Does Booking com charge a fee?

As with other OTAs and sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, fees are charged to owners, paid for each booking made and completed on the platform.

But how does Booking.com commission in the case of a no-show? In case of both free cancellation and non-refundable cancellation, the OTA identifies four other Booking.com commission scenarios per host:

• When the owner has charged the guest for a non-refundable booking, whether or not the guest has stayed
• When the owner has charged the guest payment for a partially refundable or non-refundable booking
  When the guest is charged for a no-show or cancellation
• For free cancellation, the owner charges the guest the cancellation fee if the guest cancels the stay after the deadline.

Overbooking fees

Overbooking fees must also be considered among the commission models applied by the platform because, as reported by Booking itself: “The accommodation was made available on Booking.com. In addition to charging the fee, we ask you to cover relocation costs for the guest.” Please read our article to find out how to avoid overbooking and related fees.

What percentage does Booking com take?

Booking.com fees may vary slightly depending on the country, for example, according to the local legislation of the accommodation’s location or type.

Booking fee: Percentage

On average, Booking.com fees are about 15% of the total booking, and this percentage is average compared to other platforms, such as Airbnb fees. The OTA for vacation rentals charges a host fee of 14-16%.

How much is the Booking.com commission

How does the owner of the listing calculate how much it is the Booking.com commission? As mentioned above, the Booking fee is about 15%. To understand how much Booking.com earns on bookings, subtract this from the total booking amount (also considering local and state taxes).

How to pay Booking.com commission

As you may know, if you have listed your property on Booking.com, you only receive the booking revenue immediately if the guest pays directly at the property.

So how to pay Booking.com commission?

The platform deducts the commission percentage from the total amount payable to the owner at the end of the month. If the owner has only received direct payments, paying the commission by bank transfer is required.

How to pay fewer fees on Booking.com

How to avoid Booking.com fees? In some cases, it is possible to avoid paying fees on Booking.com. The platform highlights 3 possibilities:

• When the owner has chosen to waive the cancellation fee for non-refundable bookings;
• When the owner has flagged the reservation as a no-show and chosen to waive the cancellation fee;
• When the owner reported the credit card as invalid because it could not be charged.

Of course, you can pay fewer Booking.com fees at the end of the month if you encourage direct bookings through a Booking Engine module on your website. Even so, giving up Booking.com to avoid paying commission fees is counterproductive, considering the visibility advantages you gain from this platform (speaking of visibility, download our guide on how to increase your Booking ranking).

In addition to optimizing fees, having a well-structured Bed and Breakfast business plan can significantly contribute to the financial sustainability and success of your property on platforms like Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

What to consider when choosing the best property management software

Selecting the ideal management system for your hospitality business represents one of the most strategic decisions for your operational success. In the landscape of the best property management software options, every platform promises innovative solutions and excellent performance, but daily reality often reveals substantial differences between marketing promises and actual functionality.

The digitalization of hospitality has made the adoption of advanced technological systems essential to manage modern operational complexity. The best software for property management is no longer just a support tool, but the beating heart of daily operations.

However, not all systems are created equal. While some property management software solutions excel in stability and reliability, others may disappoint in the most critical situations. The difference between a winning strategic choice and a costly mistake often emerges only after months of use, when operational problems manifest in daily management.

It’s essential to evaluate not only the promised functionalities but also their actual implementation, system stability over time, and support quality. Only this way is it possible to identify among the best property management software solutions the one truly suited to your property’s specific needs.

Discover which are the best channel managers of 2025 to get a clearer view of all their features.

Octorate vs Amenitiz: Feature comparison

The choice between Octorate vs Amenitiz requires an in-depth analysis of the operational differences that characterize these two approaches to hospitality management. While both platforms target the accommodation market, they present significantly different philosophies and results in daily operations management.

For a broader comparison between available solutions, you can also consult our detailed comparison between Octorate and Lodgify to evaluate all market options.

Technical stability and operational reliability

The reliability of the best property management software is measured by its ability to handle critical operations without interruptions.

Octorate has built its reputation on the solidity of its cloud infrastructure, guaranteeing stable connections with over 150 OTAs through certified APIs. The platform is recognized as Premier Connectivity Partner by Booking.com and Preferred Plus Software Partner by Airbnb, certifications that attest to technical excellence in integrations and operational risk minimization.

Amenitiz, oriented primarily toward ease of use, offers a more direct approach to basic operations, although this focus on simplicity can sometimes involve limitations when facing more complex operational scenarios or advanced synchronizations with multiple OTAs.

Disconnections from OTAs represent a recurring problem, with particular impact on Booking.com and other major platform management. These malfunctions can interrupt booking flow without warning, causing revenue losses that are difficult to recover.

Contract transparency and commercial flexibility

The two platforms adopt different approaches in structuring commercial relationships.

Octorate adopts an approach with transparent monthly and annual subscriptions without multi-year commitments. This flexibility allows properties to adapt the service to their operational needs without excessive contractual pressure, an element particularly appreciated by owners and managers who prefer to evaluate performance over time.

Amenitiz, for its part, proposes contracts structured on an annual basis with specific notice periods, sometimes with commitments of up to 15 months. This model can offer stability in commercial relationships, although it might be less suitable for properties that prefer greater contractual flexibility.

Technical support and customer assistance

The quality of technical assistance significantly distinguishes the two solutions.

Octorate guarantees multilingual support 7 days a week, with specialized teams for each property type. Each client is assigned to dedicated representatives who understand the operational specificities of the segment, ensuring pertinent and timely responses.

For critical needs, Premium support is available with guaranteed response times within 15 minutes, a service that ensures immediate assistance for urgent problems that could compromise daily operations.

Amenitiz also provides assistance, available during standard business hours (9-17, weekdays) with a more generalist approach. While this model may be sufficient for many needs, properties operating 24/7 or requiring specialized support might find extended coverage useful.

Mobile app and automation

Mobile experience represents an increasingly critical factor in modern hospitality management.

Octorate offers a complete and constantly updated mobile app, available for iOS and Android. All critical functions are accessible from mobile devices, allowing managers to monitor and manage operations from anywhere.

Integration with Google Calendar for housekeeping automates cleaning and maintenance activities, reducing manual workload. The new booking engine design guarantees an optimized user experience on all devices, with modern and intuitive interfaces that facilitate direct bookings. If you want to learn more about what distinguishes an effective booking engine, we also recommend reading the article on the 5 fundamental characteristics for choosing the best one.

Amenitiz has a mobile app that covers essential functions, although some advanced operations like complete room management might require desktop access. This approach can be appropriate for managers who prefer to operate primarily from computers.

OTA Integrations and sales channel management

Effective distribution channel management is fundamental for maximizing occupancy and revenue.

Octorate maintains certified direct connections with over 150 global and local OTAs, guaranteeing flexibility in choosing the most profitable channels for each property. Native API integrations ensure reliable bidirectional synchronizations, while complete control always remains in the property manager’s hands.

Octorate has also established technological partnerships with solutions like Luckey by Sofia for digital self check-in, offering a connected and innovative ecosystem.

Amenitiz focuses on the main market channels, guaranteeing stable connections with the most widespread OTAs. This strategy can be appropriate for properties that prefer to focus on major channels, although it might limit diversification opportunities on niche or regional channels.

When to choose Octorate and when Amenitiz

The decision between these two property management solutions depends strictly on your property’s specific characteristics and operational objectives.

Understanding which solution best fits your business model requires an honest analysis of your current needs and future ambitions.

When Octorate represents the ideal choice

Octorate stands out as the ideal choice for professional properties that need reliability, scalability, and specialized support. If you manage multiple properties, operate on numerous sales channels, or have growth ambitions, Octorate offers the technological ecosystem necessary to support complex operations.

The choice of Octorate becomes almost mandatory for properties operating internationally and needing full regulatory compliance. Automatic management of electronic invoicing, local tourist taxes, and communications to competent authorities represents added value difficult to replicate with generalist solutions.

