VRBO

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This page is about the menus SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->HOMEAWAY and SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->HOMEAWAY->CONTENT  and explains how to set up an XML connection with Homewaway and their companies

1 General

2 Capabilities

  • Export property listings content (create properties at Homeaway)
  • Export prices and availability
  • Import bookings

Existing or new listings can be updated via XML. Data of existing listings will be overridden by the information the sent from Beds24. The 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 Homeaway) because changes you make in Homeaway will be overridden with the next update.


The connection can update:

Homeaway.com, VRBO.com, abritel.fr, aluguetemporada.com.br, 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

  • 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.

NOTE: 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

Homeaway does not allow same day bookings. In SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER ->HOMEAWAY ->SPECIFIC CONTENT you can choose if bookings are imported with "Request" or "Confirmed" status.

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

5 Set up

1. Homeaway have to initiate the XML connection. Please contact Homeaway via this link https://www.homeaway.co.uk/info/property-managers and ask them to open a project for you to use Beds24 channel manager.

2. Once you have the permission from Homeaway to use the XML connection send us a support ticket. Please paste the reply you received from Homeaway into the ticket and name the Beds24 account you want us to activate. Make sure we can see the Email address from your Homeaway contact.

3. We will then activate the connection from our end and send your "Assigned Advertiser Id" directly to [email protected] in order HomeAway can make the connection active on their side as well. After we have activated your account you will see this Id in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->HOMEAWAY.

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 Homeaway how you need to structure your account to suit their requirements.

5.1 1. Languages

Homeaway will inform you which language is compulsory. It is the language of the 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 ->HOMEAWAY ->SPECIFIC CONTENT.

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

5.2 2 Listings

We now support multi-unit listings and single-unit listings.

  • With a single-unit listing (Listing per = Room - the recommended for new connections) a listing is created for every room in Beds24.
  • With a multi-unit listings (Listing per = Property - the default - this option should only be used if each property only has one room) one property in Beds24 is a listing in Homeaway. Rooms are units in this listing.

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

5.2.1 Minimum Requirements

To send property information to Homeaway, the following information must to be entered into Beds24 to meet the 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 Define Bedrooms and Bathrooms

They 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. 

Note: 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. 

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

5.2.3 Amenities

Amenities 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.

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

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

5.2.4 Prices

We send one price per day. If there are multiple prices for the same day activated for Homeaway the system will send the one with the lowest minimum stay.

In SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->HOMEAWAY XML ->SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT you can set

  • 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.

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->HOMEAWAY XML ->SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.

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

5.2.5 Taxes

If you need to send taxes which are not included in the price you can set them in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER-->PROPERTY CONTENT->ROOM CONTENT.

5.2.5.1 Price Multiplier

If you want to add a multiplier to your prices add a * followed by the multiplier number to your hotel id.

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

For example a hotel id setting 123456*1.23 will multiply all prices by 1.23 sent for hotel id 123456. (i.e. raised by 23%) Lower prices can be sent with a multiplier less than 1, i.e. 123456*0.85 will send a price 85% of the normal price (i.e. lowered by 15%)

To convert the price of bookings imported add a * after the multiplier, for example 123456*1.23* will divide the price of the booking by 1.23.

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

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

5.2.6 Cleaning Fee

Cleaning fee is required by 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.

5.2.7 Policies

Homeaway requires a cancellation policy and a rental agreement. We will send the policies set in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> DESCRIPTION.

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

In SETTINGS - > CHANNEL MANAGER - > HOMEAWAY.COM -> SPECIFIC 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 - > HOMEAWAY.COM -> SPECIFIC CONTENT "Payment Options Description "


2. Credit Card

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


If required you can use an Auto Action to request payments from guests. Here you can find more information.

6 Activation

Enter your Homeway username and tick "Inventory", "Bookings" and "Prices" in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->HOMEAWAY.COM (NOT iCal).

6.1 Pictures

Homeaway supports property pictures and room pictures.

  • The pictures activated as "Property Pictures" in SETTINGS->BOOKING PAGE->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 PAGE->PICTURES will be sent for the room. If there are no room pictures then offer pictures will be sent for the room.

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 Homeaway

6.2 Check if data is complete and correct

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

If you do not meet the minimum requirements 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 Homeaway click on the "View actual data sent to Homeaway" link. This will show you the raw data. A click on "View Actual Data" will show you which prices are sent.

7 Updates

Changes to availability and prices will be instantly sent to the channel. Changes for other settings for example minimum stays will send with the next update. Click on "Update" if you want to push them through instantly.

