Expedia Mapping – Simplifying the Process
Mapping between Mews Operations and Expedia can be confusing, especially when you first connect the Expedia direct integration. Many users struggle with this step, leading to frequent support requests. To help you navigate this critical part of the setup, here's a streamlined guide focused on channel manager mapping.
1. Why is Mapping Important? Mapping ensures that the room types and rate plans in Mews match those in Expedia. This alignment is crucial for the accurate distribution of rates, availability, and receiving reservations seamlessly.
2. Key Points for Successful Mapping:
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Active Rates Only: Make sure to map only those rates marked as “Active” in the CSV file from Expedia. This is essential for accurate pricing and availability updates.
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Rate Plan IDs and Suffix "A": Pay close attention to the Rate Plan IDs. Expedia uses specific codes for different booking models:
- Expedia Collect: Codes without a suffix.
- Hotel Collect: Codes with an "A" suffix (though the "A" is never explicitly shown in Mews). This invisible suffix is critical as it determines which collect type—Hotel Collect—will be chosen.
Important: you only need to type in the rate Plan ID without the suffix “A”.
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Derived Rates: If a rate is marked as "Derived" in the CSV, leave it unsynchronized in Mews to avoid issues.
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Single Space Category per Rate: The Expedia direct integration allows mapping of one space category to each rate, so ensure your setup reflects this.
3. Common Pitfalls:
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Unsynchronized Rates: Don't worry about mapping inactive rates linked to past reservations—they should remain unsynchronized. However, still map them if they might be relevant for future bookings.
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Routing Rules: Ensure routing rules are set up for Expedia Collect bookings so that charges are correctly applied to the travel agency's bill, not the guest’s bill. This prevents double charging and ensures smooth check-ins.
4. Troubleshooting Mapping Issues: If you encounter issues during mapping, reference the CSV file from Expedia for details. If problems persist, share this file with the Mews support team for further assistance.
5. Final Tip: Before enabling the integration, thoroughly test with a few reservations to ensure everything is mapped correctly. This can save you from potential headaches down the line.
By following these guidelines, you’ll minimize mapping errors and ensure your Expedia integration with Mews operates smoothly. Remember, proper mapping is the backbone of efficient reservation management, so take the time to get it right!
Here are some helpful articles on this topic:
- Receive reservations using the Expedia direct channel manager integration for Mews Operations
- Expedia direct integration FAQs