Hometogo Mapping
This page is about the menu (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO and explains how to set up an XML connection with Hometogo.
Contents
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 listings at Hometogo)
- Export prices and availability
- Import bookings
- Beds24 sends date changes made in Beds24 and status changes to "Cancelled" to Hometogo
3 Limitations
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.
Hometogo '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
Hometogo 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.
Hometogo 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
5.1 Multiple Hometogo accounts
Each Beds24 account can be connected to one Hometogo account.
- The Homtetogos XML activation is per Beds24 account/subaccount. All properties visible in the account can be connected.
- If you have different Hometogo accounts you have to make sure that in each Beds24 account activated for Hometogo only the accommodations that belong to the connecting Hometogo account are avaible.
5.2 Languages
Hometogo will inform you which language is compulsory. It is the language of the Hometogo 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 > HOMETOGO > SPECIFIC CONTENT.
If you need to activate languages go to (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > INTERNATIONALISATION.
5.3 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 >HOMETOGO > 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 Hometogo. Rooms are units in this listing.
If you want to change between listing types you can do this in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > Hometogo > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT. Before you change the setting you will need to talk to Hometogo because certain data will get lost.
Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > VIEW CONTENT to check if you content meets Hometogos requirements. Any settings which do not meet Hometogos requirements are highlighted on red. Click on the links in the "Settings" column to go to the settings where you can fix the problems.
5.3.1 Minimum Requirements
To send property information to Hometogo, the following information must be entered into Beds24 to meet the Hometogo 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
5.3.2 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.
Hometogo does not support all features Beds24 offers. For a list of all feature codes Hometogo supports see "All feature codes" below.
5.3.3 Amenities, Features 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 "cleaning" features and 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 Hometogo supports see "All feature codes" below.
5.3.4 Prices
In (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > 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.
Hometogo 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 Hometogo with different minimum stays the system will send the price with the lowest minimum stay. Hometogo 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. Hometogo 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 > HOMETOGO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
"Pricing Policy" is set to "Quoted" Hometogo will request the price for the period and the number of guests selected from Beds24.
Click on the "View Actual Data" button in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER- > HOMETOGO > MAPPING to check which prices and availability will send.
5.3.4.1 Price Multiplier
If you want to add a multiplier to your prices you can add it to the "Price Multiplier" field in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > MAPPING.
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.
5.3.4.2 Taxes & Fees
Taxes and fees can be added in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > 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 Hometogo 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.
5.3.5 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 > HOMETOGO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
5.3.6 Policies
You can set the minimum age via a "Custom" value in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
5.3.6.1 Cancellation Policy
Hometogo requires a cancellation policy. We will send the policies set in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> DESCRIPTION.
You can can which policy applies in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT
If you want to send a custom cancellation policy you need to set the actual poly in "Custom" in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT. Use the context help for detailed instructions.
5.3.6.2 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.
5.4 Payments
5.5 Pictures
Hometogo 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 Hometogo.
- 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.
Make sure you add captions to your pictures. Please see the pictures help page for instructions.
6 Activation
Step 1: Check content
Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > VIEW CONTENT.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements Hometogo will reject all data sent.
To update the listing content click on the links on this page.
To check which information is sent to Hometogo go to (SETTINGS) > CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > VIEW CONTENT. This will show you the raw data. A click on "View Actual Data" will show you which prices are sent.
Checklist - these factors are important for the performance of your listings
- Choose your headline carefully and make sure your key (first) picture and your headline work together.
- Recommended are 24 pictures", make sure all have captions.
- Add Location Type feature so your listing will show in location based searches.
- Add cleaning features.
Step 2: Enable rooms
Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > HOMETOGO > MAPPINGG and tick "Enable".
7 Cancellations
If you set a booking to "Cancelled" we will send it as "Cancelled by guest" to Hometogo. 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
8 Updates
Changes to availability and prices will be instantly sent to the channel. Other changes will be pulled by Hometogo with their next poll.
9 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
ICEMAKER
IRON_BOARD
LINENS
TOWELS
DRYER
WASHER
BALCONY
DECK_PATIO_UNCOVERED
LANAI_GAZEBO_COVERED
GARDEN
GRILL
GAME_ROOM
VERANDA
GARAGE
PARKING_POSSIBLE
PARKING_PAID
EV_CHARGER
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
OUTDOOR_FIREPLACE
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 Common Errors
Any errors reported by Hometogo will be visible when checking the links
internal error constructing XML - to see the faulty XML open https: //www.beds24.com/api/Hometogo.com/HA-3.4/unitRates?roomid=XXXXX&show=novalidation Please check you have selected the Channel (Hometogo) in your RATES (Channel Tab) or Daily Prices (Enable)