VRBO

VRBO / Homeaway Group

This page is about the menu  (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway and SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->VRBO/HOMEAWAY  and explains how to set up an XML connection with VRBO/Homewaway and their companies 

1 General

• Click here for general information on how the channel manager works.
• This tutorial explains how to set prices for channels.

2 Capabilities

• Export property listings content (create properties at VRBO/Homeaway)
• Export prices and availability
• Import bookings
• Beds24 sends date changes made in Beds24 and status changes to "Cancelled" to Homeaway

Existing or new listings can be updated via XML. Data of existing listings will be overridden by the information the sent from Beds24. The VRBO/Homeaway implementation will be in touch with you and you can check with them if you want to keep certain data.

If you use the XML connection all updates should be done in Beds24 (not in VRBO/Homeaway) because changes you make in VRBO/Homeaway will be overridden with the next update.

The connection can update:

Homeaway.com, VRBO.com, abritel.fr, aluguetemporada.com.br, CanadaStays, fewo-direkt.de, homdelidays.es, homdelidays.it, homeaway.at, homeaway.ca, homeaway.co.au, homeaway.co.mx, homeaway.co.uk, homeaway.dk, homeaway.es, homeaway.fi, homeaway.gr, homeaway.it,, homeaway.nl,, homeaway.no, homeaway.pl, homeaway.pt, homeaway.se, homelidays.com, ownersdirect.co.uk, stayz.co.au vacationrentals.com.

3 Limitations

• In most regions VRBO/Homeaway allows agencies with five or more listings to use their XML connection. If you are not eligible your can use our Homeway Ical connection to synchronise calendars.

4 Before you connect

Prices

• We can only send availability if you have set up prices which are activated for this channel. This tutorial gives general information how to set prices for channels.

VRBO/Homeaway 'PULL' the data from Beds24, so if you make changes it may not be displayed in their extranet immediately. They will always request live availability before allowing a booking.

Bookings

VRBO/Homeaway may not allow same day bookings.

Only bookings made after the connection is established will be imported and can be managed. Existing bookings can be imported via iCal or manually.

VRBO/Homeaway does not send confirmation messages. They require these to be sent from Beds24. The confirmation message you have set up in SETTINGS->GUEST MANAGEMENT-CONFIRMATION MESSAGES will be sent to the guest.

5 Set up

1. VRBO/Homeaway have to initiate the XML connection.

• Please contact VRBO/Homeaway via this link https://www.Homeaway.com/l/pmsc/connect?brand=beds24 and ask them to open a project for you to use Beds24 channel manager.
• Send us a support ticket indicating you want to use the VRBO/Homeaway XML connection with following content:
  • Company name
  • Contact Person
  • Number of properties
  • Contact Email
  • Contact Number
  • Website
  • Country

We will forward this information to Homeway to speed the process up.

2. VRBO/Homeaway will ask for your advertiser. Send us a support ticket with the owner ID you want to connect and we will issue it and give it to you so you can forward it to your contact at VRBO.

VRBO/Homeaways XML activation applies per Beds24 account. All properties visible in an account can be connected. If you are managing properties for different owners or in different locations please check with VRBO/Homeaway how you need to structure your account to suit their requirements.

To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide VRBO with a feed which contains all VRBO bookings.

5.1 Languages

VRBO/Homeaway will inform you which language is compulsory. It is the language of the VRBO/Homeaway site you are listed. If this language is different from the language you use as default language for your booking page you can set it in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER ->VRBO/Homeaway ->SPECIFIC CONTENT.

If you need to activate languages go to SETTINGS->BOOKING ENGINE->INTERNATIONALISATION.

