News
Sep
22
NEW! Airbnb Interface
Posted by Erica Johnson on 22 Sep 2019 08:55 PM

BookingCenter - Airbnb Interface

Take Direct Bookings from Airbnb. Automatically update listing, rates and inventory.


 

 BookingCenter is now officially certified in most expansive two-way Airbnb Interface available. This new, fully-integrated solution includes support for building your Airbnb listing(s), editing listing(s), removing listing(s), managing rates and availability, bookings, taxes, and all Guest messaging (when using MyGuest). BookingCenter has the most complete Airbnb interface integration that is possible, making this valuable channel easy to manage from within your BookingCenter tool.
  • Automatic booking import, synchronized availability and rate updates. If you're working with our OTA Channels, then it works the same way as your Expedia, Booking.com, and website connections. 
  • A Marketing Profile in Airbnb for each Room Type in BookingCenter. But due to how we implemented seamlessly managing Listing(s), 
  • Messaging between Guests and Host 
  • Taxes pass-through (which is complex for Airbnb hosts, especially when they have Listings in various tax jurisdictions), this interface goes beyond other OTA Channels 
  • This interface allows you to have separate profiles for a variety of accommodation types. Booking details and all Guest Messaging can still be found in the Airbnb app or website, but all messages and updates to/from Guests will automatically be entered into your MyGuest Concierge System. 

Whether you already have an existing Airbnb profile or want to create a new one, we can assist in synchronizing this with your BookingCenter product.

To sign-up or learn more about how BookingCenter can help you make the most of your Airbnb listing submit a support ticket or give us a call +1-707-872-3922 Ext. 202.

Getting started is easy!  Learn how to Set up and Manage your BookingCenter - Airbnb Module


Read more »



Aug
13
MyPMS Latest Release
Posted by Erica Johnson on 13 Aug 2019 03:56 PM
MyPMS Release Notes -  August 13, 2019
This latest release brings major enhancements to the Booking Engine, Self Check-in features, SMS Messaging options, Rate Plan attributes and more.

NEW SERVICE! BookingCenter 'Ultimate' Channel Manager Program

As an owner of specific unit(s) at a condo, hotel or any other type of non-traditional lodging, you now have access to the BookingCenter Ultimate Channel Manager, the premier Channel Manager and Concierge system to help you manage day–to–day bookings, control rates and availability and manage Online Distribution Channels such as Expedia, AirBnB, Booking.com and others.  All while seamlessly working with the HOA and 'front desk' staff.

NEW Direct Connection! AirBnB Two-way Interface

BookingCenter is now officially certified in most expansive two-way Airbnb interface available. This new, fully-integrated solution includes support for building your AirBnB listing(s), editing listing(s), removing listing(s), managing rates and availability, bookings, taxes, and all Guest messaging (when using MyGuest).  BookingCenter has the most complete AirBnB interface integration that is possible, making this valuable channel easy to manage from within your BookingCenter tool.  If you're working with our OTA Channels, then it works the same way as your Expedia, Booking.com, and website connections with automatic booking import, synchronized availability and rate updates, a marketing profile in AirBnB for each Room Type in BookingCenter. But due to how we implemented seamlessly managing Listing(s), Messaging between Guests and Host, taxes pass-through (which is complex for AirBnB hosts, especially when they have Listings in various tax jurisdictions), this interface goes beyond other OTA Channels   This interface allows you to have separate profiles for a variety of accommodation types. Booking details and all Guest Messaging can still be found in the AirBnB app or website, but all messages and updates to/from Guests will automatically be entered into your MyGuest Concierge system. Learn more about the new AirBnB Interface, including setup and pricing. Contact us to get started!