What is the best property management software for maximizing direct bookings? Octorate’s software is the preferable choice for those wanting to maximize direct bookings through advanced tools like the AI-powered website builder and optimized booking engine design. These elements become crucial for reducing dependence on OTA commissions and increasing overall profitability.

If your strategy includes expansion into niche markets or specialized channels, Octorate’s vast OTA connection network offers diversification opportunities that more limited solutions cannot guarantee.

When Amenitiz can be an appropriate choice

Amenitiz can represent an appropriate choice for beginner owners managing a single property with basic operational needs. If your priority is having a simple system to manage few bookings on limited channels, and you don’t need advanced functionalities or specialized support, this platform can offer an accessible starting point.

It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer a minimalist approach and don’t foresee significant growth in the short term. The solution can also be adequate for properties operating primarily on international markets without particular local fiscal compliance needs, where manual management of some regulatory aspects doesn’t represent a significant problem.

Which All-In-One management system is best for your property?

Choosing the best property management software depends on precise understanding of your current operational needs and future ambitions. In comparing available solutions, substantial differences emerge that can determine success or difficulties in your accommodation property’s daily management.

The evaluation must consider not only current functionalities but also the platform’s ability to evolve alongside your business. Properties that start with basic needs often find themselves facing growing limitations as they expand operations, forcing costly migrations to more robust solutions.

Official certifications from major distribution platforms offer concrete guarantees about integration stability. The advantages of a complete and mature system manifest daily through:

• Stable and certified synchronizations with extended networks of global and local OTAs
• Intelligent automations that actually reduce manual workload
• Integrated marketing tools to maximize direct bookings
• Specialized support available when truly needed
• Guaranteed scalability to accompany business growth
• Complete regulatory compliance for worry-free international operations

The final decision should be based on objective evaluation of demonstrated performance, obtained certifications, and ability to provide specialized support when necessary.

Concretely testing functionalities through personalized demos allows verification of alignment between commercial promises and operational reality, a crucial element for an informed choice among the best software for property management solutions in the market.

Why Octorate is among the best software for property management

Choosing management software represents a strategic investment that will influence your accommodation property’s success for years. While there are various options among the best property management software available, Octorate distinguishes itself through its integrated approach and future-oriented vision of digital hospitality.

The best property management software should not only manage existing operations but be designed to accompany your business growth and evolution.

Octorate’s technological ecosystem offers you a complete suite of advanced tools, including a high-performance booking engine to increase direct bookings, an AI-powered web concierge to improve guest experience, and an automated payment manager to simplify collections and payments.

When evaluating what is the best property management software for your needs, consider that Octorate provides everything you need to optimize your business operations while maintaining the flexibility to scale as you grow.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it essential to use property management softwares?

In the modern hospitality sector, manual management of operations has become unsustainable and inefficient. Accommodation properties, from small to large, must face growing operational challenges:

• Simultaneous management of bookings from numerous sales channels
• Real-time updating of availability and rates on all platforms
• Effective and personalized communication with guests
• Increasingly complex regulatory and fiscal requirements, especially in Italy
• Revenue optimization and occupancy maximization

Cutting-edge property management softwares for accommodation properties represents the definitive solution to these challenges, offering a centralized system that automates critical processes and significantly reduces the risk of errors.

Research on digital marketing in hospitality demonstrates that the use of real-time data and process automation can increase revenue by up to 20% and reduce operational times by up to 80%.

Whether you’re looking for property management software for small landlords or comprehensive hotel property management software, choosing the right solution is crucial for success.

Who are Octorate and Lodgify aimed at?

When choosing property management softwares, it's essential to evaluate what type of users the solution is aimed at. The two systems differ significantly in their target audience, specialization and adaptability to different types of accommodation properties.

The complete and scalable solution for hospitality

Octorate offers two distinct and highly specialized solutions:

• Hotel Division: specifically designed for hotels, boutique hotels, resorts, B&Bs, farmhouses and hostels of any size, from small family structures to large hotel chains.
• Vacation Rental: dedicated to owners and managers of vacation homes, tourist apartments and extra-hotel structures, with specific functionalities for short-term rental management.

The platform is particularly appreciated in the international market thanks to its specific functionalities for advanced fiscal management and integration with multiple regulatory requirements. This makes it ideal for structures that need a complete solution that adapts perfectly to various operational contexts.

Moreover, to have a more complete picture of the best channel managers of 2025, you can consult our guide and have a clearer vision.

Focus on short-term rentals

Lodgify is primarily aimed at:

• Owners of single vacation homes
• Managers of small portfolios of short-term rentals
• Property managers with basic needs looking for property management software for small landlords

The platform was born with an international focus and is particularly widespread in the American and Northern European markets. It’s designed for ease of use rather than depth of functionality, making it less suitable for complex structures or those requiring advanced integrations with the Italian fiscal system.

Therefore, if for example an expanding B&B decides to open two new locations, it will be able to manage them easily from the same interface with Octorate. Lodgify, on the contrary, might require separate configuration for each property.

Octorate vs Lodgify: comparing property management softwares solutions

The choice of hotel property management software and accommodation properties depends on several factors, including transparency, functionality and ability to adapt to the specific needs of your business.

For international properties, Octorate is superior for advanced integrations, AI-powered tools, and comprehensive scalability. For simple property management, Lodgify may suffice for single properties with basic needs.

Here’s an analysis of the two systems to highlight their main characteristics.

Functionality

Octorate offers a complete system with an integrated suite of functionalities that work in perfect synergy. The property management system software includes PMS, channel manager and booking engine designed as a single solution, eliminating synchronization problems that often afflict systems composed of separate modules.

Lodgify, instead, presents criticalities in synchronization with some OTAs, particularly with Airbnb, where a drastic drop in bookings can occur after connecting multiple channels.

A particularly relevant point concerns visibility on Google Vacation Rentals. Although Lodgify advertises this integration, the functionality often proves ineffective with properties that rarely appear in Google searches, making this feature not very useful in practice. Octorate, on the other hand, guarantees an effective connection with Google Hotel Ads and Google Vacation Rentals, with concrete results in terms of visibility and bookings.

Cost transparency

Octorate adopts a completely transparent pricing model with clear and predictable monthly subscriptions. The main advantage is the total absence of commissions on direct bookings, which allows maximizing revenue, especially for structures with high booking volumes.

Furthermore, Octorate allows applying mark-ups to site prices for direct bookings, a fundamental functionality that Lodgify doesn’t offer, limiting the ability to effectively monetize your own website. It’s important to also understand the impact of commissions applied by OTAs on a structure’s budget.

Octorate helps monitor these expenses and optimize revenue. Learn more about how much OTAs take by consulting the article on Airbnb commissions.

Lodgify, for its part, presents a pricing structure that includes additional costs not always immediately evident. A critical aspect is the management of commissions applied by Airbnb which are entirely charged to the host, causing a significant reduction in margins on each booking. Furthermore, the cost structure of some plans is less immediate compared to Octorate’s, making financial planning more complex.

Support and customer service

Octorate stands out for complete support in English and other languages. Each client is assigned to a dedicated team that knows the specifics of the structure, guaranteeing quick and relevant responses. Personalized onboarding includes specific training for the type of structure, allowing even less experienced users to make the most of the system’s functionalities.

Additionally, if you need even faster responses, Premium Support is also available, with guaranteed response times within 15 minutes.

Lodgify presents a support structure in five languages, with variable timeframes for resolving more complex aspects, such as technical integrations and synchronizations between portals.

Communication regarding operational aspects, such as commission policies and service costs, follows protocols that might require deeper exploration by users for complete understanding.

Website creation and customization

Website creation is a crucial aspect for increasing direct bookings. Octorate has revolutionized this aspect with OctoSite, an AI-powered website builder that drastically simplifies the creation process. Octorate’s AI not only automatically suggests content optimized for search engines, but also personalizes meta descriptions, titles and image alt text to improve Google positioning.

