The Ultimate Booking.com Guide

The Booking.com Essentials

What started as a booking site has become a global movement. Booking.com has reshaped the horizon of the vacation rental industry, providing the trust travelers crave and the global stage property managers need to scale without limits.

The purpose of this guide is to help property managers master every aspect of Booking.com, from understanding how the platform operates to configuring advanced settings, maintaining compliance, and optimizing performance. This guide is designed as a strategic resource that supports professional operators at every stage of their Booking.com journey.

To provide clarity and actionable value, this guide is structured into clearly defined chapters that build progressively:

• Foundations of Booking.com
  Understanding what Booking.com is, how it works, and why it plays a critical role in the modern vacation rental ecosystem.
• Core System Configuration
  Covering essential steps to become a Booking.com host, create high-performing listings, and configure core settings correctly from the start.
• Advanced Insights and Best Practices
  Sharing industry tips, performance metrics, and optimization strategies used by professional property managers to stay competitive.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely offers a direct connection with Booking.com. This integration empowers property managers to manage guest communication and enhance their reputation from one central hub. All information in this guide is developed by GuestWisely’s internal experts This content is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, authorized, or sponsored by Booking.com in any way.

What Booking.com is

Booking.com is one of the world’s largest online travel agencies (OTAs), connecting millions of travelers with accommodations across every destination globally. It serves as a digital marketplace where guests can discover, compare, and instantly book properties ranging from apartments and vacation rentals to boutique hotels and large hospitality brands.

Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, Booking.com began as a small Dutch startup focused on simplifying hotel reservations. Over time, its rapid expansion and technology-first mindset positioned it as a global leader in online travel. The company was later acquired by Priceline Group, now known as Booking Holdings, marking a significant milestone that accelerated its international growth, investment in innovation, and platform scalability.

Today, Booking.com operates as a highly advanced technology hub. Its infrastructure supports real-time availability, dynamic pricing models, sophisticated search algorithms, and personalized guest experiences across multiple devices and markets. This technology enables property managers to reach demand efficiently while maintaining operational control over listings, pricing, and policies.

At its core, Booking.com’s vision is to make travel easier and more accessible for everyone. For property managers, this vision translates into increased exposure, streamlined booking processes, and the ability to participate in a global travel ecosystem that continues to shape the future of hospitality.

The value of Booking.com

For property managers, Booking.com is not simply another listing platform, it is a core distribution channel that supports both short-term revenue and long-term portfolio growth. Its scale, technology, and brand recognition make it a strategic pillar for professional operators.

Booking.com’s global network and advanced technology attract hundreds of millions of guests annually, creating consistent demand across regions, seasons, and traveler profiles. This scale allows property managers to diversify their booking sources and reduce reliance on a single market or audience.

• Advanced technology is a key differentiator of the platform. Booking.com provides intelligent pricing tools, performance dashboards, and automated workflows that help hosts respond quickly to market changes. Features such as rate plans, promotions, and analytics enable data-driven decision-making that directly impacts occupancy and revenue.
• Global visibility is another major advantage. Listings on Booking.com benefit from strong search engine presence, localized versions of the platform, and exposure across international markets. This global reach allows property managers to capture demand from travelers who may never interact with direct booking websites or regional channels.
• Marketing exposure further strengthens performance. Booking.com invests heavily in digital marketing, affiliate partnerships, and retargeting campaigns, amplifying property visibility without requiring additional marketing spend from hosts. This built-in exposure helps properties remain competitive in crowded markets.
• Verified guest reviews play a critical role in trust and conversion. Booking.com’s review system is tightly integrated with completed stays, ensuring authenticity and transparency. For property managers, strong reviews directly influence ranking, visibility, and booking decisions.
• Multilingual support and always-on assistance ensure a seamless experience for both guests and hosts. The platform supports multiple languages and currencies, while offering round-the-clock customer service as an essential benefit when managing international travelers and time-sensitive reservations.

How Booking.com works

Booking.com operates on a commission-based business model, where property managers pay a percentage of each confirmed booking as a platform fee. This commission structure aligns platform incentives with host performance. Booking.com succeeds when properties generate bookings.

From an operational perspective, Booking.com is designed to support seamless workflows with a high level of control. Property managers create listings, define availability, set pricing and policies, and receive reservations through the Booking.com Extranet or connected systems. Most bookings are confirmed instantly, reducing friction for guests and increasing conversion rates.