NEW FEATURES! MyPMS, Booking Engine, and Self Check-in

  • Booking Engine - Custom URL (links) for Availability, Rates, Sources, and Market Codes: The BookingCenter XML Booking Engine can now be used to deliver selected rates and availability, or track marketing programs, by creating unique URLs.  Learn how to use Custom URL Links
    • There are several unique parameters that can be used in the URL string to deliver specific rates and availability as follows:
      • Promo Code: Promo codes are used to access a "channel" with a unique set of room types and rates. Use Promo codes for specials, discounts, negotiated rates, etc. I.e. RETURN. Learn how to Setup Promo Codes
      • Agent: Create an Agent and set up a "channel" with a unique set of room types and rates only available to that agent. See Agent URL Links
      • Room Type: Insert a Room Type ID into the URL and availability will only display for the selected Room Type. See Custom URL Links
      • Source: Used to track bookings by a specific Source. Adding this parameter to the URL will automatically import the selected Source with the Booking. See Booking Engine | Custom HTML
      • Guest Type/Market Code: Used to track bookings by a specific Guest Type or Market Code. Adding this parameter to the URL will automatically import the selected Guest Type with the Booking. See Booking Engine | Custom HTML
  • Multiple Room type Images: We have added a multi image function for Room Type Images images for export to selected direct connections. See Room Type Images.
  • Search Bookings: We have added the "PO Number" as searchable field in "Search Bookings". The PO Number field can be custom labeled and used for any code, coupon or other guest details you need. Learn how to customize Booking Labels.
  • Self Check-in Features: We have added new features to the Self Check-in System. The Self Check-in system is completely automated and includes automatic messaging, payment authorization, Esign – Digital Document Signing (optional), and room specific information allowing detailed room access instructions. Learn how to setup and use Self Check-in.
    • "eSign Required": You can now enable eSign Digital Document Signing as a required part of the Self Check-in process. This setting will automatically send a request for digital signature and can <optionally> become a requirement for Self Check-in.  See: Self Check-in Settings for details.
    • "eSign Requested":You can enable eSign Digital Document Signing as a request for Self Check-in. This setting will automatically send a request for digital signature. See: Self Check-in Settings for details.
    • "Self Check-in Exempt": This new flag allows you to exclude a selected booking from the automated Self Check-in process. The flag is located in the Booking Data Tab of each booking. See Booking Data
    • "eSign Exempt": This new flag allows you to exclude a selected booking from the required Digital Signature at Self Check-in. The flag is located in the Booking Data Tab of each booking. See Booking Data
  • NEW! SMS Text Messaging Option: SMS Messaging is now available to use for website booking confirmations, allowing you to send SMS 'confirmation' text message to Guests when a booking is made via your booking engine.See SMS Module for pricing and to get started with SMS Messaging. See Default Letters

  • Item Analysis Report: We have added "Transaction Category" and "Transaction Type" as sort options for the Item Analysis Report. You can can easily create a report for specific items. You can now use the Item Analysis Report to track items with $0 applied on folios. This is useful for tracking Inventory items that are not sold, but just tracked for purposes such as Housekeeping, Maintenance, etc. See Item Analysis Report.

  • Rate Plans (Included Items): You can now create a Rate Plan with an "Included Item" from your Inventory Items List. Each of these Rate Plans will display one Rate to the Guest and account for Room Rent and Inventory Item separately in a Report. To learn more, see Default Rate Plan Included Items

We are pleased to announce that the following software bugs were fixed in this release:

  • Fixed issue with preventing removal of past room days when extending a booking.
  • Fixed Display of "Show Restricted Rates" in Book By Inquiry.
  • Cannot Edit/Change Expedia and Booking.com Room Type IDs.
  • Deposit Quote using ADR when Manual rates used was errant and is now fixed.
  • Resolved error with saving a file as a .CSV when using Search Bookings.
  • Resolved error with "Group Name" search when using Search Bookings.
  • Resolved error with “Created on Start Date” and "End Date" when using Search Bookings.
  • Fixed issue with all known countries not showing in drop-down menu of a New Booking.
  • Resolved issue with the "We are sorry, No Availability for these dates" message on XML Booking Engine.
  • Resolved issue with Users who had 'NO' for Overbooking Privilege able to overbook without any warnings.
  • Fixed issue with multi-clicking in an empty Tape Chart cell.
  • Fixed "sort by Room" on Departures Quick Search.
  • Fixed landing page on Transaction Report.
  • If room type for "Today" is overflow (ie": Room Type: Overflow) you could not assign a type for today on the edit screen.
  • Fixed "select all" on AR Invoice description.
  • Increased number of Auto Letters allowed from seven to as many as needed.
  • Fixed in the Booking Engine, when Multi-Room Bookings of 4 or more bookings of the same Type, it imported only three bookings.
  • Fixed issue on Front Desk Search causing ISE (internal server error).
  • Resolved issue with Booking Comments not importing into MyPMS from Booking Engine bookings.

