For your direct booking rates, let guests know if you require pre-payment details to secure the booking. Configure the settings for each direct booking rate (Direct Booking > create/edit Direct booking rate > Reservation policy settings).
Pre-payment details needed to secure booking — select this option if you require a reservation deposit at the time of booking. This secures the room even if the guest arrives after the check-in time.
Pre-payment not needed to secure booking — guests have the flexibility to book without entering their payment details. The reservation is guaranteed on the day of arrival.
Pre-payment needed if the guest intends to check in after a certain time — you will guarantee the booking until a certain time on the day of arrival (for example, 6 PM) without requesting pre-payment. If the guest fails to arrive by this time, you can release the room. If a guest wants to guarantee the reservation beyond the specified time, they can enter their credit card / pre-payment details.
Note that if you release the room, you will need to cancel the reservation and update inventory manually.
How to set the pre-payment policy (reservation policy setting) for a direct booking rate
To set the pre-payment policy (reservation policy settings) for a direct booking rate:
Go to Direct booking > Direct booking rates.
Click on the direct booking rate.
Scroll down to the Additional direct booking controls section > Reservation policy settings.
Select one of the following options: Pre-payment details needed to secure booking, Pre-payment not needed to secure booking, or Pre-payment needed if guest intends to check-in after a certain time.
Click Save.
Make sure to set up the payment methods your property accepts for direct bookings in Payments > Accepted payments. Accepted payments need to be configured to allow guests to book via your booking engine.