Behind these workflows is a trusted platform powered by advanced technology. Booking.com continuously optimizes search results, pricing visibility, and user experience, allowing hosts to benefit from ongoing innovation while focusing on delivering quality stays.

Direct connection with GuestWisely

As property management operations become more complex, centralized control and automation are essential. GuestWisely’s direct connection with Booking.com, available as of August, provides property managers with enhanced capabilities to manage guest interactions and reputation more effectively.

The Communication Manager allows hosts to centralize and automate guest messaging linked to Booking.com reservations. Property managers can manage pre-arrival instructions, in-stay communication, and post-stay follow-ups from one platform, timely and consistent interactions that enhance guest satisfaction.

The Reviews Manager empowers property managers to monitor, respond to, and analyze Booking.com reviews from a single dashboard. This centralized approach helps hosts protect their reputation, identify operational improvement areas, and build long-term credibility across their portfolio.

Together, these capabilities transform Booking.com from a standalone distribution channel into a fully integrated part of a professional property management ecosystem, all powered by GuestWisely.

Master Booking.com core settings

Positioning your portfolio on Booking.com is far more than a simple distribution tactic;  it is a strategic move that significantly expands your global reach. For the professional property manager, activating listings on Booking.com is a high-velocity growth engine, securing robust demand and performance-driven tools to thrive in the increasingly competitive landscape of the travel industry. 

This chapter is designed to guide you through the core settings required to successfully activate and optimize your Booking.com listings. From registration to listing activation and optimization, each section provides structured guidance to help you move confidently through the setup process and establish a strong foundation for long-term success on the platform.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely offers a direct connection with Booking.com. This integration empowers property managers to manage guest communication and enhance their reputation from one central hub. All information in this guide is developed by GuestWisely’s internal experts This content is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, authorized, or sponsored by Booking.com in any way.

How to register a partner account on Booking.com

Registering a partner account on Booking.com is the first step toward accessing one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces. The registration process is free and designed to accommodate individual hosts as well as professional property managers with growing portfolios.

Booking.com’s onboarding flow collects essential information about your business and property. Completing this process carefully helps to ensure your account is ready for activation:

• Start your registration using an email address you can easily access.
• Click the verification link in a confirmation email from Booking.com. This email should arrive within 72 hours, if it’s not, check your spam folder.  
• Create a secure password that follows the security requirements.

After finalizing these steps, you will receive a welcome email confirming your partner account has been created. Then, you can start your listing journey on Booking.com! 

How to list a property on Booking.com

The next critical step is creating your property listing to fully leverage Booking.com’s ecosystem. A well-configured listing not only determines whether your property goes live but also directly impacts visibility, conversion, and guest trust. Booking.com guides hosts through a structured listing setup process. Each step requires accuracy and attention to detail, as this information becomes the foundation of your online presence.

Booking.com listing setup process

• Define property details
  Property type: Specify your property whether it is an apartment, home, hotel or alternative place. Choose this carefully as the setting can’t be changed later. This information ensures your property appears in relevant search results and matches guest expectations.
  Location: Enter the accurate address of your property to ensure guests can locate it on the map, boosting your visibility in location-based searches and enabling seamless, GPS-guided arrival guides.
  Amenities and facilities: Select all available amenities such as Wi-Fi, parking, kitchen facilities, air conditioning, or pool access. Amenities influence filtering, visibility, and booking decisions.

• Upload photos
  Add high-quality images that accurately represent your property, including all rooms, common areas, bathrooms, and other key features. Photos can spark guests’ attention and drive conversion rate. 

• Write property descriptions
  Create clear descriptions highlighting unique selling points, location advantages, and guest benefits. Avoid exaggeration and ensure consistency with actual offerings.

• Set pricing and availability
  Define base rates, availability calendar, and cancellation policy to stay competitive while setting clear expectations for guests to protect your revenue and avoid disputes.

• Review and publish your listing
  Review all details and policies are accurate before going live. Once these steps are completed, Booking.com will assess the listing before its official activation on the platform.

How to register multiple properties on Booking.com

For property managers operating more than one unit, Booking.com supports multi-property registration, allowing you to scale operations efficiently within a single partner account.