 


Read more »



Aug
11
Scheduled MyPMS Release
Posted by Erica Johnson on 11 Aug 2019 10:43 AM

MyPMS Software Release

TONIGHT! Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 10:00 PM PDT (California Time)


This release brings major enhancements to the booking process in MyPMS, new Self Check-in features, bug fixes and more. The release is scheduled for Sunday August 11, 2019 at 10pm PDT (Pacific Time) and service downtime will be no more than 120 minutes.   After the release on Sunday, we will send details and instructions on how to get started with the new enhancements and services.  
 
There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this update; however, we do recommend printing out any registration letters for guests checking-in late. Please note that during this time, the following services will be offline and not available, so please plan accordingly.
  • MyPMS customers please take note: This downtime WILL affect your Property Management System, as the system will NOT be available during this period. North America and European customers, please schedule your Night Audit accordingly, and be sure to print out all necessary reports (we recommend any non-arrived guests to have their Registration Letters printed, for example) before 10 PM PDT (California Time) Sunday night. Southern hemisphere customers should consider printing Folios for departing check-outs, as this may impact your ‘check out’ hours.
  • Desktop Property Management System updates will not work.
  • The Booking Engine (what we sometimes refer to as the ‘Request Server’) will be unavailable during this time.
  •  Credit card processing via MyCard and AuthorizeNet will be unavailable during this time.
  • GDS/OTA updating and booking retrievals will cease during this time, but activity that occurs on these sites will continue and will be sent to you when the system is restored.
Total downtime is expected to be no more than 120 minutes. A reminder of the scheduled downtime will be posted for all MyPMS Users on the Front Desk under the "System Messages" area prior to service interruption. We appreciate your understanding of this inconvenience, and are here to answer any questions at: https://support.bookingcenter.com/ and +1-707-874-3922 Ext. 202.

REMINDER: After a MyPMS new software release, it is a good idea to clear your website browser cache. Typically, browser cache issues can affect the ability of MyPMS to perform certain tasks which can be easily fixed by clearing the cache in your browsers. See Clear Browser Cache


Read more »



Jul
31
eSign - Digital Document Signing
Posted by Erica Johnson on 31 Jul 2019 03:28 PM

 

eSign -  Digital Document Signing

We've integrated it right into the booking process, streamlining check-in for your customers and staff

eSign is fully-integrated with MyPMS and ready-to-use!

Learn how to use eSign

 
eSign is fully integrated with your PMS and ready-to-use - at no additional cost to you! Save time, speed up the check-in process, improve record keeping and free up time for your staff by sending - and receiving - digitally signed documents, stored with the booking.
 
Getting started is easy! Create and send a Digital Signature Letter right away using our default Letters section.Learn how to use eSign
 
If you have any questions or need assistance using eSign, submit a support ticket or give us a call +1-707-872-3922 Ext. 202.

 


Read more »



May
17
NEW! SMS Messaging Module
Posted by Erica Johnson on 17 May 2019 03:14 PM
 

Send SMS Messages to Guests

Enhance guest communication. Automate operations.

Send SMS Messages in MyPMS

 

With another busy Summer season just around the corner, we want to make communicating with guests easier for you with SMS Messaging (ie. Text Messaging).
The SMS Module (subscription required) is fully integrated with MyPMS and ready-to-use.
 
