrbo.
2. Niche markets: like Mr & Mrs Smith, Agoda, and Ctrip.
3. Global Distribution Systems (GDS): such as Amadeus, Pegasus, and Travelport.
4. Metasearch engines: like Google and TripAdvisor.

This approach expands your reach and increases your chances of receiving more bookings.

Your Channel Manager and Property Management System (PMS) must communicate seamlessly. This means that every reservation and rate change is automatically updated in both systems.

With RoomRaccoon, the Channel Manager, PMS, Booking Engine, and Payment Processing System are all part of a single platform. That way, you don’t have to deal with multiple separate connections, reducing errors significantly. You also get support and training for setting up the integrations and migrating data.

There are various features that can help you manage your online distribution effectively:

1. Wide channel selection: The more OTAs, niche markets, and GDS platforms you can connect to, the bigger your reach.
2. Real-time synchronisation: Minimizes the risk of double bookings and unwanted vacancies.
3. Bidirectional integration: Make sure the system not only sends data out but also receives bookings back into your PMS.
4. Easy-to-use dashboard: One central place to manage all rates, availability, and restrictions.
5. Automation: Look for automated rate rules, promotions, and packages.
6. Security and compliance: Check whether the software meets relevant data protection regulations.
7. Customer support and training: Good support is essential during implementation.
8. Costs and contract terms: Find out whether there are fixed subscription fees or if commissions are charged per booking.

Imagine the Channel Manager as a smart assistant that monitors your room inventory around the clock. When someone books a room on an OTA (e.g., Booking.com), the Channel Manager sends those reservation details straight to your PMS. At the same time, it updates your availability across all other sites, ensuring no duplicate bookings can occur. This way, your calendar is always current, and you don’t have to manually check if any rooms remain.

The cost depends on the provider and the features you choose. At RoomRaccoon, for example, you pay a fixed monthly or annual fee (with a 20% discount if you opt for an annual subscription), and there are no additional commissions per booking. You’ll get immediate access to the entire platform (PMS, Channel Manager, Booking Engine, and Payment Processing System). This means you know exactly what you’re paying for without any financial surprises.

Yes, most Channel Management Systems (such as RoomRaccoon) allow you to:

1. Create special offers: like last-minute deals.
2. Combine packages: with extras such as a welcome drink or breakfast.
3. Sync discounts and promotions: to all connected OTAs.

This is convenient if you want different pricing or packages for various target groups or seasons.

1. Compare providers: Look at features, integrations, customer support, and pricing models.
2. Request a demo: Get a guided tour of the platform to see if it’s user-friendly.
3. Implement and integrate: Ensure a smooth connection with your PMS or reservation system.
4. Train your team: Take advantage of implementation sessions and manuals so everyone knows how to use them.
5. Monitor and optimise: Keep an eye on reports and adjust where necessary (e.g., pricing or strategy).

In short: A Channel Manager (Channel Management Software / OTA Manager) is an indispensable tool for any hotel or B&B looking to sell rooms on multiple platforms without chaos. It provides real-time updates of rates and availability, reduces errors, and broadens your reach. With a solution like RoomRaccoon, you have everything in one place: a PMS, Channel Manager, and Booking Engine, enabling you to work efficiently and generate more revenue.

Want to learn more about how RoomRaccoon can help with channel management? Request a free demo.