Registering multiple properties follows a similar process to listing a single property but requires consistent structure, standardized data, and operational discipline to manage effectively.

Process to register multiple properties

• Create or access your primary Booking.com partner account.
• Add each property individually through the Extranet.
• Assign clear property names and internal identifiers.
• Standardize amenities, policies, and pricing structures where possible.
• Review each listing separately before activation to ensure accuracy.

How to optimize Booking.com listings

Once your listings are live, optimization becomes a a strategic advantage. Booking.com’s algorithm rewards accuracy, availability, strong performance metrics, and guest satisfaction. Property managers who actively optimize their listings gain higher visibility and stronger booking conversion.

• Maintain complete and accurate content
  Regularly review descriptions, amenities, and photos to ensure they reflect the current guest experience. Complete listings tend to rank higher and convert better.
  
  GuestWisely’s Channel Manager ensures consistent content, policies, and guest communication across all OTAs, regardless of where the booking originates.

• Optimize pricing strategies
  Adjust rates based on seasonality, demand trends, and local competition. Consider offering multiple rate plans, such as flexible and non-refundable options, to appeal to different traveler segments.
  
  GuestWisely’s Dynamic Pricing tools automate optimal rate adjustments in real time, helping property managers to stay competitive and maximize profitability without constant manual intervention.

• Maximize availability
  Keep calendars open as far in advance as possible and minimize restrictive stay rules to capture more booking opportunities.
  
  GuestWisely’s Reservation Manager provides centralized visibility into availability and bookings across channels, allowing property managers to confidently expand inventory while maintaining operational control.

• Leverage promotions and visibility tools
  Use Booking.com’s promotional features strategically to boost exposure during low-demand periods or competitive seasons.
  
  GuestWisely’s Marketing and CRM complements these efforts by activating targeted offers and automated guest journeys that nurture leads, improve conversion rates, and drive repeat bookings beyond a single stay.

• Actively manage reviews
  Encourage guest feedback and respond professionally to reviews. Strong ratings and engagement positively influence ranking and guest trust.
  
  GuestWisely’s Review Management centralizes guest reviews in one platform, enabling faster responses, consistent brand messaging, and long-term reputation building across your portfolio.

Command the Booking.com Extranet

The Booking.com Extranet is the operational command centre behind every successful hosting strategy on the platform. For professional property managers, streamlined operations are essential to delivering consistent guest experiences and maintaining control at scale. Mastering the Booking Extranet enables property managers to move beyond manual workflows and operate with clarity and confidence. When configured correctly, it becomes a powerful tool for reducing complexity, improving responsiveness, and driving stronger performance across your portfolio.

This chapter is structured to guide you through the essential Booking Extranet setups that support effective hosting management. By understanding how its core tools and settings work together, you will be equipped to fully leverage Booking.com as a high-performing distribution channel.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely is proud to offer a direct connection with Booking.com. This integration empowers property managers to manage guest communication and enhance their reputation from one central hub. All information in this guide is developed by GuestWisely’s internal experts This content is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, authorized, or sponsored by Booking.com in any way.

What Booking Extranet is

The Booking.com Extranet serves as the central hub where all operational decisions are executed, providing direct access to listing content, pricing, availability, policies, reservations, and guest communication. 

Beyond basic administration, the Booking Extranet plays a critical role in performance and compliance. It enables property managers to adjust rates in real time, manage inventory accurately, respond to guest inquiries, and monitor key performance metrics, making it an essential control centre for maintaining visibility, operational consistency, and long-term success on Booking.com.

Booking.com owner login

Access to the Booking.com Extranet begins with the owner login. This credential serves as the gateway to managing every operational and commercial aspect of your property on the platform. Ensuring proper access is essential for maintaining consistent control and uninterrupted operations across your listings.

What the Booking.com owner login is

The Booking.com owner login is a secure account that grants authorized users access to the Extranet. Owner access can also be extended to team members with role-based permissions, supporting scalable operations.

How to log in to the Extranet

• Visit the Booking.com Extranet login page. 
• Enter your username and password, then click Next. 
• Your first login requires two-factor authentication (2FA), combining your user credentials with a one-time PIN generated via the Pulse app or received via text message.