5.2 Listings

• With a single-unit listing (Listing per = Room - the recommended setting for new connections) a listing is created for every room in Beds24.
  • The "Headline" for the listing comes from "Room Headline" in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER-> ROOM CONTENT. If this field is empty the "Headline" in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER-> PROPERTY CONTENT will be used.
  • The "Property Name" comes from the "Name" in SETTINGS -> PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. If you want to give each listing its own property name even though they are in one property in Beds24 you can enter a unique "Name" for each in SETTINGS > CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO / HOMEAWAY XML > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
• With a multi-unit listings (Listing per = Property NOT RECOMMENDED, only use this option after consulting with your activation specialist) one property in Beds24 is a listing in VRBO/Homeaway. Rooms are units in this listing.

If you want to change between listing types you can do this in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->VRBO/Homeaway->SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT. Before you change the setting you will need to talk to VRBO/Homeaway because certain data will get lost.

Go to SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->VRBO/Homeaway-> VIEW CONTENT to check if you content meets VRBO/Homeaways requirements. Any settings which do not meet VRBO/Homeaways requirements are highlighted on red. Click on the links in the "Settings" column to go to the settings where you can fix the problems.

5.2.1 Minimum Requirements

To send property information to VRBO/Homeaway, the following information must be entered into Beds24 to meet the VRBO/Homeaway minimum content requirement for listings:

• Property name
• Property type
• Maximum number of guests
• Accurate address for each property
• Latitude and longitude for each property
• At least 6 pictures for each listing recommended resolution of 1920x1080.
• Headlines with at least 20 characters
• Each listing must have at least one bedroom and one bathroom
• For online bookings you will need prices and inventory

5.2.2 Room Configurations - Define Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Bedrooms and bathrooms can be set up for the property (SETTING->PROPERTIES->DESCRIPTION) or per room (SETTING->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->SET UP).

• Criteria which apply to all rooms in the property should be set up with the property. They will be automatically applied to all rooms in the property.
• Criteria which only applies to one room should be entered in the room.

Set up bedrooms and bathroom either in the property OR the room. If you set them up in both you will double them up.

Do not send additional bathroom amenities if you have a full bathrooom.

Example 1: All units (rooms) have one bedroom and one bathroom. In this case you can set up the bedroom and bathroom in SETTING->PROPERTIES->DESCRIPTION. The number will be applied to all room/units.

Example 2: You have one unit with one bedroom and another unit with two bedrooms. In this case set the bedrooms up in SETTING->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->SET UP.

Bedrooms and bathrooms are configured by feature codes which are entered in the "Features" field.

• Click on the "Edit " button next to the "Features" field.
• In the pop up click on "Bedroom" or "Bathroom".
• Set the type and use the selectors to define the features within each room.
• If you have multiple bedrooms or bathrooms make sure you define them all. If you have more than 2 rooms click "Close" and SAVE. The system will then automatically add more rooms when you click on the "Edit" button again.
• Close the pop up and then press SAVE.

You can also manually add bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities. For more information see "All feature codes" below.

VRBO/Homeaway does not support all features Beds24 offers. For a list of all feature codes VRBO/Homeaway supports see "All feature codes" below.

5.2.3 Amenities and Location Type

Amenities and Location Type can be set up for the property (SETTING->PROPERTIES->DESCRIPTION) or per room (SETTING->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->SET UP).

Criteria which apply to all rooms in the property should be set up with the property. They will be automatically applied to all rooms in the property.

Criteria which only applies to one room should be entered in the room.

Make sure you do not create duplicates.

Example 1: All units (rooms) have Wifi. In this case you can set up the Wifi in SETTING->PROPERTIES->DESCRIPTION. The number will be applied to all room/units.

Example 2: You have one unit with Wifi one and another unit without Wifi. In this case set the Wifi up in SETTING->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->SET UP.

Features and amenities are configured by feature codes which are entered in the "Features" field.

• Click on the "Edit " button next to the "Features" field.
• In the pop up click on "Amenities".
• Tick the amenities you provide.
• Close the pop up and then press SAVE.

Adding a location type is very important for your performance. You add them manually. Bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities can also be inserted manually. For more information see "All feature codes" below.