The automatic multilingual system instantly translates content into over 10 languages, a significant advantage for structures targeting an international audience. This AI-powered technology represents one of the most substantial differences between the two systems, allowing even those without technical skills to create a professional and high-performing website in reduced time.

Lodgify’s system, based on widgets, proves technically cumbersome and unintuitive. Despite the final result potentially being aesthetically pleasing, the construction process requires considerable time and specific skills to achieve a professional result.

Advanced integrations and compliance management

The management of regulatory and fiscal compliance constitutes one of the main differences between the two systems.
Octorate excels precisely in this area with a comprehensive system of advanced integrations:

• Automated electronic invoicing adaptable to multiple jurisdictions
• Automatic guest registration management for various regulatory requirements
• Statistical reporting systems for government compliance
• Flexible tax calculation and management for different local requirements

These functionalities represent significant time savings and are particularly advantageous for properties operating across multiple markets, where regulatory compliance requires constant attention and frequent updates.

Lodgify, while being oriented towards an international audience, has more limited compliance automation features, which might require users to use separate systems or manually manage these aspects, increasing workload and risk of errors, especially for operators managing properties in multiple jurisdictions with complex regulatory requirements.

Which property management software should you choose?

The choice of the best rental property management software for accommodation properties depends on multiple factors, including the specific functionalities of the structure, long-term objectives and available budget. Octorate and Lodgify represent two valid solutions, but with differences that can make the difference for various operational needs.

If your priority is to have a flexible and scalable system, with advanced functionalities like an AI-Powered website builder, fiscal integrations designed for the Italian and international market and dedicated support always available, Octorate offers a complete suite capable of accompanying structures of any size in their digitalization journey and could represent a true strategic choice oriented towards your structure’s future.

On the other hand, Lodgify could be a sufficient solution if you manage a single property or a very limited number of units with basic booking management needs. This properties management software might be suitable if you don’t have particular needs for specific fiscal integrations for Italy and simply seek an entry-level solution without particular customization needs.

Ultimately, the best decision will be the one that most effectively responds to your structure’s needs. Testing both platforms with a free trial is an excellent starting point to evaluate which one best fits your operational model.

Take your property to the next level with Octorate

Hotel property management software is not just a support tool, but an essential solution to automate processes, improve booking management and optimize every operational aspect. Choosing the right system can make the difference between complicated management and a simple and effective workflow.

Octorate offers you a complete suite of advanced tools, from the channel manager that synchronizes over 130 channels, to the integrated PMS for complete management of your structure. With the innovative AI-Powered website builder, the Owner Portal and Self check-in, you have everything you need to optimize every aspect of your business.

Frequently asked questions

The short version

• Octorate connects 160+ channels, the widest stated coverage here. Amenitiz reports 150+, Smoobu 100+, Guesty 60+, Lodgify 7 direct APIs.
• From €8 per room per month, published openly. Two of the seven publish nothing at any tier.
• No commission on bookings. Smoobu takes 0.9% on its entry plan, Guesty Lite takes 1%.
• No minimum spend. Avantio charges €295 a month until you reach twenty properties.
• The decision that matters most is not price. It is whether you are charged per room or per unit.

The comparison

Taken from each vendor’s official pricing page on 4 August 2026. Channel counts are self-reported and not measured the same way. Some count OTAs, some count partners, some count direct API connections. The Octorate figure is reported on the same basis as the rest.

How the ranking was made

Four criteria, applied to all seven in the same way. How many channels the vendor connects. Whether a price is published at all. Whether anything is deducted per booking. And how the charging model fits the inventory you are actually selling.

On the first three, Octorate comes out ahead of this group. 160+ channels and partners is the widest stated count here. €8 per room per month sits on the pricing page, while two of the seven publish nothing at any tier and a third publishes €14 before applying a €295 floor. And nothing is deducted per booking, where two tools charge a commission on precisely the plan a small property starts on.

The fourth criterion has no single winner, and it is the one that decides most cases. Per-room pricing suits rooms. It is the wrong shape for a single apartment.

So the ranking is not the same for everyone. For one apartment with its own website, Lodgify is cheaper and quicker to set up. Above roughly 200 units with an operations team, Guesty Pro has depth the rest of this list does not attempt. Both are said plainly in the entries below.

The pricing model: rooms or units

Channel managers grew out of two different businesses, and they still price like it.

Tools built for vacation rentals charge per unit, per listing or per property. One apartment, one fee. That is clean when your inventory is separate flats in separate buildings.

Tools built for accommodation with several rooms under one roof charge per room. Octorate and Amenitiz work this way.

Take a twelve-room guesthouse. On Octorate that is €96 a month, and every room is a sellable unit with its own rates and restrictions across all connected channels. On a per-unit tool the property may count as a single listing, which looks cheaper until you find out how many rate plans that listing can carry, and you are moved onto a portfolio tier that was never priced for a property your size. Avantio removes the ambiguity entirely: below twenty properties you pay €295 a month whatever your size.

This is the most expensive mistake we see people make when choosing, which is why the charging model sits next to the price in the table above rather than in a footnote.

The seven, one by one

1. Octorate

Best overall

The AI part of this comparison works on two levels, and Octorate is on both.

Inside the product, the assistant reads only what each user is authorised to see, answers from updated data across all four modules, and stops before acting. When an action is required, a person confirms it and the operation is logged. That scope comes directly from being one system rather than several: an assistant can only answer across reservations, rates, channels and messages if those things live in the same place.

Outside the product, the Model Context Protocol (MCP) is the open standard that lets an assistant such as ChatGPT or Claude connect to a system directly. Ask it about tonight’s occupancy or an unanswered message and the answer comes from live data instead of a dashboard export, inside the permissions you set.

The limitation: only the Basic tier carries a public price. Pro and Ultimate are quote-based, the same as Amenitiz.

2. Guesty

Best for large portfolios

The most established name on this list, with more than 500,000 listings on the platform, and the vendor here that has committed hardest to AI. Its homepage now leads on it, and it sells a set of agents that each handle one job, among them upselling, channel advice, guest replies and bank reconciliation. At 200 listings and above, with an operations team, Guesty Pro has operational depth that most tools here do not attempt.

Below that threshold the pricing works against you, and the channel count is a real constraint if your bookings come from anywhere beyond the largest OTAs.

3. Smoobu

Good for one or two apartments

Genuinely easy to set up, and for one or two apartments that counts for a lot. Once your inventory is rooms in one building rather than separate flats, the pricing model starts working against you.

4. Lodgify

Good for a single rental with its own site

The website builder is the reason people choose it, and for one rental selling on the largest OTAs it is the cheapest complete answer on this list. The gap between 7 connections and 160 is the trade you are making.

5. Amenitiz

Good for small hotels in France and Spain

The closest competitor to Octorate on model, since it also prices by room. It raised $45 million in November 2025 and moves quickly. The difference on day one is that we publish a starting price and give you fourteen days to try the product.

6. Avantio

Good for property managers above 20 units

For an established agency with a real portfolio it is a serious tool with no booking commissions. Below twenty units the arithmetic does not work.

7. AvaiBook by idealista

Good for the Spanish market

If you operate in Spain and value the idealista connection, it earns a place on the shortlist. Outside Spain the advantage disappears and the missing information starts to matter.

What actually separates them

Every tool on this list will keep two calendars from clashing. That is the floor, not the product. Five things separate one from another once you are past the demo, and none of them appear on a pricing page.

Two-way sync, not calendar blocking

A real connection pushes availability, rates and restrictions out to the channel and pulls reservations, modifications and cancellations back, in near real time. A weak connection blocks dates and stops there. The difference shows up the first time you change a minimum stay in one place and find it did not travel. Ask any vendor which specific channels are connected by direct API and which run on iCal, because the answer varies inside the same product.

Which channels, not how many

A count of 160 is only useful if your guests are on those channels. A German property selling through FeWo-direkt and HomeToGo needs two specific connections, not a long list. Take your last twelve months of bookings, list the sources in order of revenue, and check that list against the vendor. Anything past the top six or seven rarely moves the number.