How to secure your Booking.com account

Account security is critical when managing bookings, guest data, and revenue. A secured Booking.com account protects your property from unauthorized access, operational disruptions, and potential financial risk, while ensuring complete control of your listings.

How to set up a strong password

• Use a minimum of ten characters.
• Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using sensitive or easily identifiable information such as your name, email address, or date of birth.
• Update your password regularly and avoid using it across platforms.

How to recover a forgotten password

• Go to the Booking.com Extranet login page
• Click the Having trouble signing in? link.
• Select Forgot your password?
• Enter the email address associated with your account.
• Follow the reset instructions sent to your inbox.
• Create a new secure password and log back into the Extranet.

Deactivate your Booking.com listing

There may be situations where temporarily pausing bookings is necessary, such as renovations, seasonal closures, or operational adjustments. Deactivating a listing allows you to stop accepting new reservations without permanently removing your property from Booking.com.

How to deactivate your listing

• Log in to the Booking.com Extranet.
• Click the Rates & Availability menu and then Calendar.
• Select Availability settings and choose Snooze property from the drop-down menu.
• Select the reason for snoozing and set your closure date.
• Schedule your reopening date or select Now to remain visible.
• Set your price, review the details, and click Confirm.

A banner in the Extranet confirms when your property is snoozed. The listing will reopen automatically on your chosen date, and Booking.com will notify you prior to reopening. You can always change your reopening date or click on the Be visible now option in the banner so guests can find your property anytime.

Remove your Booking.com listing

Removing a listing is a permanent action and should be considered carefully. This step is typically taken when a property is no longer available for rental or when a business relationship with the platform is ending.

How to remove your Booking.com listing

• Log in to the Booking.com Extranet.
• Click on Inbox and then Booking.com messages
• Select See contact options 
• Choose Account as the topic and click on Terminate contract as the subtopic.
• Select Terminate contract and answer all the questions that follow.
• Review the terms and conditions, then confirm your acknowledgement.
• Click Terminate my contract, read the confirmation message, and select Close.

Once completed, your property will no longer appear on Booking.com, and access to Extranet management for that listing will be discontinued.

Booking.com Host Insurance and Safety

A professional hosting strategy starts with protecting your property and guests. As the vacation rental industry continues to scale, risk management and safety have become essential pillars of sustainable growth on Booking.com. From unexpected property damage to liability concerns, hosts must be prepared to handle incidents confidently and compliantly.

Booking.com offers built-in insurance and protection programs designed to support hosts and reduce exposure to risk, providing peace of mind while maintaining a secure environment for everyone involved. Understanding the foundation of these protections is critical for property managers to operate at scale.

This chapter explores Booking.com’s host insurance coverage, outlines best practices for handling guest-caused property damage, and provides actionable guidance to improve property safety, helping you protect your assets, preserve guest trust, and operate with confidence.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely offers a direct connection with Booking.com. This integration empowers property managers to manage guest communication and enhance their reputation from one central hub. All information in this guide is developed by GuestWisely’s internal experts This content is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, authorized, or sponsored by Booking.com in any way.

1. Booking.com Host Insurance

Host Property Insurance

Booking.com provides Host Property Insurance for hosts in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing protection against income loss due to guest damages. This coverage helps mitigate financial risk when unexpected incidents occur during a stay, allowing hosts to recover more quickly and maintain business continuity.

What Host Property Insurance Includes

• Up to $1 million in coverage for guest-caused damage to your property and its contents. 
• Included at no extra cost for eligible hosts listing on Booking.com.
• Automatic coverage with no enrollment or additional steps required. 
• Income loss protection for up to three months in case of lost bookings due to covered guest damage.

How to make a claim

• Log in to the Booking.com Extranet.
• Click Reservations and select the reservation in which the incident took place.
• On the Reservation details page, click Make a claim.
• Declare detailed information about the incident.
• Click Submit claim to finalize and send to Generali. 
• Generali will contact you within five business days.

If you need to file a claim, report it as soon as possible and provide detailed information about the damage or theft, including any supporting documentation. All claims will be handled by Generali, not Booking.com.

Partner Liability Insurance

Booking.com also offers Partner Liability Insurance for eligible partners worldwide to protect hosts against third-party liability claims arising from guest stays, including claims from guests or neighbors.This liability coverage supports hosts in managing legal and financial exposure while operating globally.

