Hotel Extranet System
A hotel extranet system is a web-based platform that
allows hotels to manage their inventory and availability across multiple
distribution channels. It serves as a central hub for managing hotel bookings,
rates, and reservations, and facilitates communication and data exchange
between the hotel and various online travel agencies (OTAs), global
distribution systems (GDS), and other third-party channels.
Here
are some key features and functionalities typically found in a hotel extranet
system:
1.
Inventory Management: Hotels can update and manage their room
inventory, including room types, availability, rates, and restrictions (e.g.,
minimum stay requirements, blackout dates).
2.
Rate Management: Hotels can set and modify room rates based on factors
such as occupancy, seasons, and demand. They can also implement different rate
plans and promotions.
3.
Reservations and Bookings: Hotels can view, modify, and confirm
reservations received from various channels in real-time. They can also create
new bookings manually and allocate rooms to specific channels.
4.
Channel Connectivity: The extranet system connects with multiple
online distribution channels, including OTAs (such as Booking.com, Expedia, or
Airbnb) and GDS, allowing hotels to distribute their inventory to a broader
audience.
5.
Reporting and Analytics: The system provides reporting tools and
analytics to help hotels analyze their performance, track bookings, monitor
revenue, and identify trends. This data can be used to make informed decisions
and optimize revenue management strategies.
6.
Communication and Messaging: The extranet system enables
communication between hotels and their distribution partners. Hotels can
receive reservation notifications, update availability, and exchange messages
related to specific bookings.
7.
Content Management: Hotels can manage their property information,
including descriptions, amenities, room images, and policies, to ensure
accurate and up-to-date content across different channels.
8.
User Access and Roles: The extranet system supports different user
roles and access levels, allowing hotels to assign specific permissions to
staff members or partners.
9.
Rate Parity and Availability Control: The system helps hotels
maintain rate parity (consistent rates across channels) and control
availability to avoid overbooking or underselling.
10.
Integration: Some extranet systems offer integration with property
management systems (PMS) or revenue management systems (RMS) to streamline
operations and data synchronization.
Overall, a hotel extranet system streamlines the
distribution and management of hotel inventory, simplifies the booking process,
and provides tools to maximize revenue and occupancy.