With the surging prominence of online booking services, an increasing number of guests opt to make their reservations for hotel rooms online, instead of waiting in long lines at the hotel reservation desk.
In such cases, it is becoming important for hoteliers to know all the intricacies of a hotel reservation system, to serve their guests in an elevated manner.
Apart from the overall positive impact that the hotel reservation system has had on the hotel industry, it also presents hoteliers with the opportunity to make online reservations a leading trend.
In this context, it is important to be completely aware of these reservation systems, so that you can take full advantage of these online booking engines for your hotel.
Understanding the Hotel Reservation System
A Hotel Reservation System is a booking engine that is tasked with the responsibility of accepting and completing the reservation on behalf of guests.
Not only does this system accept reservations but also allows hoteliers to get information about their guests, from arrival and departure dates to check-in and check-out time as well.
In addition, it can also send detailed information like meal preferences, room type, etc, making the stay all the more elevated right from the beginning.
Rising to address the present booking scenario, modern hotel booking software allows guests to view the room availability, view specific accommodations, and book via paying with just one click.
Embedded with a search bar, a tech-powered booking engine enables guests to search as per their preference, by selecting the amenities, room types, prices, location, etc.
It’s a guarantee that hotels using AI-backed booking engines will be able to offer guests the best price directly from their website, reducing the need for intermediaries like travel agents and third-party booking apps.
Advantages of Using a Hotel Reservation System
One of the significant benefits of using a hotel reservation system is cost-effectiveness, as hotels will no longer have to pay commissions on the bookings made through OTAs.
While you may have to invest a hefty amount in the beginning, going ahead this investment will be worthwhile, as a large portion of guests will choose to make booking directly with the hotel.
By using a hotel booking system, hotels have the opportunity to reduce the burden on the front office staff who are occupied with dozens of phone calls which will now be freed up, enabling them to focus on other operations.
At the same time, with the hotel’s data being collected in one place, hotel managers can view the performance of occupancy levels, and accordingly make informed decisions to improve their bookings strategy to boost revenue.
Offering hotels better control over their pricing and availability, an effective reservation system increases customer satisfaction by delivering them with an expedited booking process.
In addition, it also provides hoteliers with the ability to track cancellations and predict occupancy levels, paving the path to better management of finances.
But at the very ethos, a hotel reservation system is all about making the process of booking rooms in your property smoother.
Since the hospitality industry relies on bookings as their essence, it shouldn’t be a surprise that choosing the right hotel reservation system is of utmost importance.
To be sure of your choice, it is always advisable to look for these essential features:
a) Simplified Interface: A good reservation system will always have a simplified interface that features minimum steps required to complete the booking. To simplify the process even further, look for a booking engine that displays the details regarding availability, prices, and rate comparison right on each page. The fewer clicks it takes to navigate the system, the enhanced chances you have for guest satisfaction.
b) Smooth Setup: No doubt that a hotel booking system is a hefty investment, which is why it is important that you opt for the one that has a smooth setup process to avoid any further complications. At the same time, make sure that it is easy to manage, as after all, it is your hotel’s staff who will be responsible for using the same.
c) Easy Integration with Other Systems: It is important to select a hotel reservation system that is compatible with other systems, including PMS, Channel Manager, Rate Management System, etc. With these key integrations, you will be able to receive a real-time update of all operations at all times.
d) Offers Cancellation: A good booking engine will always feature a cancellation policy, enabling guests to cancel their bookings without having to worry about paying a cancellation fee or losing the entire cost of the stay. It’s these little things, that go a long way in making the booking experience enhanced.
Undoubtedly, hotel reservation systems are the lifeblood of the hotel industry, enabling hotels to curate a streamlined and guest-centric booking experience.
In tandem, it is the responsibility of every hotel manager to integrate a hotel booking system at the earliest. While this is all for today, stay tuned for further information.
To unlock the power of a Hotel Reservation System, it’s time for you to schedule a demo with Revivo.
FAQs
Q1. What is the function of reservation in a hotel?
Ans: The function of reservation in a hotel is to have assured booking so that you no longer have to worry about standing in long queues at the hotel reservation desk, and can start your stay on the right note.
Q2. What is a Hotel Reservation System?
Ans: A Hotel Reservation System is a booking engine that is tasked with the responsibility of accepting and completing the reservation on behalf of guests.
Q3. What is the main objective of a hotel reservation system?
Ans: The main objective of a hotel reservation system is to make bookings simplified for the guests, by allowing them to view the room availability, view specific accommodations, and book via paying with just one click.
Q4. What are the advantages of an online hotel reservation?
Ans: The primary advantage of making hotel reservations online is that you get to compare prices on all channels, OTAs, and the hotel’s website itself which enables you to get the best deal at a competitive price.
Q5. How to choose a hotel reservation system?
Ans: When choosing a hotel reservation system, it is important to take into consideration ease of setup, simple interface,integration capacity, and a provides the option of a cancellation policy.