What Partner Liability Insurance Includes

• Up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage: Protect against third-party claims for each reservation
• Primary insurance coverage: Act as the first responder in the event of a claim.
• Global insurance coverage: Apply to eligible properties worldwide at no extra costs.

How to make a claim

• Collect as much detailed information as possible about the incident.
• Click Make a claim link to start your claim and select the reservation applied. 
• Provide the claims administrator with full details of the incident, related documentation, and names of parties injured or claiming damage.
• The appointed claims administrator will acknowledge your submission within 48 hours.

If you have a claim, report it as soon as possible. All claims will be handled by the appointed claims administrator, not Booking.com.

Both these insurances are intended as a secondary layer of protection and do not replace Vacation Rental Insurance.

How to Handle Guest-Caused Property Damage

Guest-caused property damage can be challenging, particularly when managing multiple properties. However, a structured and transparent approach protects both your property and your reputation while reinforcing guest accountability.

Best Practices for Preventing and Managing Guest-Caused Property Damage

• Set clear house rules upfront
  Clearly communicate expectations around property use, occupancy limits, pets, and noise within your listing and pre-arrival messages to reduce misunderstandings.

• Document property condition before and after stays
  Maintain dated photos or inspection reports to establish a clear record of your property’s condition, which is essential for dispute resolution or insurance claims.

• Respond promptly and professionally
  Address damage issues quickly and calmly with guests, focusing on facts rather than assumptions to preserve professionalism and reduce conflict.

• Use Booking.com’s official resolution channels
  Report damage through Booking.com’s support channels within the required timeframe to ensure eligibility for coverage or mediation.

• Keep repair documentation and invoices
  Retain all repair estimates, receipts, and communication records to support claims and speed up resolution.

How to Improve Property Safety

Property safety is a critical pillar of professional hosting, extending far beyond the protection of physical assets. A secure property directly influences guest confidence, satisfaction, and experience.

Essential Property Safety Measures for Hosts

• Install and maintain safety equipment
  Equip your property with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits, and inspect them regularly.

• Ensure clear emergency information
  Provide guests with visible emergency contacts, evacuation instructions, and local emergency numbers inside the property.

• Secure access points
  Use reliable locks, secure windows, and controlled access systems to protect both guests and property during stays.

• Conduct regular maintenance checks
  Proactively inspect electrical systems, appliances, plumbing, and structural elements to prevent hazards before they occur.

• Improve outdoor and common area safety
  Ensure adequate lighting, clear pathways, and hazard-free common areas to reduce accident risk.

By prioritizing safety, property managers not only reduce liability exposure but also reduce the risk of incidents that can impact both reputation and long-term performance.

Booking.com Host Insurance and Safety

Cancellation policies play a pivotal role in shaping both guest expectations and operational stability on Booking.com. A transparent and consistently applied cancellation policy helps build trust with guests while safeguarding hosts against last-minute cancellations and revenue loss. When aligned with your business model and market demand, the right policy supports stronger conversion without compromising operational control.

This chapter walks through the Booking.com cancellation policy framework, explores strategic approaches to managing cancellations, and shares practical tips to reduce cancellation risks, empowering property managers to balance flexibility and profitability.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely offers a direct connection with Booking.com. This integration empowers property managers to manage guest communication and enhance their reputation from one central hub. All information in this guide is developed by GuestWisely’s internal experts This content is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, authorized, or sponsored by Booking.com in any way.

Types of Booking.com Cancellation Policies

Booking.com provides a range of cancellation and related policies that hosts can apply to align guest flexibility with revenue protection. Understanding how each policy works is essential to aligning your cancellation strategy with your business goals and guest expectations. 

• Fully Flexible Policy
  Allow guests to cancel free of charge up to a defined time before arrival. No prepayment is required, making this option attractive to flexibility-focused travelers and supportive of higher booking conversion.

• Customised Cancellation Policy
  Define cancellation deadlines, prepayment requirements, and cancellation penalties across different room types. This policy supports a tailored balance between guest flexibility and revenue protection according to seasonality or demand.

• Pre-Authorisation Preferences
  Place a temporary hold on the guest’s credit card to verify payment validity without charging them upfront. This helps reduce payment risks while maintaining a low-friction booking experience for guests.

