Use this guide to troubleshoot unexpected Booking.com reservations that bypass minimum stay rules and check availability, rate plans, and stay restrictions.
What is this?
Unexpected minimum stay reservations on Booking.com often stem from configurations and conflicts between various settings in Hostaway, Booking.com, and other platforms. Below, we explore common causes and troubleshooting steps to resolve such issues.
Causes of Unexpected Minimum Stay Reservations
- Rate Plan Settings Versus Calendar Settings - Minimum stay requirements set within a Booking.com rate plan override calendar-specific minimum stays. For example, if a 2-night minimum is set in the rate plan, it will take precedence over a 5-night minimum applied for specific dates in the calendar. Ensure rate plan settings are blank if relying on calendar-specific rules to enforce restrictions.
- Non-XML Rate Plans - Non-XML rate plans on Booking.com are managed directly through the Booking.com Extranet. Hostaway does not control these settings, so any minimum stay restrictions must be properly configured on Booking.com. Incorrect or missing configurations can lead to shorter-than-expected bookings. Contact Booking.com support to verify and update these settings.
- Platform Prioritization of Settings - Booking.com prioritizes the minimum stay configured in its internal settings (markup) over those in Hostaway. If a one-night minimum is set in Booking.com’s markup, it will override Hostaway’s calendar setting of two nights. Clearing or aligning the Booking.com markup settings with Hostaway’s is essential to avoid such conflicts.
- Check-in Date Determination - Minimum stay rules apply based on the check-in date on platforms like Booking.com. For example, a reservation with a check-in date set to a one-night minimum may bypass higher minimum stays assigned to later dates during the stay period. This standard behavior is designed to maximize occupancy but can lead to such scenarios.
- Default Versus Manual Calendar Updates - Settings such as a default 1-night minimum may apply if the calendar has not been manually updated to reflect different minimum stay requirements for specific dates. Always verify and update calendar settings manually to ensure the correct rules apply.
Tips to Prevent and Fix Issues
- Review Settings in Hostaway and Booking.com - Use the Hostaway calendar for date-specific minimum stays, ensuring that undesired default settings (e.g., 1-night minimum) are updated.- Leave the minimum stay field in rate plan settings blank if you want calendar-specific rules to apply.
- Align Settings Across Platforms - Double-check Booking.com markup settings for any conflicting minimum stay values and ensure they are consistent with Hostaway.
- Contact Booking.com Support When Using Non-XML Rate Plans - For non-XML rate plans, settings must be configured directly in the Booking.com Extranet to prevent mismatches.
- Monitor and Test Configurations - Regularly test your setup by simulating reservations to check for discrepancies. Identify and resolve issues proactively to avoid guest dissatisfaction.
By carefully configuring and aligning settings on both Hostaway and Booking.com, you can prevent unexpected minimum stay reservations and ensure that restrictions are applied consistently.