For a list of all feature codes and location types VRBO/Homeaway supports see "All feature codes" below.

5.2.4 Prices

In SETTINGS- >CHANNEL MANAGER->VRBO/Homeaway XML ->SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT you can set which type of price you want to send.

With Per Occupancy Pricing a price for each occupancy defined in Beds24 and prices for different length of stay can be sent.

If you use rates the price for each occupancy defined in Beds24 and prices for different length of stay can be sent.1 person, 2 person and room price will send. Room price will send for specified occupancy. Multiple rates with different occupancies can send. Prices for "Extra Person", "Extra child" and discounts set in the "Discounts" tab of the rates can not be sent.

If you use daily prices the daily price will send including occupancy. Multiple occupancy prices can send. Extra person price will send.

"Max Stay" set in the CALENDAR or rates can be sent.

VRBO/Homeaway occupancy pricing only support minimum stays up to 30 days.

With Per Day Pricing the price sent is a room price, only ONE price can be sent per date. If you have multiple prices activated for VRBO/Homeaway with different minimum stays the system will send the price with the lowest minimum stay. VRBO/Homeaway applies the minimum stay " first night only" meaning restrictions must only be satisfied for the arrival date of the booking but not on every day of the booking. If you use daily prices with "Extra Person" prices your daily price needs to be set for the max occupancy and the "Extra Person" price needs to be added with a negative value so the price for the full occupancy can send. With Per Day Pricing you can also set an extra person price.

• The number of guests for which the price applies.
• An extra person price.
• A long stay discount. Discounts are only applied to the room price not on extras. VRBO/Homeaway stay discounts are cumulative.

Price for booking and Guaranteed Pricing

The indicative price is only used for the booking if "Pricing Policy" is set to "Guaranteed" in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->VRBO/Homeaway XML ->SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.

"Pricing Policy" is set to "Quoted" VRBO/Homeaway will request the price for the period and the number of guests selected from Beds24.

Click on the "View Actual Data" Button to check which prices and availability will send. Prices that had already been set in HRS be overridden but cannot be removed. If no prices have are sent from Beds24, no availability is sent, but the which originally was in HRS is displayed.

5.2.4.1 Price Multiplier

If you want to add a multiplier to your prices you can add it to the "Price Multiplier" field.

The multiplier applies to all prices and fees which are sent.

For example, *1.23 will multiply all prices by 1.23 sent for the hotel id (i.e. raised by 23%). Lower prices can be sent with a multiplier less than 1, i.e. *0.85 will send a price of 85% of the normal price (i.e. lowered by 15%).

To convert the price of imported bookings add a * after the multiplier, for example *1.23* will divide the price of the booking by 1.23.

You can also use currency conversion template variables. All currencies supported by the booking page currency selector can be used.

For example *[CONVERT:IDR-EUR] will convert Indonesian Rupees to Euros.

5.2.5 Taxes & Fees

Taxes and fees can be added in SETTINGS - > CHANNEL MANAGER - > VRBO/Homeaway.COM -> SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT under "Custom".

• Taxes and fees can apply as a flat fee, a percentage, per day or per guest.
• You can choose taxes and fees to be "stay collected". In this case they will not be added to the booking price.

Use the context help for detailed instructions.

A Cleaning fee is required by VRBO/Homeaway and if it is not set by one of these methods a value of zero will automatically be sent. You can enter the cleaning fee in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER-->PROPERTY CONTENT->ROOM CONTENT.

5.2.6 Pets

If you do not allow pets you choose "Pets not allowed" as feature in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> DESCRIPTION. Fees for pets can be set as custom values in SETTINGS - > CHANNEL MANAGER - > VRBO/Homeaway.COM -> SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.

5.2.7 Policies

VRBO/Homeaway requires a cancellation policy, we will send the policies set in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> DESCRIPTION.

