What's new in version 2.2 of HBook? | Maestrel Documentation Hub

Version 2.2 of HBook features various changes and an emphasis on connection with 3rd parties.

HBook update notifications

Since July 1st, HBook purchase and renewal can now be done directly on our website. Therefore, HBook update email notifications will now be sent only by Maestrel, even if you purchased your licence on Envato.

In the Reservations menu, you will see a notification to invite you to register for HBook update notifications. You can as well simply register your preferences on our website and sign up for other communication from Maestrel.

Connectivity with Google Hotels and Vacation Rentals

Maestrel is in the process of becoming a Connectivity Partner for Google Hotel and Google Vacation Rentals.

In April 2026, we released the first version of HBook Connect, a new plugin designed to help HBook users prepare their website and accommodation data for integration with Google Hotels and Vacation Rentals. It was a release that was shared to a limited number of persons that had expressed interest in this integration.

HBook Connect plugin is now stable, and we have decided to make it available to everyone.

You will now see a menu HBook > HBook Connect. If you already have HBook Connect plugin, this is where your settings are for HBook Connect. Else, you will find a button to register and download HBook Connect plugin, as well as explanation and links regarding Maestrel as future connectivity partner for Google Hotels and Vacation Rentals.

Here is the documentation for Maestrel Connect: Maestrel Connect Documentation

E-invoicing

In version 2.2 of HBook, we have modified HBook to be ready for integration with e-invoicing services.

We have released one integration that is for HBook users based in France : VosFactures for HBook. You will see a new menu HBook > E-invoicing only if you use this plugin “VosFactures for HBook”.

Here is the documentation for e-invoicing: E-invoicing documentation

Custom variables for the accommodation types

You can now create custom variables that are for the HBook accommodation type. A very handy tool and ready to be used in 3 steps!

In HBook > Misc > Accommodation settings, you can add the name of your variables.
In HBook > Accommodation types, add the value for each custom variable for each accommodation type.
Add your new variables to your documents in HBook > Documents or to your email templates in HBook > Emails.

If you wish to add custom fields with a different value for each accommodation type, you can now do so with the custom variables. It is versatile and can be used for key lock codes, addresses, license numbers, etc. With the variables that are created automatically, you can now share this in the emails or documents using the same template. It is not needed anymore to create different templates to provide accommodation-specific information.

Admin UI improvements

Version 2.2 comes with a couple of improvements for the admin interface.

In HBook menus as “Search form”, “Details form”, “iCal sync”, “Misc”, etc., we have added a sticky menu and a section navigation on the side.
In HBook > Accommodation types, you can now view the accommodation ID directly
A couple of design adjustments were needed with WordPress 7 design update.

Other relevant minor improvements

Automatic blocking is now taken into account in multiple accommodation booking results. When HBook returns results that require selecting different accommodation, the linked accommodation availability will now automatically be updated. For users who had not enabled multiple accommodation bookings due to this limitation, it is now possible.
A new parameter has been added to the [hb_booking_form] shortcode to override the default maximum selectable date. This can be useful when you wish to open reservations in advance only for a group of persons, for example, in case of offering prior reservations for members only. Used in combination with a password-protected page, it works perfectly!
A new query parameter is now available to exclude a calendar from the export.

Bug fix

fixed sporadic datepicker behavior issue
fixed issue with payment links in scheduled emails