8 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. 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

DINNER_NONE

DINNER_POSSIBLE

DINNER_INCLUDED

LUNCH_NONE

LUNCH_POSSIBLE

LUNCH_INCLUDED

MEALS_NONE

MEALS_POSSIBLE

PRIVATE_CHEF

INTERNET

KITCHEN

KITCHEN_DINING_AREA

KITCHEN_DINING_ROOM

COFFEE_MAKER

DISHES_UTENSILS

DISHWASHER

HIGHCHAIR

MICROWAVE

OVEN

RACLETTE

REFRIGERATOR

SPICES

STOVE

TOASTER

BEACH

BEACH_FRONT

BEACH_VIEW

DOWNTOWN

GOLF_COURSE_FRONT

GOLF_COURSE_VIEW

LAKE

LAKE_FRONT

LAKE_VIEW

MONUMENT_VIEW

MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN_VIEW

NEAR_OCEAN

OCEAN_FRONT

OCEAN_VIEW

RESORT

RIVER

RURAL

SKI_IN

SKI_OUT

TOWN

VILLAGE

WATER_VIEW

WATERFRONT

PETS_CONSIDERED

PETS_NOT_ALLOWED

HOT_TUB

MASSAGE

POOL

POOL_HEATED

POOL_INDOOR

POOL_PRIVATE

SAUNA

B_AND_B

CAR_AVAILABLE

CHAUFFEUR

CLEANING_INCLUDED

CLEANING_POSSIBLE

CONCIERGE

GUEST_HOUSE

HOTEL

STAFF

SHOP

BABYSITTER_RECOMMENDATIONS

BASKETBALL_COURT

BICYCLE

BOAT

CROSS_COUNTRY_SKIING

EQUESTRIAN_EVENTS

FISHING

FITNESS_ROOM

GOLF


HIKING

HORSE_RIDING

HUNTING

ICE_SKATING

JET_SKIING

KAYAK_CANOE

KAYAKING

MOUNTAIN_BIKING

MOUNTAIN_CLIMBING

MOUNTAINEERING

PARAGLIDING

PARASAILING

RAFTING

ROLLER_BLADING

SAILING

SCUBA_OR_SNORKELING

SKIING

SKIING_WATER

SNOW_SPORTS_GEAR

SNOWBOARDING

SNOWMOBILING

SPELUNKING

SURFING

SWIMMING

TENNIS

PETANQUE

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

ARBORETUM

AUTUMN_FOLIAGE

BAY

BOTANICAL_GARDEN

CAVE

CHURCHES

CINEMAS

COIN_LAUNDRY

DUTY_FREE

FESTIVALS

FORESTS

HEALTH_BEAUTY_SPA

LIBRARY

LIVE_THEATER

MARINA

MUSEUMS

NUDE_BEACH

PLAYGROUND

POND

RAIN_FORESTS

REC_CENTER

REEF

RESTAURANTS

RUINS

SYNAGOGUES

THEME_PARKS

VOLCANO

WATER_PARKS

WATERFALLS

WINERY_TOURS

ZOO

ANTIQUING

BEACHCOMBING

BIRD_WATCHING

BOWLING

DISCO

ECO_TOURISM

GAMBLING

HORSESHOES

LUAUS

MINIATURE_GOLF

NATURISME

OUTLET_SHOPPING

PADDLE_BOATING

PHOTOGRAPHY

SCENIC_DRIVES

SHELLING

SHOPPING

SHUFFLEBOARD

SIGHT_SEEING

SLEDDING

THALASSOTHERAPY

THERMALISME

WALKING

WHALE_WATCHING

WILDLIFE_VIEWING

ATM_BANK

FITNESS_CENTER

GROCERIES

HOSPITAL

LAUNDROMAT

MASSAGE_THERAPIST

MEDICAL_SERVICES

ADVENTURE

AWAY_FROM_IT_ALL

BUDGET

FAMILY

FARM_HOLIDAYS

HISTORIC

HOLIDAY_COMPLEX

ROMANTIC

SPA

ACTIVITIES

ATTRACTIONS

ARRIVAL_DAY_FLEXIBLE

ARRIVAL_DAY_FRIDAY

ARRIVAL_DAY_MONDAY

ARRIVAL_DAY_NEGOTIABLE

ARRIVAL_DAY_SATURDAY

ARRIVAL_DAY_SUNDAY

ARRIVAL_DAY_THURSDAY

ARRIVAL_DAY_TUESDAY

ARRIVAL_DAY_WEDNESDAY


9 Homeaway.com Offline Bookings / Data protection

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

Homeaway will have access to these bookings for reporting purposes.

Make sure you comply with your local data protection laws.

10 Common Errors

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

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