VRBO/Homeaway requires a rental agreement, you can set one per property SETTINGS -> CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO/Homeaway XML > Rental Agreement PDF URL, or for individual Units, SETTINGS -> CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO/Homeaway XML > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT > Rental Agreement PDF URL. If you do not have a website you can use a service which supports direct links like https://www.docdroid.net.

You can set the minimum age via a "Custom" value in SETTINGS > CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway XML > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.

5.2.8 Children

If you allow children set the number of children which are allowed or "Dont ask" in the setting for "Maximum Children" in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> ROOMS -> SETUP.

5.3 Payments and Payment Schedule

By default payment is due on arrival.

If payments are due at different times you can set up payment schedules in SETTINGS - > PAYMENTS - > PAYMENT SCHEDULE and link it to your property in SETTINGS - > CHANNEL MANAGER - > VRBO/Homeaway.COM -> SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.

If you have set up deposit collection in SETTINGS - > PAYMENTS- > PAYMENT COLLECTION we will send the deposit amount set there to be due at the time of the booking and the remainder if any at arrival.

In SETTINGS - > CHANNEL MANAGER - > VRBO/Homeaway.COM -> SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT you can set which payment types you accept. Beds24 supports following payment options:

1. Invoice

If you choose "Invoice" you need to enter a description on how guests can pay in SETTINGS - > CHANNEL MANAGER - > VRBO/Homeaway.COM -> SPECIFIC CONTENT "Payment Options Description "

2. Credit Card

The cards you have activated in SETTINGS - > PAYMENTS - > PAYMENT GATEWAYS - > CREDIT CARD will be sent as accepted cards.

If you do not receive a credit card with the booking and require a payment prior to the guest arrival, you can use an Auto Action to request payments from guests.

You can collect their credit card details to charge manually see Here via your payment gateway, or automatically if you use the Stripe Integration see Here for more information.

If you do not take the total amount as a deposit, you must set up a "Payment 2" for the remaining amount.

5.3.1 Pictures

VRBO/Homeaway supports property pictures and room pictures.

• The pictures activated as "Property Pictures" in SETTINGS->BOOKING ENGINE->PICTURES will be sent for the property. Make sure you have enabled at least 6 property pictures per listing.
• The pictures activated as "Room Pictures" in SETTINGS->BOOKING ENGINE->PICTURES will be sent for the room. If there are no room pictures then offer pictures will be sent for the room.
• If your listings are per room property pictures are used for the first room listing only and room pictures are used for the other room listings.

If you use external pictures you need to make sure they are .jpg format.

If you need to change a picture, add or change it's caption text to ensure it gets re-imported by VRBO/Homeaway.

• With a single-unit listing (Listing per Room) room pictures are sent first (in property section) and property pictures in room settings so not all listings look the same.
• With a multi-unit listings (Listing per Property) property pictures send first.

When the same pictures is in the property and the room we only send it once.

5.3.2 Check if data is complete and correct

Go to SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->VRBO/Homeaway ->CONTENT or click on the "View content sent to VRBO/Homeaway" link.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements VRBO/Homeaway will reject all data sent.

To update the listing content click on the links on this page.

To check which information is sent to VRBO/Homeaway click on the "View actual data sent to VRBO/Homeaway" link. This will show you the raw data. A click on "View Actual Data" will show you which prices are sent.

6 Activation

Tick "Inventory", "Bookings" and "Prices" in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->VRBO/Homeaway.COM (NOT iCal).

7 Cancellations

If you set a booking to "Cancelled" we will send it as "Cancelled by guest" to VRBO/Homeaway. If the booking is cancelled by the owner you can set this as a "substatus" via the second selector next to the "Cancelled" status in the "Summary" tab of the booking.

