A Channel Manager is a system that helps hotels in updating their real-time inventory distribution and rates across multiple channels hence managing the reservation accordingly.
This means hoteliers that are using Hotel Channel Manager are not required to log in individually to each OTA dashboard, in order to update room availability as well as price rate and let the Channel Manager do its job.
A Channel Manager works as a centralized platform, between Property Management System (PMS) and your sales channels (OTAs) where you sell your hotel rooms. You can learn more about the integration between these systems here
To better understand the process, here’s an example of how it works:
If you are considering gaining higher visibility for your hotel by listing on multiple distribution channels but dislike the idea of micromanaging to actively avoid overbooking, a Channel Manager is probably for you.
By using a Channel Manager, you will be able to spend your time efficiently and effectively
Looking at all benefits above, there is no doubt of how important a Channel Manager it is. You could save your energy and time since you are not going to go through the manual entry process anymore. You could probably enjoy your tea break without thinking about the overbooking issues.
Though that overbooking has both pros and cons, we believe as a professional hotelier, you surely want to start to establish a reputable brand that offers the best experience to your guests.
Read also: Hotel Overbooking Strategies
Before making a decision on which channel manager you want to invest in, you first have to know what your requirements are and what your expectations are toward the product.
To get you started, here are a few questions that are the main concern to most.
Choosing the right Channel Manager can prove to be very challenging and difficult since there are so many options available to choose from. However, we recommend you take your time to do thorough research on each product that catches your interest and apply for free trials where available. Things such as connectivity options, types of channels available, analytics, and friendly customer service are some of the aspects you should consider when making a decision.
Now that you have more idea of how the Channel Manager works and why you should invest in it for a better future of your hotel business. To ease your research process of which Channel Manager you should use, below I listed the 5 Best Hotel Channel Managers that you may consider,
The below list consists of 5 Channel Managers that are popular and readily available to use from small hotels to group hotels. The free trial link is also provided below so it is easier for you to claim and explore it yourself at your convenience.
Managing room distribution without proper planning and tools will be time-consuming, and less efficient, thus will affect the hotel's revenue performance. Finding the right solution for your distribution strategy like Channel Manager will help reduce the hassle of maintaining bookings, maintain rate parity, and maximize your hotel's revenue.
I hope this article helps you in giving more confident to find the best solution for your distribution strategy thus helping you in getting the best Channel Manager for your hotel.