How does an online hotel reservation system work?

online hotel reservation system

To improve booking rates throughout the year within your establishment, online booking systems can be real allies. They allow the customer to book a room in a few clicks, from your website, at any time of the day. So how does this type of management software work? What are the advantages ? We tell you everything!

Hotel reservation system: what is it?

A hotel reservation system is a tool that gives customers the ability to book online, directly on the hotel's website. He no longer has to go through intermediaries such as travel agencies or OTAs to find a room in an establishment. The reservation modules allow him to proceed with the reservation and payment in a few clicks.

The system processes reservations made via the hotel website, before passing the information to the team and the PMS, in order to make it easily accessible.

Why are online reservation systems essential?

Consumption habits are constantly going digital. With the arrival of Generation Y on the market, this statement is all the more true. From now on, reservations on the internet must be fast, efficient, and achievable from anywhere in the world, and at any time. The customer should not have to contact your hotel by phone to finalize his reservation: a few clicks should suffice to choose the room that meets his needs and his availability.

To reach a large audience, and strengthen their online presence, hotels have no choice but to modernize. By offering your customers to book in your establishment, without having to go through a third-party platform, you start to create a link with them: you collect valuable data, which helps you get to know your customers better... A real marketing asset for the long-term loyalty!

How does the online hotel booking system work?

The customer navigates on your website, discovers your brand image and your universe. He then discovers the rooms you offer, and can select the one he likes, in order to see if the availability and the prices correspond to his expectations. He chooses his dates, and then proceeds directly to payment online, with his bank card or with solutions such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.

The online booking system is fully integrated into the website. It respects your brand image, your graphic charter, and is one with your website. It automates the booking process by synchronizing with your site and your social networks. The goal? Make sure that customers can make their reservation easily, without having to go through another site. To improve the reservation rate, and increase your occupancy rates, this is the key!

The online reservation system also connects to your PMS, to make your organization and the reception of your customers as easy as possible. It automatically synchronizes with your other distribution channels, and thus improves your efficiency: a major competitive advantage!

online hotel reservation system

6 good reasons to use an online hotel booking system

Boost your occupancy rates

By offering an online booking system directly on your website, you improve your booking rate. The customer can find his ideal room and pay for it in a few clicks. He does not need to call you, or go to the OTAs, and compare your offers with those of your competitors: the whole booking process is intuitive, and is done in a few minutes!

You get to know your customers better

When the customer books with your establishment, he registers his personal information. The opportunity for you to send him a welcome email or text message, and start building a solid customer relationship, before he arrives on site. To retain your customers over the long term, it is essential!

But that's not all: by knowing better the profile of the customers who frequent your establishment (age, nationality, families, couples, etc.), you can adapt your services and your services to better satisfy them!

You put in place a revenue strategy

With the reports generated by your online hotel reservation system, you get to know your activity, in every season. You can then establish an effective revenue strategy, by offering the right room, at the right time, and at the right price. To improve your occupancy rates, it is essential!

You focus on customer satisfaction

By offering digital and automated reservation tools, you save precious time from having to deal with administrative tasks and answering the phone to finalize reservations. You can then devote this time saving to preparing for the arrival of the customer, to satisfying them, to responding to their various requests... A real plus for building a good relationship, and getting better feedback!

You are more competitive

Having your own online booking tool is a real competitive advantage. It helps you stand out, and catch the eye of new customers. To develop your business efficiently, the online booking system is therefore an important ally!

Moreover, by offering this solution online, you no longer have to go through OTAs and travel agencies to find customers: these intermediaries take commissions for each reservation. The opportunity for you to make more profits, to improve your financial profitability.

You improve your brand image

You have the possibility to personalize your reservation system, in order to create a coherent brand image, which sticks to your objectives. Throughout the buyer's journey, you strengthen their confidence and convey the messages that correspond to your image. Note also that this tool will help make the booking experience smoother and more user-friendly than that offered when booking with third-party service providers.

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