Knowledge Base

In this post, we will take a close look at types of data that can be updated across online distribution channels through Exely Channel Manager and the “Channel features” section.

To get to know the features of the channel you need, take the following steps:

1. Go to “Channel Manager” > “Manage Channels”.

2. Select the required channel from the list.

3. Open the “Channel features” tab.

4. This page shows what kind of data can be synced with this channel and which cannot. The left column contains the name of the parameter. The right column shows whether the channel accepts and displays this parameter or not.

At the top of the list, there are restrictions that can be set in the Exely account.

In the screenshot above, we can see that Expedia/Hotels.com does not support minimum and maximum lengths of stay upon the arrival date, minimum and maximum advance bookings upon/before the arrival date, and booking import.

In case there is a rate plan with a minimum length of stay of 3 days in your Exely account, and this rate plan is offered on Expedia, apart from prices and availability, the minimum length of stay will also be sent to the channel, as this parameter is supported by the channel. The same for other restrictions.

Note: Not all channels support rate plan restrictions. This depends on the Channel integration type. You can check what data is sent to each channel specifically in the “Channel features” tab.

Apart from restrictions, in the list, there are the following parameters:

• Bookings import — bookings for the future period that were made before connecting the channel to the Channel Manager will be pulled to the Exely account upon connection.

• Meal service — if meals are included in a rate plan, the Channel Manager will send the fact that meals are included but not the meal service fee to the channel.

• Adult with main occupancy — the channel supports prices for adult with main occupancy.

• Adult on extra bed — the channel supports prices for accommodation of adults on extra beds.

• Child with main occupancy — the channel supports prices for accommodation of children as guests with main occupancy.

• Child on extra bed — the channel supports prices for accommodation of children on extra beds.

• Child without bed — the channel supports prices for accommodation of children without beds.

• Early check-in/ late check-out — the channel supports leaving availability for bookings with early check-in or late check-out.

Let’s study the last one in details.

For example, you got a booking from a distribution channel. It checks in early at 9 am on April 2. The set check-in hour is 12:00. The time before the set check-in hour is considered to be a continuation of the previous day, that is April 1.

Therefore, the booking with the early check-in takes away 1 day from the availability.

The additional day is taken away from the availability if the "Select availability" option is enabled in the early check-in/late check-out settings in the Exely extranet. In some cases, channels send a booking with an extra day to select availability for the previous or next day.

Note: early check-in and last check-out is set, and the fee is calculated on the distribution channel side. Information about the early check-in and late check-out in the Exely extranet is not sent to the channels.

Make sure that the channel supports an early check-in or late check-out. Otherwise, you will have to take away the availability by hand.