Getting started is easy. Create custom SMS Messages (tet messages) templates to SMS guests from a booking; or automatically using Auto Letters.The SMS feature is a recommended part of the Self Check-in process, as notification via SMS is immediate and more reliable than email - vital for a guest wishing to access their room.
 
There are many scenarios when an SMS Message is better than email, print, or voice. For instance: 
  • When the desk is closing and you wish to notify a late-arriving guest important info.
  • To notify an in-house Guest of a service or appointment.
  • When transportation directions or maps are needed.

Literally hundreds of MyPMS  situations can be improved using pre-crafted SMS message 'Letters'.


Getting started is easy!

We have step-by-step instructions on how to set up and start using SMS Messaging in MyPMS.

NOTE: To Setup SMS Messaging in MyPMS, you must subscribe to the service by BookingCenter Staff. Please contact us or submit a support ticket to get started. See SMS Module | Pricing

 

Read more »



Apr
24
MyPMS Latest Release Notes
Posted by Erica Johnson on 24 Apr 2019 09:54 PM

MyPMS Release April 24, 2019

This release introduces the new MyGuest Android App, SMS Messaging support, enhancements to Rates, Reports, Housekeeping and more.

Click here to see all MyPMS Release Notes

NEW MyGuest Android App

  • MyGuest - Mobile Concierge and Guest Request System-  Introducing MyGuest Mobile App for Android. Download from Google Play Store. MyGuest is completely integrated with the MyPMS booking process: Self Check-in, eSign and SMS Messaging. Get alerts when a guest checks-in, signs a document, or is SMS messaged for a 'same day booking/arrival'. Learn more about Self Check-in | MyGuest Integration

MyPMS NEW FEATURES

  • Housekeeping Feature - Set the Say Over (S/O) Value: Long Term Stay properties often will only perform a Stay Over (S/O) clean on every x night of the stay.  The MyPMS system allows you to set this 'Cleaning Interval' so that the S/O value will apply, for example, to every 3rd night of the stay.   Make your custom setting for the 'Cleaning Interval' in the General Setting area.

  • Default Rates - Meal Plan Included: Each Rate Plan now includes the option to add a "Meal Plan" to create a Rate Plan Package with Meal Included. There are several Meal Plan Options to choose from. Learn more about Default Rate - Meal Plan

  • SMS Messaging - Check Mobile Phone Numbers: We have added a feature to catch errors when sending an SMS Message from a booking. Now when you click 'Send SMS' the mobile number entered in Booking Information will automatically be checked for errors and display a pop-up message telling you to correct the phone number. Learn more about the SMS Module

  • SMS Messages - New Merge Field : The SMS Letters function allows you to create and customize "Letters" or messages that you can send as an SMS message to Guests from a booking or using Auto Letters. We have added a new merge field, "Room Notes", which lets you insert notes specific to each room. Learn more about the SMS Module and the Merge Fields - SMS Letters
  • Transactions Report by User: When the Transactions Report is sorted by "User", it now displays inactive Users at the end of the Report for easier viewing and printing. See Transactions

  • TripAdvisor Connection - Automatic Confirmation Email: We have added an automatic confirmation to the TripAdvisor Direct Connection booking process. Properties will now automatically receive an email notification when a new TripAdvisor booking or a booking modification is received.  Learn more about TripAdvisor | InstantBooking


We are pleased to announce that the following software bugs were fixed in this release:

  • Fixed missing graphic "success" in MyBooking.
  • Fixed date format on the Dashboard widget "Availability Next 7 Days"
  • Fixed issue with Manage Credit Card link opening to House Accounts in Group Bookings.
  • Fixed issue with Dashboard Occupancy showing 0%. It now displays the correct daily availability.
  • Fixed issued with formatting on Transaction Report landing page.
  • Fixed issue with swiped credit cards. The "s" now appears on swiped cards in Add Payment.
  • Added a PAX / EMV column to Batch report

Read more »