What is the difference between HBook and a Channel manager?
They are 2 different tools, that can be use together.
HBook is a complete booking system that you add to your website.
A channel manager is aimed at channelling availability across your different platforms.
Some channel managers may have a widget that you can add to your website to display a booking form in an iframe. But since the main focus of a Channel manager is on the OTA connections, the booking engines are usually with poor functionalities.
Regarding the synchronization of availability across platforms:
A channel manager can offer direct integration with the OTA (API integration) or/and iCal synchronization.
HBook offers iCal synchronization only
What are the main difference of functionalities for the synchronization?
There are a couple of important differences between iCal synchronization and synchronization using the API of the OTA.
“Pull” vs “Push” action
iCal synchronization is a “pull” action: each platform checks if there are any change in the connected calendars. It pulls information from the platform iCal agenda. This action is automatic but is not done instantly. There is a delay between a reservation received on a platform and the update of the availability on the rest of the platforms. It means that you can have a double booking during this delay.
Update frequency:
- HBook can update its calendar up to every 5 minutes.
- Each platform has its own update frequency, usually between every 30 minutes and every 1h30.
API integration is a “push” action: when there is a new reservation, the data is pushed to all platforms connected. This action is automatic and instantly done. There is no delay and all platforms are automatically updated.
Information shared
with the iCal calendar format, the information that can be shared is limited. HBook includes any information shared by your external platforms in the “Comments” column. When customer or reservation information is shared, we add it too. Some platforms share the URL of the reservation in their dashboard, and we add the link in the “Comments” column, so you can easily open the reservation details.
a connection with an API allows sharing of reservation information, customer details, payment information, etc. It is not as limited as iCal synchronization.
Price
iCal synchronization is a useful tool, and it is costless. We use it in HBook, and for the vast majority of our users, the higher risk of a double booking is manageable.
a Channel Manager has an extra cost. Usually, it is a monthly subscription that depends on the number of properties/rooms and the number of connections. Some offer a money-back guarantee in case of a double booking (insurance).
What to take into account when choosing a Channel manager to use with HBook?
It is important that you evaluate what is best for your project. If you think that you wish to use a Channel manager, here are the key points to check:
make sure the Channel manager does not only offer iCal synchronization, and has API integration with the platforms you wish to connect to. There are plenty of players in this market, and you don’t want to pay for iCal synchronization, when HBook offers it already!
make sure they support iCal synchronization. You will sync HBook with your Channel manager with the iCal synchronization. And all your platforms will be connected directly to your Channel Manager (API integration).
check which Channel managers are mostly used in your country. The channel managers that are available in Germany are not the same as in the U.S. or in Australia. You may wish as well to be able to connect to platforms that are relevant to your geographical area, in addition to the main OTA.
contact us if you need further advice!