Every hotel, including smaller ones, needs to manage its inventory and rates across multiple channels. As you grow, this can become very challenging and time-consuming. That’s why finding the best channel manager for small hotels could be a very good idea. In this article, we will focus on the role of a hotel channel manager, how to choose one, and also the benefits you can get from using such a tool!
What is a small hotel channel manager?
A channel manager for small hotels is a software tool. Its primary focus is to help you manage the hotel room rates and inventory across various distribution channels. To grow, a hotel must have a very good presence on a multitude of websites. However, you need to ensure that your representation is updated in real-time and that there are no mistakes.
The channels can vary from your own website to Google Hotel Ads and from metasearch engines to global distribution systems or OTAs such as Expedia, Hotels.com, or Booking.com. It’s a great idea to use the best channel manager for small hotels because you update your availability, rates, and info depending on bookings made through other channels. It leads to a more professional approach, and it shows the value you can provide. Additionally, such tools can also help update policies, offer promos, and share content through all/some of your available channels.
How does a small channel manager work?
Naturally, the most important thing for any channel manager for small hotels is to integrate with all your distribution systems and online channels seamlessly. That’s why most channel managers will offer a dashboard where you can start integrating all your online channels. For this, you will need to share the number of rooms you have, the price per room, features, and all the desired information.
When someone initiates a booking through any channel, the channel manager will automatically update pricing and availability. That means if you have 6 rooms left and someone books a room via your hotel’s website, the channel manager will automatically update availability to only 5 rooms on all channels. In doing so, customers have a very good insight into how many rooms are left, and there’s no misunderstanding.
Why should you use a channel manager for small hotels?
Realistically, you always want to maintain a professional attitude and ensure your clients have an amazing experience. That’s why using the best channel manager for small hotels is a very good idea. Here are some of the benefits you get from using a channel manager:
- One of the primary advantages of a channel manager is that you can avoid double bookings. Unfortunately, accidents can happen sometimes, and you will have to decide what booking to cancel. If you have a channel manager, availability is updated in real time. That means there won’t be any more double bookings or awkward situations.
- Most channel managers for small hotels allow you to use as many OTAs as you want. The more OTAs you have a presence on, the more bookings you might get, so it’s a great idea to check them out.
- With a channel manager, it becomes easier to have full control over your hotel’s presence and booking availability. The management process is easier, and it also inspires trust in the eyes of your customers. It also helps streamline admin work as well!
- Most channel managers for small hotels have a great interface, and they are extremely easy to use. Even if you don’t have any tech experience, they have seamless onboarding experience and plenty of documentation to get you started.
- Lastly, these channel managers are great at synchronizing and centralizing data in real time. They integrate with a variety of hotel software, along with OTAs and your own website!
What factors should you consider when choosing a channel manager for small hotels?
It’s very important to have a good understanding of what you’re looking for. That’s why you have to take into account your hotel’s requirements, size, budget, but also special requirements like customer support, access to hands-on training or documentation. Creating a shortlist of what you’re looking for will also come handy since you can narrow down the right channel manager more effectively.
How to pick the best small hotel channel manager for your property?
Integration and compatibility
Maybe the most important thing when picking the best channel manager for small hotels is the compatibility and integration it has with your hotel management software. It should be very easy to integrate with your operational software, revenue management tools, and property management systems. Ensuring that all data, like availability, booking info, and pricing, flows smoothly from one tool to another is crucial. That’s why having very good integration with existing systems is imperative!
Customization features
Every hotel has its different requirements when it comes to using a hotel channel manager. That’s why it’s important to have a flexible system where you can easily customize workflows, rules, and features. You should also expect consistent support and assistance from the channel manager as well.
Security
The last thing you want is for your data to go into the wrong hands. That’s why you always want to ensure you have a powerful security system to keep you away from any breaches or attacks. Some of the top channel managers have disaster recovery plans, secure storage, and two-factor authentication, along with other security methods.
Reputation/reviews
Checking reviews can be insightful because you can see what other people think about the channel manager you want to use. Reviews can show insights into what is wrong, and what things can be improved, and they could steer you towards the right solution to fit your needs.
Pricing
Obviously, you always want to ensure that you’re getting the best deal for your money. Evaluate the channel manager’s pricing structure and what’s included for each price point. Most of these tools are offered under a monthly membership, which means you need to take into account a recurring fee. Additionally, you want to see if the channel manager for small hotels is scalable and if you can add more channels in the long run.
User interface
It’s crucial to have the best channel manager for small hotels and that it is at the same time, easy to use. Thankfully, most of these tools have evolved over the years, and they continue to improve as well as streamline their interface. That means it’s now easier for most customers to use these tools and reach their utmost potential.
These are the most important things you want to look out for when choosing the best channel manager for small hotels. Remember, it’s not always about getting the cheapest prices. Instead, you want to have very good value for money and ROI, not to mention constant support, great security, and customization features. Keep these ideas in mind when selecting a channel manager, and you won’t have a problem finding the right one for your business!
Mayela Lozano is a content strategist with a passion for hospitality and technology. She collaborates with InnQuest on content creation, highlighting how technology can streamline hotel operations and enhance guest satisfaction. When she’s not creating content, Mayela loves to travel and spend time with her two little ones, discovering new adventures and making memories along the way.