If a different reason for the cancellation applies you can set this by adding one of the following info codes in to "Info" tab of the booking:

CANCELLED_BY_OWNER

CANCELLED_BY_OWNER_INVALID_CARD

CANCELLED_BY_OWNER_NO_PAYMENT

CANCELLED_BY_OWNER_UNIT_NOT_AVAILABLE

Never delete bookings from VRBO/Homeaway because VRBO/Homeaway expect to read the booking status even if they are cancelled.

8 Updates

Changes to availability and prices will be instantly sent to the channel. Other changes will be pulled by VRBO/Homeaway with their next poll.

9 6. All feature codes

You can also manually add bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities typing the feature codes exactly as listed below into the "Features" field.

Each room feature code can have additional features added to it separated by a space which will list the features within this room. Multiple rooms can be added.

Example:  One bedroom with a double bed and a crib
BEDROOM BED_DOUBLE BED_CRIB

Example: The property has 3 bathrooms with various features 
BATHROOM BIDET COMBO_TUB_SHOWER
BATHROOM BIDET 
BATHROOM_HALF TOILET

Add feature codes one for each feature separated by spaces.

Example: A property has television, internet and beach view
TELEVISION INTERNET BEACH_VIEW 

1. Bathroom Types - If there are multiple bathrooms add one code for each followed by appropriate amenity codes.

BATHROOM
BATHROOM_HALF
BATHROOM_SHOWER

1.1 Bathroom Amenities - These must be specified after the bathroom type code and are applied to the preceding bathroom type code. If there are multiple features in the room add a code for each BIDET COMBO_TUB_SHOWER JETTED_TUB OUTDOOR_SHOWER SHOWER TOILET TUB

2. Bedroom Types - If there are multiple bedrooms add one code for each followed by appropriate amenity codes.

BEDROOM
BEDROOM_LIVING_SLEEPING_COMBO
BEDROOM_OTHER_SLEEPING_AREA

2.1 Bedroom Amenities - These must be specified after the bedroom type code and are applied to the preceding bedroom type code. If there are multiple beds in the bedroom add one code for each.

BED_BUNK
BED_CHILD
BED_CRIB
BED_DOUBLE
BED_KING
BED_MURPHY
BED_QUEEN
BED_SOFA
BED_SINGLE

3. Nearest features Nearest features must consist of three parts in order joined by underscores, a feature type, the distance unit, the number value. For example NEAREST_BEACH_KILOMETERS_3 or NEAREST_BAR_METERS_200

Feature types

NEAREST_AIRPORT
NEAREST_BEACH
NEAREST_GOLF
NEAREST_RESTAURANT
NEAREST_TRAIN
NEAREST_BAR
NEAREST_FERRY
NEAREST_HIGHWAY
NEAREST_SKI

