This article explains how to configure Rate Tables in RMS, including selecting Rate Structures, Formats, and calculation options that determine how rates are priced.

Overview

A Rate Table defines the fee structure for a rate in RMS. It is one of the core components in the RMS rate configuration, working together with Rate Types and Rate Periods to make a rate bookable.

A Rate Table determines how rates are calculated based on:

• The selected Rate Structure (OTA or Direct)
• The selected Format (for example, Nightly, Daily, Extended Stay, Hourly, Per Person)
• The selected Based On option (for example, Night of Week, Per Night, No of Nights)
• The rate values entered on the Rate Table

The three core components of RMS rate configuration work together as follows:

• Rate Table: Defines the pricing structure and values (how much to charge and how to calculate it).
• Rate Type: Defines the rate's business rules, restrictions, packages, and channel mappings (what the rate includes and where it can be sold).

• Rate Lookup: Links a Rate Type, Rate Table, and Rate Period to a specific Property/Category/Area combination. This is what makes a rate bookable.

   

Standalone Rates vs Derived Rates

Related Rate Components

Length of Stay Restrictions, additional guest fees, Dynamic Pricing rules, and Package components can all be used together with a Rate Table when calculating the rate. These elements are configured in different locations within RMS:

• Length of Stay Restrictions: Configured using the Length of Stay Restrictions feature. Applied via Rate Types/Rate Lookups, then evaluated together with the Rate Table.
• Additional guest fees: Configured on the Rate Table (for per-person or extra-person formats). May also be influenced by settings on the Rate Type.
• Dynamic Pricing: Configured on the Rate Table. Adjusts the base Rate Table values based on rules you set (for example, occupancy or lead time).
• Packages/inclusions: Configured on the Rate Type (via Rate Packages/Property Rules). Applied in addition to the Rate Table values.

Many of these elements can be configured across multiple layers (Rate Type, Rate Table, Property Rules, Derived Rates). The Rate Hierarchy determines which validation criteria and rate rules apply to a reservation when multiple layers are involved.

Rate Structures

The Rate Structure controls which fee calculation options (Formats and Based On options) are available on the Rate Table, and which distribution channels and tools the Rate Table can be used with. RMS supports two Rate Structures: OTA and Direct.

OTA Rate Structure

The OTA Rate Structure offers streamlined fee calculation options designed for maximum compatibility with OTA (Online Travel Agent) channel connections via the RMS Channel Manager. OTAs typically accept per-period rates based on a defined value (price per date).

Available Rate Formats (OTA):

• Nightly Pricing: Night of the Week
• Extended Stay (where supported by the channel)

When to use OTA: Use the OTA Rate Structure for rates intended for Online Travel Agents via the RMS Channel Manager, or for any internal rate where simple nightly or extended stay pricing is appropriate. OTA Rate Tables can also be used internally in RMS.

Direct Rate Structure

The Direct Rate Structure provides a wider range of fee structures on the Rate Table and can be used internally within RMS (front-office, groups, corporate), on the Internet Booking Engine (IBE), and with selected channel connections that support more flexible formats.

Available Rate Formats (Direct):

• Nightly Pricing: Night of the Week, No of Nights, Per Night
• Daily Pricing: Day of the Week, No of Days, Per Day
• Extended Stay: Night of the Week, Per Night
• Hourly
• Per Adults/Children

When to use Direct: Use the Direct Rate Structure for internal rates (rack, corporate, long-stay, packages), direct website/RMS Booking Engine rates.

Naming Conventions

All Rate Table names must be unique.

Implementing a consistent naming convention will keep rate components organised, simplify ongoing maintenance, and make it easier to identify which Rate Table is used by each Rate Type and Category.

Example naming conventions:

Configuration

Rate Table configuration varies based on the selected Rate Structure and Rate Format, which in turn determine the available Based On options.

In the side menu of RMS, go to Charts > Rate Manager.

1. Select Rates.
2. Choose Rate Tables.
   
    
3. Select Add.
   
    
4. Enter a unique Description (following your naming convention).
5. Select a Rate Structure (OTA or Direct).
6. Select a Format (the available formats depend on the Rate Structure selected).
7. Select a Based On option.
8. Enter the Person Base (the number of people included in the base price).
9. Enter the Rate Amount.
   Configure any additional Rate Features (such as extra person fees, dynamic pricing, or length of stay pricing).
10. Select Save/Exit.
    Navigate to the Additionals, Packages, Deposits or Housekeeping tabs to add any further required configuration.