Managing a hotel isn’t just about filling rooms; it’s about making your systems and operations work together seamlessly.
Hotel management can often feel like you’re spinning plates – online travel agents (OTAs) sending bookings, guests booking directly on your site, and your front desk needing real-time updates to avoid the dreaded overbooking. With all these moving parts, how do you deliver that perfect guest experience? Enter the channel manager.
The modern version of a channel manager isn’t just about syncing rates to OTAs anymore; it integrates with your entire system- from your PMS to your booking engine – keeping everything running smoothly and saving you from the chaos.
Let’s break down why seamless integration matters and how it can simplify your day-to-day.
1) PMS + channel manager = real-time peace of mind
Your Property Management System (PMS) is your operational command centre. But without a tight integration to your channel manager, you’re stuck doing double work – updating availability manually, cross-checking bookings and hoping nothing slips through the cracks.
When these two systems are synced, bookings flow automatically into your PMS with no manual entry required; and availability is instantly updated across all channels. Staff can focus on guests, not backend chaos. It’s the kind of automation that not only saves time but also prevents costly mistakes like overbookings and miscommunications between teams.
An advanced channel manager, STAAH integrates with a number of PMS providers, making it a popular choice for many hoteliers.
2) Smarter pricing with RMS integration
Revenue Management Systems (RMS) are brilliant at crunching numbers – demand, competitor pricing, booking trends – but their recommendations are only as good as your ability to act on them and the data they are fed through connected systems.
With a properly integrated channel manager, booking engine and PMS, you will unlock revenue optimisation gold. The engine is fed data through multiple sources, whilst relying on its own intelligence based on market. The channel manager integration allows RMS-generated rates go live across OTAs in real time, allowing you to react faster to market shifts and booking patterns. You can maximise occupancy and revenue without manual rate updates.
3) Booking engine integration: make direct count
Your hotel website should be your most profitable channel – but only if it works as seamlessly as the OTAs do. An integrated channel manager ensures that the rates and availability guests see on your site are just as accurate and dynamic as what’s on an OTA.
Without discrepancies between channels and with real-time rate and availability updates, you can count on a smoother booking journey for guests (and fewer abandoned carts for you).
4) Payment Gateway Integration
Guests want a smooth and secure transaction process. A direct integration between your booking engine and a payment gateway ensures that bookings can be confirmed and paid for on the spot—no redirects, no friction.
With secure processing, multiple payment options, and currency compatibility, this integration improves user trust and reduces drop-off rates. It’s all about making that “Book Now” button actually lead to a completed booking.
5) Boost Visibility with STAAH’s Get Google Integration
STAAH’s Get Google integration helps hoteliers tap into the power of Google Hotel Ads, showing your direct rates and availability right where guests are searching. This integration makes your property more discoverable and encourages direct bookings over third-party sites.
It’s a game-changer for your direct strategy and a must-have in today’s digital-first travel landscape.
6) Reputation & CRM Integrations: Own the Guest Relationship
In a world where reviews drive bookings, reputation management is non-negotiable. With solution like STAAH ReviewMinder, you can automatically gather guest feedback, track performance across review sites, and respond from one central platform.
When paired with a CRM integration, it goes a step further giving you deeper insights into guest preferences, enabling automated pre-arrival emails, post-stay surveys, and loyalty programs. Together, these integrations power stronger guest relationships and improved online ratings.
7) Drive More Revenue with Upsell Tools
Why stop at the room? Integration with upsell tools allows you to offer guests added services like late check-outs, room upgrades, spa packages, or dining experiences at the right time, and through the right channel.
An integrated upsell strategy not only increases revenue per guest but also enhances their stay. It’s a win-win for guests and your bottom line.
Ready to simplify your technology?
Whether you’re running a boutique B&B or overseeing a portfolio of properties, a tightly integrated channel manager could be the upgrade your operations need. Integrations may seem hard, and can sometimes be so, but when realised they help save time, reduce errors and make smarter decisions.
STAAH is an advanced channel manager featuring integrations with many well-known as well as niche hotel technology providers. Find out how integrations are allowing STAAH partners to drive better business outcomes by connecting with us here today.
