Managing bookings across multiple channels can be challenging, especially as you strive to maximize your property’s occupancy and avoid double bookings. While most hosts focus on responding promptly to inquiries and ensuring an exceptional guest experience, staying on top of your calendar is equally vital.
This is why importing all of your bookings to a master calendar is critical for your operations. However, manually keeping a master calendar with all your reservations can be tedious and time-consuming.
Automatically syncing your calendar can be invaluable and that’s why we’re excited to announce we’ve released iCal imports for all users! By using iCal imports, you can seamlessly sync calendars across your various booking platforms, enabling better control over availability, more efficient operations, and the ability to take full advantage of Hospitable's automated messaging features. With iCal, your calendar is always up to date, ensuring smooth coordination across all the channels you market to.
How’s It Work?
Connecting Channels with iCal Imports
Start by copying the iCal link from the external platform you’re connecting (e.g., Hostshare, Expedia). Next, in Hospitable, go to Properties and choose the one you want to sync with your iCal link. You’ll see a section for imported iCals and a button to add a new one. Simply paste the link into the iCal import field and save it. It’s that easy!
Seamless Availability Management
With iCal imports set up, Hospitable will ensure your property’s availability is updated automatically. Hospitable will fetch calendar updates from the connected iCal feed once every hour, ensuring new reservations, blocked dates, and cancellations are reflected in your calendar. You can add multiple iCal feeds for a single property, giving you flexibility in managing diverse booking platforms.
Automating Guest Messaging
Reservations imported via iCal are treated like any Direct or channel-based booking. This means that as long as you have an email, you can leverage Hospitable’s automated messaging features to communicate effortlessly with guests across platforms.
For example:
- Guests booking through external channels will receive personalized welcome messages.
- Reservation updates, such as check-in instructions, can be automated and customized.
- Any questions guests ask can be answered automatically through the AI Knowledge Hub.
Why Use It?
There are many reasons….
- Support Multiple Booking Channels. While continuing to keep direct integrations with major platforms, iCal imports allow yo u to extend your reach to more niche channels.
- Save Time and Avoid Double Bookings. iCal automation keeps your calendar updated without manual effort, reducing the risk of overlapping reservations and freeing you to focus on enhancing the guest experience.
- Take Full Advantage of Hospitable’s Features. Imported reservations are treated like any other booking within Hospitable, allowing you to use automated workflows, such as sending check-in instructions, upselling premium add-ons, and streamlining operations.
- Improve Guest Satisfaction. Accurate calendar management means no awkward cancellations or mix-ups, leading guests to appreciate you for delivering a seamless experience from booking to check-out.
For more detailed guidance, check out the Connecting Channels with iCal Imports article in our Help Center. With iCal imports, you can expand your reach across more booking platforms, avoid scheduling headaches, and maintain the exceptional guest service you’re known for!
What Do You Think?
We would love to hear your thoughts on iCal Imports. Is there something you’d like to see in the feature's coming iterations? Fill out the form below!
Stay tuned for more product updates!
