Get started with Channels Plus
Channels Plus is one connection that allows you to easily set up, manage and connect to multiple high-value channels. Save time by managing all your inventory and content from one place in your SiteMinder platform, with no lock-in contracts. You only pay commission for completed stays, with one monthly bill.
To activate Channels Plus:
Go to Distribution > Channels Plus.
Click Get started.
Review your property details and settings.
Complete the activation process.
Platform settings that sync to Channels Plus
Most of the configuration for Channels Plus will come from the details you have already set up in your SiteMinder platform.
These SiteMinder platform settings and content automatically sync to Channels Plus, saving you from updating multiple channels separately:
Property settings (click on your property name > Property settings)
Property details — including property address and contact information.
General information — including base currency and language.
Services — property description, facilities, and features.
Check-in and check-out times.
Media library — property and room images. Assign images to each room type to highlight the room's unique features and show guests what they can expect.
Accepted payment methods. Note: payment surcharges are not supported by Channels Plus (Payments > Accepted payments).
Rooms and rates will be synced (when rates are activated):
Room type content — room type details including name, description, features, and amenities. (Rooms and rates > Room types).
Rate plan and room rate configuration -— including occupancy, rates, availability, and restrictions. (Rooms and rates > Rate plans).
Configure Channels Plus settings
There are a few extra settings that are specific for Channels Plus. To set these up, go to Distribution > Channels Plus > Setup tab.
Property settings
Select your Property type. This will categorise your property on the channels you connect to.
Add an e-mail address in the Reservation e-mail address field to receive reservation confirmations and payment details.
Cancellation policy
Set a cancellation policy (rate plan cancellation periods) for each rate plan (1-14 days or non-refundable).
If guests cancel within the period, a cancellation penalty of the full reservation amount will apply.
Taxes and fees
Taxes — add any taxes that apply to your property, as required by local tax regulations.
Fees — add fees to ensure your guests are aware of any additional fees that they may be applicable to their booking. For example, a housekeeping fee.
Select if rates are inclusive or exclusive of taxes.
Licences
Add the details of any licences required to operate your property.
Activate room rates
Make your rates available across all channels with a few clicks by toggling them on:
Go to Distribution > Channels Plus > Room rates tab.
Select the rate plans and room rates you want to activate.
Click Activate rates.
You have full control to activate or deactivate rates at any time. Active rates will be sent to all the channels you are connected to with Channels Plus.
Connect to channels
Easily connect to channels on Channels Plus:
Go to Distribution > Channels Plus > Channels tab.
Click the toggle button next to each channel you want to connect to.
Your property listing will be automatically created on each activated channel using the details and configuration in your SiteMinder platform.
When you activate Channels Plus, you will be automatically connected to all channels, and as new channels become available, you'll be automatically connected. You have the control to enable or disable a channel at any time with a single click.
After connecting channels, it may take 24 hours to 30 days for your listing to go live, depending on the channel.
Manage special offers
Offer competitive rates to your guests by accepting deals and campaigns sent from channels you are connected to on Channels Plus.
Special offers give guests certain discounts for specific booking dates and stay dates, while giving you a reduced commission rate.
Go to Distribution > Channels Plus > Special offers tab to view available offers.
Filter deals by status: All, New, Active, or Inactive.
Click on a deal name to review the details.
Click Accept to activate an offer.
Review and reconcile bookings
Keep track of all your Channels Plus reservations in one place (Distribution > Channels Plus > Reconciliation):
Review all Channels Plus bookings from your Reconciliation dashboard
View the invoicing method (net or gross invoiced)
See commission amount for completed stays only
Reconcile bookings for cancellations and no-shows before the 7th of each month
Monitor performance
Track your performance on Channels Plus in Distribution > Channels Plus > Performance:
Total and net booking amounts
Number of completed reservations
Active channels count
Active room rates count
Commission rate
Optimise your Channels Plus performance: See this guide for top tips to help drive more bookings through Channels Plus.