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New in IdoBooking: Flexible booking lead time rules and automatic availability blocks before and after each reservation
Managing accommodation availability has reached a new level in IdoBooking. You can now define different booking lead time rules for specific accommodations – instead of one shared setting for the entire property, as it used to be. What’s more, IdoBooking introduces an entirely new feature: automatic availability blocks before and after each reservation. This solution is perfect for properties that require time to prepare accommodations – for example, for cleaning, disinfection or turnover logistics – especially in the case of apartments and large properties with rotating staff.
You can find the new settings in the menu: Administration → Booking flow management (or the gear icon).
New settings layout – three intuitive tabs
To make configuration easier and more transparent, the settings under Administration > Booking flow management are now divided into three separate tabs:
- Booking lead time
- Payment deadline
- Automatic availability block
This way, you can reach the specific function even faster and adjust it to your property's needs.
Booking lead time – flexible rules for different accommodations
The new module allows you to create multiple lead time rules for the Booking Engine and Channel Manager, assigned to specific accommodations. You can define:
- how many days in advance a guest can book a stay in a given accommodation
- different rules for different types of units (e.g., cabins, apartments, rooms)
- separate settings for the Booking Engine and OTA channels (e.g., Booking.com, Airbnb)
When multiple rules are configured, new accommodations are assigned to the most restrictive rule (i.e., with the longest lead time), but you can easily change this manually. Additionally, with the option "Use same settings as Booking Engine" you can quickly copy the configuration to the Channel Manager.
Good to know: currently, lead time control works for Booking.com and Airbnb.
Payment deadline – new, simplified logic
We've introduced a more transparent system for managing the payment time limit. Instead of the previous condition "no later than X before check-in," a universal logic now applies:
If the time left until arrival is shorter than the configured payment deadline, the system grants:
- 15 minutes to start the payment
- 30 minutes to complete and confirm it
This solution applies both to online payments via the Booking Engine and reservations entered manually by staff. Depending on the case:
- reservations made through the Booking Engine with online payment will be automatically cancelled after the payment deadline
- reservations entered manually by staff will be automatically cancelled or set to "To clarify" status (depending on your configuration)
- reservations paid by bank transfer or created via Channel Manager will never be automatically cancelled
These improvements increase automation without losing control over the process.
Automatic availability block – time to prepare the accommodation
The new feature allows you to automatically block availability before and/or after each reservation. You can use it for example for cleaning, preparing the apartment, or disinfection.
Key capabilities:
- independently set the number of blocked days before and after the reservation
- choose whether the rule should apply to all or only selected accommodations
- clear view of blocked periods in the calendar
- ability to manually remove a block (it will not be restored)
- changes in rules do not affect already existing blocks
Important: the block is created at the moment the reservation is made – regardless of the source (OTA, Booking Engine, panel).
Example use case
Do you manage a property where you need a day to prepare an apartment after guests check out? With just one click, you can set availability blocks for 1 day after each reservation for selected units. Guests won’t be able to book during that time, and your team will gain breathing room for quality service.
New settings, more control
Thanks to these changes, you can adjust your availability and payment strategy to match the operational reality of your property. These new features are especially useful if you manage:
- a property with different types of accommodations
- a portfolio of properties with various types, standards, or locations
- apartments with rotating cleaning staff
- last-minute bookings and online payments
No more compromise rules for all units – you now have flexibility that truly works.
What’s next?
We encourage you to try the new features today! If you have any questions – as always, our IdoBooking support team is here to help. Contact us through the Support Center.
Want to see how it works in action?
If you’re not yet part of the IdoBooking Host community, be sure to test our services:
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