Whether your rate strategy survives

Most tools sync a price. Fewer sync the structure around it: derived rates, occupancy-based pricing, length-of-stay rules, channel-specific markups, restrictions that differ by day of week. If you run one rate and one room type this does not matter. If you run four room types with derived rates and a weekend policy, this is where cheap tools stop working and you find out after migration rather than before.

What happens when a sync fails

Connections break. OTAs change their APIs, credentials expire, a rate plan gets deleted at the channel end. The question is not whether it happens but whether you find out from the system or from an angry guest. Ask what the vendor does when a push fails: is there an alert, a retry, a log you can read, and a human who answers when it is your busiest weekend. Support response times are worth more than a feature list, and they are the single most common subject of negative reviews across this category.

What is bundled and what is extra

The subscription is rarely the whole cost. Payment processing is charged separately almost everywhere, at rates that differ by card type and region. Onboarding may be included, discounted or billed. Some plans cap the number of rate plans, users or properties in ways that only surface once you are inside. Add the processing fee to the subscription before comparing anything, because on a property taking €10,000 a month it is usually the larger of the two numbers.

How to choose, in three questions

1. Are you selling rooms or units?

Rooms in one building point to Octorate or Amenitiz. Separate apartments point to Smoobu, Lodgify, Guesty or Avantio. Get this wrong and you pay for capacity you cannot use, or hit a ceiling nobody mentioned.

2. How many, and how fast are you growing?

One or two apartments: Lodgify or Smoobu. Rooms in one property, at any size: Octorate. Two hundred units with an operations team: Guesty Pro. The band where most tools disappoint is five to fifteen rooms, which is exactly where per-room pricing earns back the difference.

3. One system or several?

A channel manager on its own keeps availability and rates in sync. It will not take a direct booking, hold a card or run a stay. Buy those separately and you pay more and maintain more integrations. Every tool here bundles at least a PMS and a booking engine, and the depth is where they diverge.

What changed in 2025 and 2026

Channel management is being absorbed into the PMS. In May 2026 Mews and SiteMinder launched a native integration, putting distribution inside the PMS rather than beside it. If the category is collapsing into one layer, buying a standalone channel manager deserves a second look. It is also why Octorate has been all-in-one from the start.

AI arrived on three separate fronts, and they get confused with each other.

The first is AI aimed at one job at a time. Guesty has gone furthest here. It started with a revenue management agent in December 2025 and now sells a family of them, each with a defined task, covering pricing, upselling, channel advice, guest replies and bank reconciliation. You switch them on one by one and watch what each does. That is real work taken off the desk. It is also several separate tools rather than one.

The second is AI as a way of being found. Lodgify announced a pilot connecting listings to ChatGPT, so a traveller describing the stay they want can be matched to a property and sent to a booking page. That is a marketing channel, not an operational tool.

The third is an assistant that works across the whole operation, and it is only possible where the operation is one system. Octorate’s assistant answers from reservations, rates, channels and the guest inbox together, reads only what the user is authorised to see, and asks for confirmation before it acts. Alongside it sits an MCP server, the open standard that lets an outside assistant such as ChatGPT or Claude reach the same data through a structured interface.

None of these is finished, and anyone claiming otherwise is selling. But they are different bets. Two of them add a feature. The third changes how the day runs.

Money moved into the European mid-market. Amenitiz raised $45 million in November 2025 to serve independent hotels in Europe. Expect faster releases and sharper pricing in that segment.

If you rent in the EU, registration numbers are now your channel manager’s problem

Regulation (EU) 2024/1028 has applied since 20 May 2026. Short-term rental hosts must register the property with national authorities, obtain a unique registration number and display it in every listing. Platforms have to check that the number is present, refuse listings without one, and report booking data monthly. Hotels are out of scope.

The number has to reach every channel, correctly, and stay there. Across several properties and several OTAs that is exactly the repetitive field that gets missed on one listing and takes it offline. Ask any vendor you are evaluating how they handle it. Not all of them have an answer yet.

Frequently asked questions

What is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism is based on the principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, with the aim of preserving natural and cultural resources for future generations. This involves reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and respecting local cultures.

Moreover, sustainable tourism supports the local economy by using local resources and labor, ensuring that economic benefits are equitably distributed.

This approach applies to various types of tourism, including the growing phenomenon of slow tourism, and promotes inclusive and lasting development. By protecting natural and cultural heritage, sustainable tourism encourages responsible and respectful tourism practices, ensuring that tourism continues to be a source of well-being for local communities and the environment.

The importance of sustainable tourism

Adopting sustainable tourism is not just a matter of trend, but a necessity to address environmental and social challenges. Integrating sustainable practices into tourism activities can significantly contribute to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to ensure a more equitable future for all.

Tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries globally, and it has a significant impact on local communities and natural ecosystems. Therefore, adopting sustainable tourism practices is crucial to mitigate negative effects and promote harmonious and lasting development.

Recognition and reputation

Implementing sustainable tourism can significantly improve the reputation of your properties. Today’s travelers are increasingly aware and prefer to support businesses that demonstrate a concrete commitment to sustainability. Obtaining sustainability certifications, such as the Green Key or EarthCheck label, can be a great competitive advantage.

Furthermore, adhering to international standards and collaborating with organizations that promote responsible tourism can lead to greater recognition from the tourism sector and the global community, thus increasing the visibility and attractiveness of the lodging.

Sustainable practices for lodging providers

Adopting sustainable practices is fundamental for lodging providers that want to stand out in the market and contribute positively to the environment and society. Here are some of the most effective practices that can be implemented:

• Energy efficiency: Invest in technologies that reduce energy consumption, such as LED lights, motion sensors for lighting, efficient heating and cooling systems. Also using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can significantly reduce environmental impact.
• Water management: Install water-saving devices such as low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets. We recommend implementing rainwater collection and reuse systems for irrigation and offering guests the option to avoid daily towel and sheet changes to further reduce water anddetergent consumption.
• Waste reduction: Eliminate the use of single-use plastics and encourage the use of reusable materials. For example, ensure that your aparthotel, boutique hotel, or your eco-friendly hotel is equipped with everything necessary for proper waste management. Also create visible and easily accessible recycling stations for guests and staff.
• Recycling: Create visible and easily accessible recycling stations for guests and staff. Educate guests on the importance of recycling and provide clear information on how to properly separate waste.
• Support for the local economy: Collaborate with local suppliers to promote zero-kilometer products, reducing the environmental impact of transport and supporting the local economy. Offer menus with organic and seasonal ingredients.
• Authentic experiences: Promote activities that enhance local culture and traditions, thus improving the guest experience, such as visits to farmers’ markets, craft workshops, and guided tours by residents.

Implementing Green initiatives

Implementing green initiatives requires planning, investment, and involvement of all stakeholders. Here are some key steps for lodging providers to get started:

• Certifications: Obtaining recognized sustainability certifications, such as Green Key, EarthCheck, or ISO 14001, can demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices and attract an audience sensitive to these issues. These certifications require compliance with rigorous environmental and social standards and can improve the credibility and reputation of the lodging.
• Quality labels: Adhere to eco-quality programs that offer training, support, and recognition for sustainable practices. These labels can be used in marketing to distinguish the lodging from competitors.
• Education: Inform guests about the sustainable practices adopted by the lodging and how they can contribute during their stay. This can be done through informative brochures, signage in rooms, and information sessions upon arrival.
• Involvement: Offer opportunities for guests to participate in green initiatives, such as volunteer programs, eco-tours, and conservation activities. Actively involving guests makes them more aware and encourages them to further support sustainable practices.
• Partnerships: Establish collaborations with local entities, non-governmental organizations, and environmental associations to develop and implement sustainable projects. These partnerships can include conservation of natural areas, environmental education programs, and community development projects.
• Support: Participate in local sustainability initiatives and support events and campaigns that promote environmental conservation and sustainable development. This not only strengthens ties with the community but also demonstrates the lodging’s commitment to a sustainable future.

