Overview of Overbooking Methods
There are three distinct ways to utilise the overbooking feature. Each method offers different levels of flexibility and control over room type allocations.
Method 1: House Overbooking Values Only
How it Works
When using this approach:
Set a House Overbooking value.
Leave all individual room type overbooking values at 0.
Any room type can be overbooked up to the house value limit.
Example Configuration
House Overbooking Value: 5.
All Room Types: 0.
Any room type can be overbooked up to the house value (5), even when individual room types show 0.
Total overbooking across all room types cannot exceed 5.
Best Western: This method is not available for Best Western enabled sites.
Method 2: Room Type Values Matching House Total
How it Works
When using this approach:
Set specific overbooking values for individual room types.
Ensure the sum of all room type values equals the house overbooking value.
Example Configuration
'House Overbooking' Value: 5.
'DBLE_EXEC' Overbooking Value: 2.
'DBLE_STND' Overbooking Value: 3.
Sum of room type values: 2 + 3 = 5. This matches house overbooking value.
Overbooking is only permitted against specified room types:
DBLE_EXEC: up to 2 additional bookings.
DBLE_STND: up to 3 additional bookings.
No overbooking available for other room types.
Best Western: House booking value updates automatically.
Method 3: Partial Room Type Allocation
How it Works
This method provides maximum flexibility:
Set a house overbooking value.
Allocate specific values to some room types, not all.
Leave the remaining room types blank.
Ensure the sum of allocated room type values is less than the house value.
Example Configuration
'House Overbooking' Value: 9.
'DBLE_EXEC' Overbooking Value: 2.
'DBLE_STND' Overbooking Value: 3.
Remaining house value: 9 - (2 + 3) = 4.
This configuration allows:
DBLE_EXEC: Overbook by exactly 2.
DBLE_STND: Overbook by exactly 3.
All other room types: Can utilise the remaining house overbooking value of 4, even when they show 0.
Planning Your Approach
When deciding which method to use, consider:
Property size and room type variety.
Historical overbooking patterns.
Revenue management strategy.
Operational complexity preferences.
⚠️ Important Notes:
Total overbooking across all room types cannot exceed the house overbooking value.
Individual room type limits, if set, are always respected.
Zero values for room types mean no dedicated overbooking allocation for that type, unless house value remainder is available in Methods 1 and 3.
You can learn more about specific overbooking actions using our guides: