The power of a booking engine

A hotel booking engine is a technological tool that allows establishments to efficiently manage and process online reservations. This system is integrated into the hotel's website and provides an interface where users can check room availability, consult rates and make reservations in real time.

The main objective of a booking engine is to facilitate the reservation process for both the client and the hotel, optimizing management and maximizing direct sales.

The operation of a booking engine is based on the integration of several functionalities. Users access the system through the hotel's website, enter their travel dates and preferences (number of people, destination or hotel, if there is more than one), and the booking engine shows them the available options.

Once the room is selected and the required information is completed, the system processes the payment and sends a confirmation to both the client and the hotel. In addition, the booking engine connects with the hotel management system (PMS) to update room availability in real time and avoid overbooking or overbooking situations.

First, it facilitates a faster and more convenient booking process for customers, which increases the conversion rate. It also allows the hotel to generate direct bookings, reducing dependence on intermediaries or third parties, and therefore lowering commissions. In addition, an efficient booking engine can be integrated with other marketing and analytics tools, providing valuable data to improve the hotel's commercial strategy. Finally, it improves operational efficiency by automating the management of reservations and updating room inventory availability.

The best booking engine for hotels and hotel chains is the one that best fits the specific needs of each establishment and helps you maximize conversion.

Roiback's booking engine has been voted the Best Booking Engine solution for Hoteliers in Europe from 2016 to 2020 and Best Booking Engine solution for Hoteliers in the world in 2021, when the global award was created, revalidating it in 2022 and 2023. The World Travel Tech Awards are awarded based on votes from qualified executives working in the travel and tourism industry and the travel-buying consumer. In addition, these votes are audited internally to ensure the validity of each vote.

Factors such as ease of use, robustness and load times, ability to integrate with other systems, additional functionalities such as promotions and package management or additional services and technical support are crucial in determining the best choice. In addition, Roiback's booking engine is known for its higher conversion, innovation and efficiency in managing direct bookings.  

A booking engine must have several essential features to be effective.
Among them:
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- An intuitive and easy to use interface for both the user and the hotel or chain staff.
- Possibility of customization with your hotel's branding so that the engine is integrated facilitating an attractive user experience and
- Easy integration with the hotel's PMS.
- Ability to manage multiple rates, regimes and availability in real time.
- Secure payment options that comply with security regulations and with payment alternatives for the user.
- Analysis and reporting tools to optimize management and profitability.
- Service for multiple languages and currencies.
- Flexibility to manage promotions.
- Possibility to offer special packages (such as flight + hotel or transfers) and/or additional services.

Of course, the booking engine must be a robust tool, offering a stable service and with a fast response time to provide the user with the desired results. Roiback's booking engine handles over 30 million availability requests per day and offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee. In addition, it handles availability response load times of 2 seconds on web, and less than 0.7 seconds on mobile, as well as conversion rates of up to 9%.  

Choosing a suitable booking engine involves considering several key aspects:
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‍Evaluatethe ability to integrate with your website and existing PMS, as well as with other hotel technology tools.
‍Analyzethe ease of use and interface to ensure that it is intuitive for both the end user and the hotel staff in all internal processes.
‍Evaluateif it presents all the specific functionalities that are required, besides the basic functionalities others are important such as the management of dynamic rates, promotions, possibility of adding or removing elements without going through critical processes and the ability to obtain detailed reports. Roiback's engine fits your hotel like a glove with over 100 features.

Last but not least, it is also crucial to consider the level of support and customer service offered by your booking engine provider.
With over 12 years dedicated to the hospitality industry and its complex digital technology ecosystem, our specialists will work as one of your business to achieve the highest return on investment. If you wish, you will have a person who will work with you to understand your needs in detail, help you gather information about the performance of your website and provide solutions aimed at maximizing the direct channel.     

A well-designed and optimized booking engine significantly improves the customer experience by providing a simple, fast and secure booking process.

Allows customers to view real-time availability, compare rates and select additional options such as extra services or special packages. It also facilitates online payment and immediate booking confirmation, reducing uncertainty and improving customer satisfaction. By offering a seamless booking experience, hotels can increase loyalty and the likelihood of repeat stays.