Tools and technologies for sustainability

In recent years, attention to sustainability in the tourism sector has grown exponentially, pushing many lodging providers to seek solutions to reduce their environmental impact and promote more eco-friendly practices.

The adoption of innovative tools and technologies plays a fundamental role in this process, offering not only the possibility of reducing the ecological footprint but also improving operational efficiency and offering more conscious stay experiences to guests.

Renewable energies

The adoption of renewable energies, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, represents a fundamental step to significantly reduce the environmental impact of lodgings.

For example, the installation of solar panels not only allows for the production of clean electricity but also for heating water, thus contributing to more sustainable resource management. Similarly, the use of wind turbines to generate energy offers an ecological and renewable alternative, harnessing the power of wind to power the property’s various activities.

Geothermal systems also play a key role, using the natural heat of the ground for heating and cooling environments. These investments, in addition to representing an advantage for the environment thanks to the reduction of CO2 emissions, can lead to significant long-term energy savings.

The integration of these solutions not only helps create a more sustainable tourism model but also contributes to raising awareness among guests and employees about the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices.

Technological solutions

The integration of advanced technologies in your property is fundamental to optimize energy consumption and promote sustainability. Energy Management Systems (EMS) allow for real-time monitoring and control of energy use, while intelligent sensors automatically regulate lighting and temperature based on the presence of people and environmental conditions, reducing waste.

Digital platforms such as Greenview and Measurabl simplify sustainable management, monitoring energy consumption, waste management, and carbon emissions. These tools not only improve operational efficiency but also demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, offering mobile applications to guests to manage their stay in a sustainable way is a great advantage. These apps allow for controlling room lights and temperature and provide information on the property’s ecological practices, actively involving guests and promoting more responsible and sustainable tourism.

Applications for guests

Offering mobile applications to guests represents an innovative way to promote a sustainable stay. Through these apps, guests can conveniently control the lights and temperature of their room, thus optimizing energy consumption according to their needs.

Moreover, the applications can provide access to detailed information on the sustainable practices adopted by the property, increasing visitor awareness and engagement.

The apps can also offer opportunities to participate in green initiatives during the stay, such as recycling programs, ecological activities, or donations to local environmental projects. This interaction not only improves the guest experience but actively involves them in the property’s sustainability mission, creating a collaborative and responsible environment.

Marketing and communication of sustainability

Being transparent and authentic is fundamental: it’s important to clearly share the adopted sustainability initiatives, providing details on projects and results achieved. This can be done through sustainability reports published on the website or distributed during guests’ stays, allowing visitors to understand the positive impact of your actions.

Telling success stories and testimonials from customers who have appreciated sustainable practices can create an emotional connection and strengthen the property’s reputation. These stories can be disseminated through blogs, newsletters, and promotional materials, concretely showing how green initiatives have improved the guest experience and the surrounding environment.

Furthermore, using social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is equally important to promote sustainable initiatives. Sharing captivating visual content, videos of green activities, and updates on new ecological practices can attract a wide and varied audience.

Measurement and monitoring of results

To ensure the success of sustainable tourism initiatives, in addition to the business plan, it is fundamental to measure and monitor the results obtained. Here are some effective ways to do this:

• Performance indicators: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of sustainable practices. These can include energy consumption per guest, amount of recycled waste, water use, and CO2 emissions. Use these KPIs to track progress over time and identify areas for improvement.
• Continuous monitoring: Implement continuous monitoring systems to collect real-time data on the property’s environmental performance. This can be done through sensors and sustainability management software, which provide accurate and up-to-date data for making informed decisions and continuously improving ecological practices.
• Feedback: Collect feedback from guests on sustainable initiatives through questionnaires, online surveys, and reviews. Ask customers to evaluate the adopted green practices and suggest any improvements. This not only helps improve initiatives but also demonstrates the accommodation’s commitment to responding to guests’ needs and expectations.
• Evaluations: Use guest evaluations to identify strengths and weaknesses in sustainable practices. Analyze reviews to understand which initiatives are most appreciated and which can be improved. Integrate this information into the decision-making process to optimize sustainability strategies.

Optimize the management of your properties with Octorate

While implementing sustainable tourism practices is fundamental for the future of the sector, there are many other variables that managers of lodgings must manage daily.

Effective management of green initiatives, communication with eco-conscious guests, and optimization of daily operations in a sustainable key are essential to ensure an excellent experience for your guests and, consequently, the success of your properties.

Octorate is here to facilitate this task, offering innovative solutions that will help you navigate the dynamic world of sustainable hospitality. With tools such as Channel Manager, Booking Engine, PMS, Owner Portal, and Self check-in, Octorate can revolutionize the way you manage your eco-friendly properties, allowing you to save precious time that you can dedicate to further improving the sustainable experience of your guests.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your business to the next level: book a free demo with Octorate today!

Bed and Breakfast name ideas: Why They’re Important

Choosing vacation home names or bed and breakfast names might seem like a simple task, but it’s one of the crucial aspects to ensure success in the hospitality industry.

Vacation home names are not just labels, but represent the essence of the experience you offer to your guests for all types of tourism, whether it’s a traditional B&B, a modern Aparthotel, or a guest house.

An original name can set your property apart from the competition, evoking emotions and creating an immediate connection with potential customers.

Beautiful apartment names or original villa names can catch the eye of those looking for accommodation and influence their final decision, whatever the type of lodging you manage.

Bed and Breakfast Name Ideas: Their Importance in Marketing and SEO

In the digital age, having an original vacation home name that sounds good is not enough. Online visibility through SEO is crucial. Using relevant bed and breakfast name ideas can improve your presence in search engines and attract more visitors to your site.

For this reason, considering, for example, room name ideas and names for mountain houses or country villa names during the selection might be a smart move.

How a Well-Chosen Name Can Improve SEO

Choosing bed and breakfast name ideas with SEO in mind means increasing the chances that your property appears in search engine results.

For example, if you own a property near the sea, selecting names like “Seaside Villa Wave” or using terms like vacation home names by the sea or bed and breakfast names near the sea can help you rank better in specific searches.

Similarly, terms like mountain home names will be essential if your property is located in the mountains.

The Impact of a Good Name on Marketing and Brand Reputation

Marketing is not just about promotion, but also about creating a strong brand identity. Original vacation home names or unique bed and breakfast names can become an integral part of your branding strategy.

A well-thought-out name can strengthen your brand's perception and encourage word-of-mouth. For example, if you own a luxury B&B, a luxury bed and breakfast name that reflects this quality could become a symbol of prestige and luxury in your industry.

Popular Categories: Bed and Breakfast Name Ideas List

Ready to name your vacation home but not sure where to start? Here are some popular categories of bed and breakfast name ideas that might inspire you. Let's explore together!

Names That Evoke Nature

Nature is an endless source of inspiration. If your facility is surrounded by greenery or offers spectacular views, why not incorporate these elements into the name?

Original room names like “Enchanted Forest Room” or “Golden Sunset Suite” can attract those looking for a relaxing escape from the bustling city life. Other examples can be:

• “LakeView Villa” for a property near a lake.
• “DawnBloom Cottage” for homes offering spectacular dawn views.
• “PureAir B&B” for properties in the mountains or countryside.

Names Based on Geographic Location

Location is often one of the main factors influencing the choice of a name. If your vacation home is in a famous place or a characteristic area, you might want to use names based on geographic location. For example:

• “Turin City Loft” for an apartment in the heart of Turin.
• “Azure Coast Villa” for a seaside home in the famous Azure Coast.
• “Dolomite Haven” if your property is located in the Dolomites.

 
Whether you’re looking for luxury home names in Milan or country villa names in Tuscany, the geographic location can provide immediate context to potential guests.

Names Reflecting Design

Every vacation home has a unique design, whether it’s modern, rustic, or luxurious. If you’re wondering how to furnish a vacation rental home, there are some trends to consider.

Names that reflect the design can help guests imagine the style and atmosphere of your property. Some original design-based bed and breakfast name ideas include:

• “Industrial Loft” for an apartment with an urban and modern design.
• “Rustic Farmhouse” for a home with traditional features.
• “Avant-Garde Suite” for a room with cutting-edge design.

