VRBO
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
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 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, 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
- 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.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 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. After Homeaway have started a project for you we can generate your advertiser Id and send it to Homeaway. Send us a support ticket with following content so we can do this:
- Your Homeaway project ID
- The E-mail address of your Homeaway activation specialist.
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 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 Listings
We now support multi-unit listings and single-unit listings.
- With a single-unit listing (Listing per = Room - the recommended setting 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.
Go to SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->HOMEAWAY-> VIEW CONTENT to check if you content meets Homeaways requirements. Any settings which do not meet 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 Homeaway, the following information must 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 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.
Note: Set up bedrooms and bathroom either in the property OR the room. If you set them up in both you will double them up.
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
In SETTINGS- >CHANNEL MANAGER->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 for one rate a price for Single (1 guest), Double (2 guests) and a room price (for the number of guests you have defined in the rate ) can be sent. If you have more than 3 occupancy levels you can set up additional rates for each occupancy level.
Note: 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 Homeaway with different minimum stays the system will send the price with the lowest minimum stay. 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. With Per Day Pricing you can also 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. 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->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.
Tip Click on the "View Actual Data" Button to check which prices and availability will send.
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 you can add it to the "Multiplier" field.
The multiplier applies to all prices and fees which are sent.
For example 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, we will send the policies set in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> DESCRIPTION.
Homeaway requires a rental agreement, you can send one per property SETTINGS -> CHANNEL MANAGER -> HOMEAWAY XML > Rental Agreement PDF URL, or for individual Units, SETTINGS -> CHANNEL MANAGER -> HOMEAWAY XML > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT > Rental Agreement PDF URL
You can set the minimum age via a "Custom" value in SETTINGS > CHANNEL MANAGER > 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.
5.2.9 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 - > HOMEAWAY.COM -> SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
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 schedule in SETTINGS - > PAYMENTS - > PAYMENT SCHEDULE and link it to your property in SETTINGS - > CHANNEL MANAGER - > 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 - > 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 - > 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 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 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.
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 Cancellations
If you set a booking to "Cancelled" we will send it as "Cancelled by guest" to Homeaway. 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
NOTE: Never delete bookings from Homeaway because 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 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. 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
KITCHEN_DINING_AREA
KITCHEN_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
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
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
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 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.
11 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)
