Product Overview of HRS (Hotel Reservation Service)
Introduction
HRS (Hotel Reservation Service) is a specialized hotel booking platform that focuses predominantly on the corporate travel sector. Founded in Germany in 1972, HRS has evolved into a global hotel reservation system, catering to both business and private users. The platform connects hotels with over 40,000 businesses and offers access to more than 3000 corporate travel programs, making it a valuable tool for hotels aiming to tap into the lucrative corporate travel market.
Key Features and Functionality
Corporate Travel Access
HRS grants hotels access to a vast network of corporate travel programs, allowing them to reach a significant number of business travelers. This is particularly beneficial as corporate travel is growing at a rate of 8-12% annually, and these travelers often book during weekdays and low seasons, helping hotels maximize occupancy.
HRS Extranet
The HRS extranet, also known as the HRS HotelPortal or Hotel Service Portal, is a central platform where hotels can manage bookings, rates, and availability. This extranet can be integrated into a hotel’s Property Management System (PMS) or channel manager, enabling seamless control over multiple properties from a single interface. Key functions include:
- Centralised Multi-Property Management: Manage multiple hotel properties from one place, ensuring uniformity and consistent control over room rates, availability, and booking policies.
- Mobile Check-in and Check-out: Facilitate mobile check-in and check-out, enhancing the guest experience and reducing front desk workload.
- Two-way Data Synchronisation: Ensure real-time updates of room rates, availability, and bookings across all connected systems.
Booking and Reservation Management
HRS allows for direct bookings at current prices, with features such as:
- Real-time Availability: The system validates room availability and displays current rates, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for travelers.
- Multi-Language Support: Bookings can be made through the website, available in over 32 languages, as well as through telephone reservations and a mobile app.
Price Assurance and Additional Services
HRS offers a price assurance guarantee with a money-back guarantee, ensuring business travelers get the best available rates. Additionally, HRS negotiates free additional services such as WiFi and parking for its guests. Standard bookings can often be cancelled free of charge up until 6 pm on the day of arrival.
Contractual Rates and Distribution
HRS facilitates corporate negotiated rates, which are non-commissionable and agreed upon between the business and the hotel. This approach helps hotels save on distribution costs, typically around 30% per booking, by avoiding traditional Global Distribution System (GDS) fees.
Marketing and Payment Processing
HRS provides hotel partners with tools for marketing and payment processing, further enhancing their ability to attract and manage corporate bookings. In return, HRS charges a commission on every corporate booking it facilitates.
Benefits for Hotels
- Increased Occupancy: By targeting corporate travelers, hotels can fill gaps in occupancy, especially during weekdays and low seasons.
- Long-term Relationships: The contractual nature of travel program partnerships fosters long-term relationships, leading to more frequent bookings.
- Reduced Distribution Costs: Hotels save on distribution costs by using HRS instead of traditional GDS systems.
In summary, HRS is a powerful platform that helps hotels leverage the corporate travel market, offering a range of features and functionalities that streamline booking management, enhance guest experience, and reduce operational costs.