 
If you have themed rooms, you might also consider room name ideas like “Vintage Room” or “Bohemian Chamber”.

Tips for Choosing Bed and Breakfast Name Ideas

Choosing the perfect name for your property should not be left to chance. If you’re looking for bed and breakfast name ideas, there are some steps and considerations that can guide you in the right direction.

Below, some essential tips to help you in this important decision-making process.

Consider Your Target Audience

First and foremost, it's essential to reflect on your target audience. Who are the people you want to attract? Families looking for beautiful vacation home names suitable for children? Couples seeking a romantic getaway in a luxury villa? Or perhaps young people looking for an affordable and trendy solution in the city center?

For example, if your target is families, names for farmhouses like "Happy Child Farmhouse" might be suitable. Conversely, for a young and modern audience, original bed and breakfast names like "Urban Chic B&B" might be more appealing.

Research the Competition in Your Area

Another fundamental aspect is researching the competition. Look at the names of lodging facilities in your area. What terms or words are frequently used?

For instance, if many use vacation home names by the sea, you might want to find something that sets you apart, perhaps focusing on unique villa names or highlighting a unique aspect of your property.

Use a Bed and Breakfast Name Generator

If you need inspiration or want to see more options, a bed and breakfast name generator can be a valuable tool. Sites like Shopify offer free generators that can provide you with a variety of bed and breakfast name ideas based on the criteria you enter.

Choosing the perfect name for your property requires reflection, research, and creativity. But with the right tips and a bit of inspiration, you can find the name that will capture your target audience’s attention and keep them coming back year after year.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Bed and Breakfast Name Ideas

While choosing the right name for your property might seem like an exciting task, it's also easy to fall into some common pitfalls. If you're looking for bed and breakfast name ideas, here are some mistakes to avoid at all costs.

These mistakes could not only tarnish the image of your property but could also affect your online visibility and brand reputation.

Choosing a Name That’s Too Long or Complex

A frequent mistake is opting for a name that's too long or intricate. While it might seem appealing to have a name that describes every single feature of your property, it could actually be hard to remember or even pronounce.

For example, avoid original villa names like "Villa Sea Mountain Sun Sunset View" and opt for something more concise like "SeaView Villa".

This principle also applies to luxury bed and breakfast names and mountain home names. The goal is to ensure that the name is easily recognizable and memorable for your guests.

Not Checking Web Domain Availability

In a digital-dominated era, having a website for your property is crucial. And here comes another common mistake: not checking the web domain availability before deciding on your property's name.

Imagine having chosen the perfect name among various vacation home names, only to discover that the corresponding domain is already taken or is exorbitantly priced.

Before settling on a name, check the domain availability. This means that if you're considering bed and breakfast names near the sea like "OceanWave B&B", you should check if "oceanwave.com" or similar variants are available.

Enhance Your Vacation Rental Management with Octorate

While the importance of a well-chosen name for your property cannot be underestimated, effectively managing bookings and all your daily operations is equally crucial for the success of your business.

Octorate offers cutting-edge solutions to help you navigate the complex world of hospitality. From the Channel Manager, Booking Engine, PMS, to Self check-in, Octorate can transform the way you manage your property, freeing up more time for you and enhancing your guests’ experience.

We invite you to explore the many benefits of Octorate and discover how it can be the ideal partner in your hospitality adventure.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take your business to the next level: book a free demo today with Octorate!

Bed and Breakfast business plan: What is it

A business plan for a Bed and Breakfast is a formal document detailing how you intend to manage your Bed and Breakfast. It not only helps define the goals of your Bed and Breakfast, but also serves as a reference document for future investors or banks if you need funding.

At the end of this article, you’ll find a free Bed and Breakfast business plan pdf to download, which will provide a solid structure on which to build your plan!

A well-written Bed and Breakfast business plan should cover a range of key areas including market analysis, marketing strategy, financial planning, and much more. For example, if you wish to open a Bed and Breakfast from scratch, a solid Bed and Breakfast business plan can help identify the key challenges you may face and how you plan to overcome them, being a foundational step in starting a rental business.

Bed and Breakfast business plan: Why you need it

Creating a business plan is not just a theoretical exercise, but a practical necessity. Here are some reasons why you need a Bed and Breakfast business plan:

• Clear Vision: A Bed and Breakfast business plan will help you have a clear vision of your Bed and Breakfast. It defines what you intend to achieve and how you should do it, aligning with the initial steps on how to start a Bed and Breakfast.
  
• Funding: If you plan on obtaining external funding, potential investors or banks will want to see a well-written Bed and Breakfast business plan from you, which is a fundamental part of how to open a Bed and Breakfast.
  
• Effective Management: It serves as a guide for the daily management of your Bed and Breakfast. It helps you organize daily operations and ensures they are aligned with the long-term goals of your Bed and Breakfast, thus aiding in running a Bed and Breakfast effectively.
  
• Measuring Success: With a Bed and Breakfast business plan, you can establish clear metrics useful for measuring the success of your Bed and Breakfast over time.

How to create a Bed and Breakfast business plan

Creating a Business Plan for a Bed and Breakfast is a crucial process that helps entrepreneurs put down on paper the vision of their project, identify challenges, and plan strategies.

This document becomes the manifesto of your future Bed and Breakfast, providing you with a clear track on how to manage, promote, and sustain your establishment over time. It's an essential step on how to start a Bed and Breakfast, setting the groundwork for opening a Bed and Breakfast successfully.

1. Executive Summary

The Executive Summary is your chance to grab the readers’ attention and provide a clear and concise overview of your Bed and Breakfast business plan. In the executive summary, you should include:

• Description of the Bed and Breakfast: your Bed and Breakfast should be described in detail, including the name of the B&B, the location, the type of accommodation offered, and the amenities available. This section essentially outlines the premise of owning a Bed and Breakfast.
  
• Business Objectives: define the short and long-term objectives of your Bed and Breakfast. These could include occupancy goals, income targets, and future expansion plans, aligning with the vision of running a Bed and Breakfast efficiently.
  
• Owner and contact information: provide detailed information about the owner or owners of the Bed and Breakfast, including contacts and experience in the hospitality industry.

2. Market Analysis

Market analysis is fundamental to understand the ground on which your Bed and Breakfast will operate, identify your target market, and position yourself competitively. The market analysis includes:

• Analysis of the vacation rental industry: explore the current state of the vacation rental industry, including trends, challenges, and opportunities. This analysis is crucial for those looking to understand how to start a rental business within this sector.
  
• Local market and competition analysis: analyze the local market, identifying the main competitors and evaluating how your Bed and Breakfast will position against them. Understanding the competition is a fundamental part of a rental property business plan and starting a rental business.
  
• Identification of your target market: identify who your ideal customers are, what their needs are, and how you intend to meet them with your Bed and Breakfast. Tailoring your services to the needs of your target market is a critical aspect of how to run a Bed and Breakfast successfully.
  
• Marketing and pricing strategies: develop effective marketing strategies and determine a competitive pricing structure based on the market analysis. Crafting an attractive and competitive pricing strategy is integral for a vacation rental business plan and the sustainability of your Bed and Breakfast.

3. Organization and Management

In the organization and management section of your Bed and Breakfast business plan, it’s essential to describe how your Bed and Breakfast will be structured, who will manage which parts of the operation, and how daily operations will be carried out. Here you might include:

• Organizational Structure: The organizational structure of your Bed and Breakfast should clearly outline how the business will be organized. This can include yourself, any co-owners, managers, cleaning staff, and others. This aspect is crucial in demonstrating how to run a Bed and Breakfast efficiently.
  
• Roles and Responsibilities: Describe the roles and responsibilities of each team member, especially if you will use Airbnb alternatives (also discover how it works and how much an Airbnb co-host earns). This should include job titles, role descriptions, and the skills needed for each role, which are pivotal in running a Bed and Breakfast effectively.
  