• Deposit Policies
  Require guests to pay an advanced amount for reservations, depending on the cancellation terms. Deposits help secure bookings, reduce no-shows, and provide early financial commitment from guests.

The cancellation characteristics report

The Cancellation Characteristics Report delivers real-time insights into canceled bookings, enabling property managers to analyze cancellation patterns, identify performance gaps, and make informed decisions to improve occupancy and protect revenue with minimal manual effort.

How to Use the Cancellation Characteristics Report

• Compare performance benchmarks
  Start by comparing your cancellation rate with your competitive set and the overall market to identify potential gaps.

• Identify high-risk booking windows
  Review the Reservation Status per Book Window graph to see which booking windows generate the most cancellations or no-shows.

• Analyze cancellation timing before check-in
  Use the Cancellations Prior to Check-in graph to determine when cancellations most frequently occur in the lead-up to arrival.

• Refine your cancellation strategy
  Use these insights to adjust cancellation policies to lower cancellation rates while safeguarding revenue.

The Smart Flex Reservations program

The Smart Flex Reservations program allows hosts to offer guests flexible cancellation terms while Booking.com helps mitigate the risk of late cancellations. If a guest cancels close to check-in, Booking.com may step in to find a replacement guest or compensate the host according to the program’s conditions. This enables property managers to remain competitive in flexibility-driven markets without fully absorbing the impact of last-minute cancellations.

How to join the Smart Flex Reservations program

This program will automatically apply to most Booking.com partners. For those located in mainland France, French Guiana, Mayotte, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, or Réunion, follow these steps to check eligibility:

• Log in to the Extranet
• Click Boost performance, then Smart Flex Reservations program
• On the program page, you’ll find information about your eligibility

How to prevent cancellations on Booking.com

Cancellations are a recurring challenge on Booking.com, leading to revenue loss and undermining business stability. By setting clear expectations and ensuring operational accuracy, property managers can increase booking commitment and safeguard their revenue.

Property managers can take proactive steps to prevent cancellations before they occur. With the strategic use of tools, the following practices drive more reliable bookings with clarity and consistency: 

• Ensure accurate and consistent listing information
  Incomplete or inconsistent content can lead to mismatched expectations and guest-initiated cancellations. Keeping descriptions, amenities, policies, and house rules aligned across all channels helps build trust from the start and reduces disputes and last-minute cancellations.
  Tip: Utilize Channel Manager to maintain consistent content and policies across Booking.com and all connected OTAs.

• Optimize pricing and rate plans strategically
  Guests are more likely to cancel when prices feel misaligned with value or market conditions. Using flexible rate plans strategically can attract the right guest segments while reducing cancellation risk.
  Tip: Utilize Dynamic Pricing to adjust rates automatically based on demand, seasonality, and market trends.

• Maintain up-to-date availability and calendars
  Calendar discrepancies or overbooking concerns can trigger host-initiated cancellations, which negatively impact performance. Accurate availability management ensures reliable bookings and guest confidence.
  Tip: Utilize Reservation Manager with real-time availability syncing to prevent conflicts and overbookings.

• Communicate proactively with guests before arrival
  Timely pre-stay communication reassures guests, answers questions early, and reduces uncertainty that may lead to cancellations.
  Tips: Utilize Unified Communication to automate and centralize pre-arrival messages across Booking.com and other channels.

• Leverage data insights to refine strategy
  Monitoring cancellation patterns helps identify high-risk booking windows or overly flexible policies. Adjusting strategy based on data leads to more stable occupancy.
  Tips: Utilize Reports & Insights to track booking behavior, cancellation trends, and performance metrics in one place.

Reservation Management on Booking.com

Built with clearly structured workflows and an intuitive user interface, Booking.com provides the operational foundation for high-velocity reservation management. With real-time booking updates centralized within the platform, property managers can oversee growing portfolios with control and confidence.

Directly integrated with GuestWisely, reservation management becomes even more seamless, ensuring every booking is managed consistently from a single hub.

This chapter guides property managers through the core components of Booking.com reservation management, from initial workflows to modifications and promotion activations. By mastering these processes and leveraging integrated tools, you can build a scalable strategy that supports long-term growth.

Disclaimer: GuestWisely offers a direct connection with Booking.com. This integration empowers property managers to manage guest communication and enhance their reputation from one central hub. All information in this guide is developed by GuestWisely’s internal experts This content is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, authorized, or sponsored by Booking.com in any way.

