The ins and outs of Instant Booking

Instant Booking offers a powerful way to boost your property's appeal by allowing customers to confirm their stay immediately without the back-and-forth of the traditional enquiry-quote booking process. This article will walk you through the benefits of enabling instant bookings, how it can help you fill your calendar faster, and tips on managing your property more effectively with this feature. Let's explore how instant bookings can take your hosting experience to the next level!

What are Instant Bookings, and how does it work for my property?

Instant Booking is a feature that allows customers to book your property immediately without waiting for your manual confirmation. When you enable Instant Booking, any customer can instantly book a stay at your property. This feature helps increase your booking rate by catering to customers looking for immediate confirmation.

Who can opt into Instant Booking?

1. Hosts that are linked to a third-party integration like Nightsbridge or eRes.

2. Hosts whose calendars are linked with iCal. Each room or unit must be linked with iCal for the instant booking option to become available. There can also only be one room of that room type. To learn more about iCal, click here to read more about it.

3. Properties that are booked as a whole, meaning there aren't multiple rooms or units.

What are the benefits of enabling Instant Booking for my property?

By enabling Instant Booking, you can attract more customers, particularly those who prefer quick and hassle-free booking experiences, as well as customers looking for immediate booking confirmation. It reduces the chances of missing out on potential bookings due to delays in confirming bookings and can lead to higher occupancy rates.

Important Considerations for Instant Booking

1. Calendar Management

Keeping your calendar up-to-date is crucial when using Instant Booking. Since customers can book your property instantly, it’s essential that your availability is accurately reflected in your calendar. Double bookings can occur if your calendar isn't updated promptly after reservations are made through other channels, leading to potential customer dissatisfaction and penalties.

Read more about calendar management here.

2. Rates Accuracy

Ensure that your rates are accurate and up-to-date. Instant Booking locks in the price shown at the time of booking, so double-check that all seasonal rates, discounts, and additional fees are correctly applied. This helps avoid any disputes or misunderstandings with customers.

3. House Rules and Policies

Clearly outline your house rules and cancellation policies on your property. Since customers can book without prior communication, they should have easy access to all important information about your property. This minimises the risk of customers violating your rules and ensures they understand what to expect during their stay.

Read more on house rules here.

4. Maintenance and Property Readiness

Ensure your property is always ready for customers, especially if you enable Instant Booking. Regular maintenance and housekeeping should be scheduled with the understanding that customers could arrive with minimal notice. A well-maintained property will lead to better reviews and repeat bookings.

How do I enable Instant Booking for my property?

Hosts can only select the Instant Booking function if their property is booked as a whole.

Step 1: Log in to your Host Profile.

Step 2: Go to ‘Calendar Tools’, and click ‘Yes’ to enable Instant Bookings.

Multiple Room Properties and iCal

Please contact your property support consultant to enable instant bookings.