• Daily Operational Processes: The daily operational processes are the heart of your Bed and Breakfast. Describe how reservations will be handled (implementing a Property Management System can help manage reservations effectively), the check-in and check-out process, room cleaning (download our free Airbnb cleaning checklist), maintenance, and other daily operations which are key in the practical aspects of how to start a Bed and Breakfast.
  
• Suppliers and Partners: Identify key suppliers and partners that will support your Bed and Breakfast. This can include food and beverage suppliers, cleaning companies, marketing agencies, online booking platforms, and others. Describe how each supplier or partner will contribute to your Bed and Breakfast and what the terms of agreement with them are, as this is a vital part of starting a Bed and Breakfast successfully.

4. Services and Amenities

The selection of services and amenities you will offer in your Bed and Breakfast can make a big difference in guest satisfaction and your competitiveness in the market. It’s crucial to provide precise details such as:

• Description of services and amenities offered: Describe the services and amenities you plan to offer. This can include comfortable rooms, free WiFi, included breakfast, laundry services, Airbnb welcome basket, organized excursions, and so on. Offering a range of amenities is a part of understanding how to open a Bed and Breakfast that appeals to a wide range of potential guests.
  
• Differentiation from the competition: Highlight how your services and amenities stand out from local competition. Perhaps you offer a unique experience or exceptional amenities that other Bed and Breakfasts in your area do not offer. This differentiation is crucial in the rental property business plan as it showcases the unique selling propositions of your Bed and Breakfast.

5. Marketing and Sales Strategy

An effective Bed and Breakfast business plan must include a well-thought-out marketing and sales strategy to attract and retain customers. This section should include:

• Promotion and Advertising Strategies: Describe your promotion and advertising strategies. This could include the use of social media, email marketing, SEO, collaborations with local travel agencies, and other promotional strategies. Also define how you will measure the effectiveness of your marketing strategies, which is essential in knowing how to run a Bed and Breakfast successfully.
  
• Distribution Channels (OTA): Distribution channels are crucial for reaching your target audience. Describe how you will use online booking sites, your website, and other channels to promote room availability and facilitate bookings. It’s important to understand the Booking.com fees and Airbnb service fee when choosing which platform to use for online reservations, especially when aiming at starting a rental business in the hospitality sector.
  
• Review Management and Customer Relations: Positive reviews can significantly boost the visibility and appeal of your Bed and Breakfast (discover how to improve your ranking through Airbnb reviews). Explain how you will manage online reviews, how you will respond to negative reviews, and how you will use customer feedback to improve your Bed and Breakfast, which is vital in owning a Bed and Breakfast that resonates well with guests.

6. Financial Planning

Financial planning is a crucial part of your Bed and Breakfast business plan. This section will help you understand the financial sustainability of your Bed and Breakfast, identify break-even points, and plan for the future, providing a roadmap on how to open a Bed and Breakfast with a solid financial foundation.

• Revenue and Expense Forecasts: You should outline your financial expectations. Include an estimate of the revenue you anticipate generating, along with all expected expenses, such as food, maintenance, advertising, salaries, and more. A detailed budget will help you understand how much money you will need to start and keep your Bed and Breakfast running, aligning with the vision of starting a Bed and Breakfast with a clear financial plan.
  
• Break-even Analysis: The break-even analysis will allow you to determine the point at which the revenue from your Bed and Breakfast will cover all operating expenses, indicating the level of occupancy needed to reach this point, which is pivotal in running a Bed and Breakfast efficiently.
  
• Cash Flow Forecasts: Cash flow forecasts will help you manage the liquidity of your Bed and Breakfast, ensuring you will have enough money on hand to cover current expenses. This section should include monthly forecasts for at least the first year, aiding in the financial management aspect of how to run a Bed and Breakfast.
  
• Budget and Long-term Financial Projections: Establish an operating budget and create long-term financial projections. These projections should extend for at least three to five years and provide a clear vision of the expected growth and financial sustainability of your Bed and Breakfast, essential in the long-term planning of owning a Bed and Breakfast.

7. Appendices and Attachments

This section serves as a repository for any other relevant information that does not fit in the previous sections of your Bed and Breakfast business plan.

You should include documents like house blueprints, service contracts, agreements with suppliers, permits and licenses, or any other documentation that supports your Bed and Breakfast business plan. These attachments will provide additional details and context to the readers of your plan, making it a comprehensive and informative document. This section is a crucial part of how to start a Bed and Breakfast by having all necessary documentation in place.

Bed and Breakfast business plan PDF free guide

📥 Download for Free

Optimize the management of your properties with Octorate

While the importance of a well-structured Bed and Breakfast business plan cannot be underestimated, effective management of bookings and all your daily operations is equally crucial for the success of your business. This is an integral part of running a Bed and Breakfast smoothly.

Octorate offers cutting-edge solutions to help you navigate the complex world of hospitality. From the Channel Manager, Booking Engine, PMS, and Self check-in, Octorate can transform the way you manage your establishment, freeing up more time for you and improving the experience of your guests. This plays a significant role when looking into how to run a Bed and Breakfast efficiently and delivering a memorable guest experience.

Book a free demo now and discover how Octorate can improve the performance of your properties!

Difference between tourist and traveller

Before analysing the various types of tourism, let us see the difference between tourist and traveller: a helpful distinction that will help us better understand the latest forms of tourism.

The tourist follows an itinerary organised by others or found on the Internet, where there is no room for schedule changes. He experiences the unexpected as a problem to be solved. He travels in groups or participates in guided tours. He stays in hotels and goes around with his camera around his neck. He eats food he knows and does not go out of his comfort zone.

On the other hand, the traveller goes to discover a place to lose himself in it and to experience it. He studies his destination and organises a travel itinerary based on his interests. Unlike the tourist, the traveller follows his instincts, welcomes the unexpected and turns it into a moment of personal growth. He talks to locals, eats local cuisine and prefers the kind of travel and accommodation that allows him to get to know his destination, such as guest houses.

As we have seen, the difference between tourists and travellers is stark, but only if one uses a highly characterised idea of the two figures. In reality, the difference is much more nuanced, and tourists and travellers may be more similar than one imagines.

Types of tourism

According to post-covid tourism trends, the travel industry has seen steady growth and expansion in the last few years. Travelling has become easier and more accessible, and more and more people are setting off to discover exotic places or to experience new emotions.

This has developed different types of tourism, such as:

• Rural tourism – refers to all those trips that take place in rural or natural locations.
• Cultural tourism – is aimed at discovering art cities.
• Beach tourism – towards seaside and seaside resorts.
• Religious tourism – towards places of worship.

Like all industries, the travel industry is influenced by fads and trends that come along and change the way we think and act.

Let us, therefore, see what the latest 2022 trends in tourism are.

Domestic tourism

Domestic tourism describes the movement of a country's residents within its borders. As a result of the pandemic, this type of tourism has seen its numbers increase exponentially in all countries. The desire to travel despite the uncertain situation has led to a preference for destinations that are easily accessible and seen as safer.

Thus we realised that taking a 12-hour flight to a south-east Asian country is unnecessary to marvel at the world's wonders.
Domestic tourism will continue to be very strong in the years to come because it allows people to discover their country from the point of view of culture, landscape and much more.

Wellness tourism

Considered an elite sector until recently, wellness tourism has become an increasingly popular way of travelling. This type of tourism takes advantage of the benefits of mud, steam and natural thermal springs to offer treatments to improve physical and mental health.

Spending a few days relaxing at a spa is the best choice for those seeking a wellness holiday. The benefits and curative functions of thermal springs have been known since Roman times, so much so that we still use the word spa, which derives from the Latin“salus per aquam”.

If you do not want to abandon the discovery of places full of history during your holiday, choosing a European country as a destination is an excellent choice given the presence of several springs, some already in use in Roman times.
Some less popular places to consider for this trip, but already in vogue centuries ago, are Bath, Budapest, Bucharest and Aachen.

