Finding the most suited online hotel reservation system for your property can be a herculean task, given the number of options one is presented with.
NB: This is an article from Hotelogix
This is why it is important to understand those features of a hotel reservation system that are absolute must-haves. But before that, it is essential to know the basic characteristics of a hotel reservation system, so you don’t confuse the basic features with the must-haves!
These days, most cloud-based Hotel Reservation Systems have multiple features in common. And frankly, these are the basic features which you must expect, like having a user-friendly interface, simplified booking process, supporting multiple languages and currencies, easy customizations, etc. We’ve reached a place where all of this is a given.
You need to look for features that are beyond basics, those that give you the edge to increase operational efficiency and growth.
The 5 most essential features you should look for in a Hotel Reservation System:
1) Powerful Reporting options
If you follow our blogs closely, you have probably noticed that we repeatedly stress on how important it is to have data at your fingertips. A robust cloud-based Hotel Reservation System will have the best-in-class reporting options for you which will include everything relating to your hotel.
2) Mobile App
The mobile revolution is here, and here to stay, from the looks of it. It is no surprise that more and more guests prefer using their smartphones to make bookings. With changing times, it is inevitable to adapt to the needs of the generation to stay relevant in the market. Therefore, it is crucial for your Hotel Reservation System to be mobile friendly.
3) Channel Manager
Having an Online Hotel Reservation System linked to a channel manager gives you a lot of benefits. The two-way connectivity between your HRS and the CM helps in real-time update of inventory and rates across several OTAs. This, of course, is such a boon for hoteliers and guests alike.The former saves time, witnesses improved staff efficiency & gets rid of overbooking hassles. While guests get what they see! In other words, real-time updates on availability of rooms. Meaning they wouldn’t have to worry about arriving at the hotel and then realise that the room wasn’t theirs after all!
4) Guest Review Management
In this era where ‘customer is king’, you really have no other alternative but to listen to the ‘king’. Not just that, it is also wise to proactively reach out to the king and seek feedback because therein lies a goldmine which could potentially drive your success. Guest reviews are not to be treated lightly but you must deal with them with utmost sincerity and urgency. A good Hotel Reservation System allows you to reach out to your guests, so you can engage with them and earn their loyalty. It also throws at you all the reviews they’ve left about their experience at your property on review sites. And whether you like it or not, responding to it is the only way to go about it!
5) One-view dashboard
The best Hotel Reservation System is one that simplifies your world. You need to look at a system that gives you all the necessary information with as little navigation as possible. One quick look at the management dashboard should be sufficient for you to understand just how many reservations you have for the day, how many have checked-in, how many are yet to, if there are any no shows, how many rooms are available still and this is just the booking angle of things!
Understanding all that a system can offer will help you make the best choice by juxtaposing each option against your hotel’s needs. So, the question “How to choose a hotel booking engine?” will only really be answered when you understand your own needs from a system. But that’s a topic for another day.
