What is a Hotel Booking Engine?

How does an online booking engine work?

An online booking engine is a software application that allows hotels, resorts and other businesses to accept direct bookings through their websites or other digital platforms. It works in the following manner.

• User Search & Availability Check

  In this system, Guests enter their travel dates, room preferences and mention the total number of guests.

  The booking engine integrates with the hotel’s property management system (PMS) to check real-time availability of rooms.

• Selection & Pricing

  Next, status of available rooms and rates are displayed to the guests.

  Now, guests can select their preferred room type and add-ons like meals, airport transfers or mention their special requests.

• Secure Payment Processing

  After completing all these steps, the guest proceeds to checkout. At this juncture, booking engine securely processes payments via credit/debit cards, UPI, digital wallets or net banking.

  This integration with payment gateways ensures that there are secure transactions as the systems have fraud prevention measures.

• Instant Confirmation & Notifications

  Once payment is completed booking engine sends an instant confirmation email/SMS to the guest and at the same time it updates the hotel’s PMS with the reservation details.

  Some systems also offer cancellation and modification options which are based on the hotel's policies.

• Integration with Other Systems

  The online booking engine syncs with channel managers and it ensures that the availability is updated across various OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) like Booking.com and Expedia.

  Further, it integrates with the PMS so that there is seamless reservation management and a provision for guest data tracking.

Market Trends pertaining to Direct Bookings through a Booking Engine

It’s important to understanding the current market trends related to direct room bookings. Here are some key industry statistics:

• According to Phocuswright 72% of travellers prefer to book accommodations directly on a hotel’s website.

• Hotels that establish a strong online presence across search engines, social media and review sites can attract more direct bookings as they can reduce reliance on third-party platforms in this way.

• As per Evergage, 98% of marketers believe that personalized marketing efforts enhance guest relationships. This highlights the importance of customized booking experiences.

Why Are Direct Bookings through Booking Engine Important for Small Hotels?

Direct hotel bookings provide several advantages especially for small and independent hotels. That is why independent hotels see a 56% share of direct bookings compared to chain hotels.

• Commission Savings: Using a Booking Engine hotels can avoid paying third-party fees so it reduces the distribution costs and hotels can invest this money in direct marketing.

• Better Guest Relations: A booking engine enables direct communication. So, in turn it allows personalized service and fosters brand loyalty.

• Increased Revenue: Hotels can offer special promotions and upselling opportunities to maximize guest spending.

In a nutshell, by integrating a powerful booking engine with their website hotels can boost direct bookings, improve guest experience and reduce dependency on OTAs.

Why Hotels Should Invest in Booking Engine and Website Development

There are many reasons to invest in a Booking Engine and Hotel Website Development. This includes brand branding, builds better guest relationships and improves customer insights. It lowers overall costs.

How to Boost Direct Bookings in your Hotel

To establish a successful direct booking website, follow these steps:

Set up a website

With a high- performing booking engine.

Optimize for mobile

Bookings to cater to guests on the go

Ensure a frictionless

Booking process with minimal form fields.