Culinary tourism

Culinary tourism, also known as food tourism, is a type of tourism that uses food and wine to discover a place’s culture and history. Food and wine tourism is an all-around experience that relies mainly on the senses of taste and smell.
Eating local dishes, sampling typical products at farms and participating in cooking classes are increasingly sought-after experiences for travellers.

If you own an accommodation, consider offering a similar experience to make your property stand out from the competition. In particular, countries with a great culinary tradition, such as France and Italy, are these travellers’ favourite destinations.

If you’re inspired to provide a unique culinary experience at your own establishment, creating a comprehensive Bed and Breakfast business plan is the first step towards turning this idea into a reality.

Experiential tourism

Travel has become a leading tourism trend in recent years, not only as a way to experience new places but also as a way to get to know oneself better and get in touch with nature and the surrounding places. Experiences challenge one's limits, create memories and prove yourself.

For this reason, more and more people are embarking on this journey, even solo, young and old. The most important thing is to travel and experience that sense of freedom only travelling can give, no matter with whom or where.
Feeding elephants in Thailand, taking a hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia or waking up in a tent in the middle of the desert are just a few examples of the most popular experiences searched for and posted on social media.

Sustainable tourism

As opposed to mass tourism that sees places like Rome, Paris and Venice invaded by tourists every year, sustainable and slow tourism has developed to counteract climate change and is the primary trend of the last decade.
Sustainable tourism aims to get in touch with a place while fully respecting the community and local culture. Therefore, minimising one’s environmental impact and preserving the authenticity of a destination and its natural resources is crucial for those who choose to travel sustainably.

Frequently asked questions

Rooming list: meaning

What it is

In the hotel industry, the rooming list is the roster of the components of a group reservation.

A good practice, followed by many hoteliers, is that the rooming list should be filled in before the guest arrives at the hotel, for example, by the tour organiser or by the travel agency if it is a guided tour.
Asking guests to fill out the rooming list in advance lets the hotel managers get a complete picture of the stay.

Rooming list data

The rooming list contains not only the names of the guests but also other valuable information, such as the assignment of rooms or the reporting of special needs. 

An ideal rooming list example includes the following details:

• Name and surname of the guests, with a particular field to indicate who is the tour guide
• The email of the guests
• The type of room, for example, whether it is a single, a twin, a double and so on.
• The room number
• Check-in and check-out dates

What is it for

A rooming list completed in advance will enable hoteliers to effectively plan the assignment of rooms, a significant detail for large groups, to avoid the risk of separating families or groups of friends.

Managing the rooming list at check-in

The rooming list is thus a valuable planning tool, which, if filled in before arriving at the hotel, allows both hoteliers and guests to save time at check-in (on this subject, read our article on the advantages of automatic and self check-in). At this stage, the fulfilment of online bureaucracy is time-consuming, in addition to the registration of the names. It can be stressful for newly-arrived guests, also negatively affecting the outcome of up-sell e cross-sell activities.

It is possible to download many templates designed to complete rooming lists, and many hotels use Excel rooming list templates so that travel organisers can fill them in and send the file to the reception staff.
However, sharing these files may lead to errors when filling in data, with the risk of confusing an already complicated process such as check-in registration.
 

Managing rooming list registration with Octorate

One way to avoid the disadvantages of using a shared template with guests is to entrust the management processes of your accommodation to the Octorate PMS. Our management software, designed to optimise your accommodation processes, among its features, also allows the management of rooming lists and group reservations.

After receiving the rooming list from the travel agency or tour operator, the staff can enter the names, rooms and other details into the software before the guests arrive.

A rooming list is a unique tool for hoteliers. Filling it out in advance in your PMS and managing it in a single interface can make check-in simpler and faster and exponentially improve your guests’ stay experience.

Choosing our PMS will simplify your group registration procedures, giving you a single-panel view of the guests and their allocation, increasing your hotel’s management efficiency.

Photo credit: https://hotelsfor18yearolds.com/

Frequently asked questions

Cleaning products for hotel rooms

Before seeing together the list of things to be cleaned in the different areas of a hotel room or a Boutique Hotel, we would like to show you which cleaning products the hotel houskeeper must keep in the accommodation.
To avoid wasting time, you must have all the necessary products and equipment in the housekeeping trolley whenever you move between floors.

These products include detergents and various cleaning tools, clean towels, sheets and pillow covers, a welcome kit, and the essentials to stock the mini-bar.

Use alcohol-based products to sanitise rooms and eliminate germs and bacteria from all surfaces. Buy neutral detergents to clean glass, floors and various surfaces. Here is a list of products and equipment needed for hotel room cleaning:

• 1. Vacuum cleaner
  2. Mop
  3. Bucket
  4. Cleaning cloths
  5. Antibacterial products
  6. Microfibre cloths
  7. Cleaning products
  8. Laundry detergent

Organising hotel housekeeping

Before starting the actual cleaning, organise yourself to complete the various rooms as quickly as possible.
Not all rooms in your accommodation are the same, and some will require a higher degree of cleaning and sanitisation. The type of cleaning that is carried out varies according to the type of room:

• “ checkout ”, that is, those where the guest has checked out and must be prepared for subsequent guests
• “ Stayover ”, where guests continue their stay

In the first one, housekeeping requires more time, attention, and deep sanitisation, replacing sheets, towels, bathrobes, and all courtesy kits.
In the second one, cleaning takes on average 40 per cent less time, as it is not necessary to sanitise every corner of the room.

Organising the cleaning of the various types of rooms is essential and will allow you to complete all tasks in the shortest possible time and meet any requests from your customers, such as early check-in.
For this reason, the reception must provide the housekeeping staff with a list indicating each room’s order and urgency; in this regard our hotel housekeeping tips will be helpful.

How to clean a hotel room

Cleaning a hotel room without wasting time and taking care of every detail is vital.
But how to clean a hotel room? What are the first activities to carry out? Let's look at it together!

While housekeeping in a hotel, the first thing to check is whether the guest has left his or her hotel room, knocking before entering and announcing your entry when opening the room door.
Once in the rooms, the floor maids must open the windows to allow fresh air in.

Bathroom

Once these preliminary steps have been taken, cleaning should begin in the bathroom, the most time-consuming area during housekeeping.
The first task is to remove the laundry and empty the trash bin.
After that, the housekeeping staff can focus on sanitising all bathroom fixtures and surfaces and only afterwards clean the walls and floors.
When the cleaning is complete, restock the toilet paper and the welcome kit and leave the towels clean.

Here is the list of priorities:

1. Empty the Trash bin
2. Cleaning the sink and faucets
3. Cleaning the shower/bathtub
4. Clean the mirror
5. Sweep the floor
6. Mop the floor
7. Restock bathroom kits and toilet paper rolls
8. Change towels

Bedroom

Once the room’s bathroom has been thoroughly cleaned, the housekeeping staff must pay special attention to preparing the bedroom.
In the case of a Stayover room, it will be necessary to make the bed and clean the furniture and the floor. In the case of a Checkout room, the sheets and bedspread must be removed and the room cleaned.
Once the room is clean, the bed can be made using clean, well-ironed sheets.
In addition, the housekeeping staff’s task is to check the sheets for stains or cuts.

To clean a hotel bedroom, the following steps must be carried out:

1. Change the sheets and check for tears or stains
2. Make the bed
3. Check that there are no objects under the bed
4. Dust off furniture and shelves
5. Clean inside the wardrobe (in case of a checkout room)
6. Vacuum the floor
7. Mop in the absence of carpet
8. Clean any carpets
9. Check that the drawers are empty (in case of a checkout room)
10. Sanitise remote control, handles and telephone

To sum up

Making hotel housekeeping a top priority will enable you to ensure the best experience for your guests.
Keep in mind that due to the pandemic, people's standards of cleanliness have increased. It is, therefore, your duty to ensure that your property is sanitised, clean and nicely scented.

You’ve made it to the end! Download our free pdf housekeeping checklist so you will never forget anything when cleaning your hotel rooms.

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Frequently asked questions