Calendar & Availability Management

Managing your availability calendar on Booking.com is a critical driver of listing visibility and booking performance. Accurate availability signals reliability to both the platform and potential guests, helping your property appear in relevant search results while preventing missed opportunities or operational conflicts. Consistent calendar management is especially important for property managers handling multiple listings or seasonal demand fluctuations.

How to update availability calendar

• Sign in to the Booking.com Extranet
• Navigate to Rates & Availability or Calendar & Pricing and select Calendar
• Locate the relevant property and room type for the update
• Adjust the availability in the Rooms to sell row with the specific number of rooms or units
• Change the price for the selected room or unit type in the Rate plan row
• Review changes and ensure accuracy then save the updates

These updates take effect immediately and determine when guests can view and book your property.

For GuestWisely users, availability can be updated directly within the centralized platform through Reservation Management, where all connected channels, including Booking.com, are synchronized automatically. These real-time updates ensure availability is always accurate across platforms, reducing manual workload and eliminating the risk of double bookings. 

Tips to optimize availability management

• Keep calendars open as far in advance as possible to capture early demand and enhance visibility
• Use centralized management tools to avoid updating multiple calendars manually
• Align availability with minimum stay rules and pricing strategies to maximize booking potential

Rates Setup and Optimization

Strategic rate management on Booking.com is a primary growth driver, directly determining visibility and conversion. When aligned with demand patterns, pricing becomes a powerful lever for capturing market opportunities and sustaining long-term revenue performance. 

With tools to manage base rates, rate plans, and date-specific pricing, Booking.com enables property managers to respond quickly to market changes while maintaining pricing consistency.

How to change rates on Booking.com

• Log in to the Extranet.
• Click Rates & Availability and then on Calendar.
• Choose the room or unit type you want to add or edit a rate for.
• Select the date you want to add or edit a rate for. To select multiple dates, drag the blue highlighted section across boxes.
• Edit or insert a rate in the Price box.
• Click Save.

These rate updates take effect in real time and determine how your property is positioned against competitors in search results.

Tip to optimize rates setup

To optimize pricing at scale, property managers can leverage GuestWisely’s Dynamic Pricing. This solution automates rate adjustments based on demand signals, seasonality, market trends, and occupancy, ensuring prices remain competitive while maximizing revenue potential. By reducing manual updates and aligning rates with real-time demand, GuestWisely enables data-driven pricing strategies that support both growth and profitability.

Promotions and Special Offers

Promotions and special offers are powerful levers on Booking.com to accelerate bookings. By presenting added value or limited-time incentives, property managers can drive sales momentum without eroding long-term rate integrity. Booking.com’s built-in promotional tools empower you to activate demand strategically, from boosting occupancy to rewarding early commitment.

Rate plans on Booking.com

Booking.com allows hosts to create multiple rate plans to target different guest preferences and booking behaviors, with two main types of base rate plans:

• Flexible: Offers guests greater freedom to modify or cancel their booking, appealing to those willing to pay higher rates for added flexibility.
• Non-refundable: Secures guaranteed bookings and revenue through lower rates, targeting budget-conscious travelers seeking the best value.

Promotions available on Booking.com

Booking.com provides different types of promotions to increase visibility and conversion:

• Genius discounts: Exclusive offers for Booking.com’s loyalty members, increasing visibility and boosting booking conversion.
• Campaign deal: A limited-time seasonal promotion with fixed booking and stay dates, offering a minimum discount unlocks enhanced visibility. 
• Early Booker deals: Discounts for travelers planning ahead, securing demand early and stabilizing occupancy in advance.
• Last-minute deals: High-impact discounts to capture spontaneous demand and fill remaining availability close to check-in.
• Basic deals: Fully customizable offers that let you design your own promotions to match your revenue goals.

How to manage promotions on Booking.com

• Create a promotion by choosing from different promotion types
• Update a promotion to make changes to an existing promotion
• Activate a promotion that was previously deactivated. Newly created and updated promotions are active by default
• Deactivate a promotion if you no longer want it to be bookable

When managed strategically, promotions and special offers become a scalable growth tool, allowing property managers to drive demand, optimize occupancy, and maintain pricing integrity across their Booking.com portfolio.