Distance units

KILOMETRES
METRES
MILES
MINUTES

4. Location type features

BEACH

BEACH_FRONT

BEACH_VIEW

DOWNTOWN

GOLF_COURSE_FRONT

GOLF_COURSE_VIEW

LAKE

LAKE_FRONT

LAKE_VIEW

MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN_VIEW

NEAR_OCEAN

OCEAN_FRONT

OCEAN_VIEW

RESORT

RIVER

RURAL

SKI_IN

SKI_OUT

TOWN

VILLAGE

WATER_VIEW

WATERFRONT

5. Other features

LIVING_ROOM

FIREPLACE

WOOD_STOVE

HEATING

AIR_CONDITIONING

ELEVATOR

TELEPHONE

HAIR_DRYER

IRON_BOARD

LINENS

TOWELS

DRYER

WASHER

BALCONY

DECK_PATIO_UNCOVERED

LANAI_GAZEBO_COVERED

GARDEN

GRILL

GAME_ROOM

VERANDA

GARAGE

PARKING_POSSIBLE

PARKING_PAID

BOOKS

DVD

FOOSBALL

GAMES

MUSIC_LIBRARY

TABLE_TENNIS

POOL_TABLE

CABLE

SATELLITE

STEREO

TV

TOYS

VIDEO_GAMES

VIDEO_LIBRARY

BREAKFAST_NONE

BREAKFAST_POSSIBLE

BREAKFAST_INCLUDED

PRIVATE_CHEF

INTERNET

KITCHEN

DINING_AREA

DINING_ROOM

COFFEE_MAKER

DISHES_UTENSILS

DISHWASHER

HIGHCHAIR

MICROWAVE

OVEN

REFRIGERATOR

SPICES

STOVE

TOASTER

OUTDOOR_LIGHTING

FIRE_EXTINGUISHER

FIRST_AID_KIT

MEDICAL_EMERGENCY_CONTACT

POLICE_EMERGENCY_CONTACT

FIRE_EMERGENCY_CONTACT

SMOKE_DETECTOR

CO_DETECTOR

DEADBOLT_LOCK

EMERGENCY_EXIT_ROUTE

PETS_CONSIDERED

PETS_NOT_ALLOWED

HOT_TUB

MASSAGE

POOL

POOL_HEATED

POOL_INDOOR

POOL_PRIVATE

SAUNA

B_AND_B

CAR_AVAILABLE

CHAUFFEUR

CHECK_IN_OUT_SELF

CLEANING_DISINFECTANT

CLEANING_ENHANCED

CLEANING_INCLUDED

CLEANING_POSSIBLE

CONCIERGE

GUEST_HOUSE

HOTEL

SHOP

BASKETBALL_COURT

BICYCLE

BOAT

CROSS_COUNTRY_SKIING

FISHING

FITNESS_ROOM

GOLF

HIKING

HORSE_RIDING

HUNTING

ICE_SKATING

JET_SKIING

KAYAK_CANOE

KAYAKING

MOUNTAIN_BIKING

MOUNTAIN_CLIMBING

MOUNTAINEERING

PARASAILING

RAFTING

SAILING

SPORTS_SNORKELING_DIVING

SKIING

SKIING_WATER

SNOW_SPORTS_GEAR

SNOWBOARDING

SNOWMOBILING

SPELUNKING

SURFING

SWIMMING

TUBING_WATER

WATER_SPORTS

WHITEWATER_RAFTING

WIND_SURFING

CAR_NECESSARY

CAR_RECOMMENDED

CAR_NOT_NECESSARY

CHILDREN_NOT_ALLOWED

CHILDREN_WELCOME

EVENTS_ALLOWED

SMOKING_ALLOWED

SMOKING_NOT_ALLOWED

WHEELCHAIR_YES

WHEELCHAIR_NO

BAY

COIN_LAUNDRY

DUTY_FREE

HEALTH_BEAUTY_SPA

MARINA

MUSEUMS

THEME_PARKS

WATER_PARKS

WINERY_TOURS

ZOO

ANTIQUING

BIRD_WATCHING

ECO_TOURISM

GAMBLING

OUTLET_SHOPPING

PADDLE_BOATING

SHOPPING

SLEDDING

WHALE_WATCHING

WILDLIFE_VIEWING

FITNESS_CENTER

HOSPITAL

LAUNDROMAT

FAMILY

HISTORIC

ROMANTIC

10 VRBO/Homeaway.com Offline Bookings / Data protection

Homaway requires you mark bookings which originated from a VRBO/Homeaway enquiry by setting the Referer value on the detail tab of the booking to Homeaway. VRBO/Homeaway requires you to enter the guests Email address in the booking.

VRBO/Homeaway will have access to these bookings for reporting purposes.

Make sure you comply with your local data protection laws.

11 Common Errors

Any errors reported by VRBO/Homeaway will be visible when checking the links

internal error constructing XML - to see the faulty XML 
   open https: //www.beds24.com/api/VRBO/Homeaway.com/HA-3.4/unitRates?roomid=XXXXX&show=novalidation 
Please check you have selected the Channel (VRBO/Homeaway) in your RATES (Channel Tab) or Daily Prices (Enable)