With the COVID reality, a number of properties are utilizing the Out of Order (OOO) functionality to space out guests and rooms. BookingCenter sends all OOO updates to all sites, but please note that what may appear to be an overbooking for a room set as OOO is not really an overbooking.

There are a few key elements that are critical to understand with the OTAs and OOO:

1.        OOO is a "Room" Setting, but the OTA sells via Room Type, and
2.        When a room is set OOO, Booking.com and Expedia get availability updates, but not specific room updates

Below is an example of where it may appear that there was an overbooking, but this was not the case. Your property has three King rooms that have the following reservations for May 1^st and May 2^nd:

Room 106 - OOO has been set for May 7th and May 8th

Room 107 - Booking on May 7th; Open of May 8th

Room 108 - Open on May 7th; Booking of May 8th

As far as the OTAs are concerned for your King room type, it will show availability (1) on both March 7th and March 8^th (as you do have availability). If a two-day booking is made at the property, you will need to make some adjustments to the room if you want the guest in the same room for the duration of the stay.

Please note that this scenario does take place regardless of setting a room OOO, but is more common now with the current situation.