On Request Reservations: One More Step Towards Hyper-Personalization
Booking Engine 11/12/2024
The ability to adapt more and more to the needs and expectations of guests, more than a trend, is now almost an imposition that can make the difference between winning or losing a significant number of reservations . In this line, one of our most recent innovations, "on request" reservations, emerges as a solution that can benefit guests and hoteliers alike.
With flexibility as its premise, “On Request” reservations offer users the possibility of activating a toggle with a single click that allows them to “skip” all the calendar restrictions and access a new view of their search results , where they can request accommodation on dates and/or rooms that would not otherwise be visible. This is not, therefore, a confirmed reservation, but rather a reservation request that the hotel must evaluate before approving or rejecting, but which represents a whole new dimension of personalization and service.
As we have just mentioned, "On Request" reservations are those in which the potential guest sends a reservation request to the hotel, but without having proof of availability and without obtaining immediate confirmation. In other words, the client shows interest and the hotel evaluates the request to accept or reject it based on its actual availability or operational interests. For all intents and purposes, it is like a standard reservation process that is pending confirmation.
Thanks to our innovative booking engine, implementing the "On Request" mode is easy. With a simple configuration, you can activate this mode and offer your guests a completely personalized process, from which they can send specific requests directly to the hotel. But how does it work? We explain:
With flexibility as its premise, “On Request” reservations offer users the possibility of activating a toggle with a single click that allows them to “skip” all the calendar restrictions and access a new view of their search results , where they can request accommodation on dates and/or rooms that would not otherwise be visible. This is not, therefore, a confirmed reservation, but rather a reservation request that the hotel must evaluate before approving or rejecting, but which represents a whole new dimension of personalization and service.
What are "On Request" reservations?
As we have just mentioned, "On Request" reservations are those in which the potential guest sends a reservation request to the hotel, but without having proof of availability and without obtaining immediate confirmation. In other words, the client shows interest and the hotel evaluates the request to accept or reject it based on its actual availability or operational interests. For all intents and purposes, it is like a standard reservation process that is pending confirmation.
Benefits for the hotel
- Maximizing revenue : On-Request bookings translate into opportunities to fill vacant rooms on specific dates due to, for example, minimum stay restrictions set in the calendar. This solution can lead to better utilization of available inventory.
- Operational Flexibility : Allowing on-demand bookings gives the hotel greater ability to strategically manage its availability. For example, a hotel may decide to accept "On Request" bookings for premium rooms or on high-demand dates, optimizing its profits.
- Attracting new segments : Not all travelers are content with sticking to current availability, and "On Request" reservations can attract those profiles who value a more personalized experience above all else, to the point of being willing to adapt their trip if the hotel decides to accommodate them in some special way.
- Strengthens the relationship with the guest : By responding to a personalized request, the hotel shows its commitment to guest satisfaction, generating trust and a greater degree of loyalty.
Guest benefits
- Greater personalization : Travelers value unique and personalized experiences. Being able to request a specific room or a particular date, even when it is not listed as available, reinforces the perception of customer-oriented service.
- Reduced frustration : When a booking engine's calendar shows little to no availability, it can be discouraging. With the "On Request" option, guests at least feel like they have a viable alternative.
- Flexibility and control : The ability to enable on-demand travel allows the customer to explore options that would otherwise not be visible, offering additional control in their travel planning and increased product knowledge.
How to activate "On Request" reservations with Paraty Tech
Thanks to our innovative booking engine, implementing the "On Request" mode is easy. With a simple configuration, you can activate this mode and offer your guests a completely personalized process, from which they can send specific requests directly to the hotel. But how does it work? We explain:
- The first step is to activate the toggle (button that slides from left to right and vice versa when clicked). When the guest accesses the date selection calendar, they will find it located in the lower right area of the calendar and, by default, deactivated.
- Secondly, the user must select the desired dates of stay. At this point, they will access a reservation request process , identical to the standard one, but completely on-demand, from which they can choose (request) any date, room, rate or plan.
- Third, you will need to fill in the request details and click on “Request Reservation”. Instead of a confirmed reservation, you will receive a reservation request confirmation.
- Finally, when the hotel receives the request, it will decide whether to approve or reject the request , an action that can be completed from the extranet, Paraty Hotel Manager. If it is rejected, an email will be sent to the client informing them of this. If it is accepted, the client will receive an email with a payment link that will take them back to the last step of the process, to formalize the reservation.