This article describes the Expedia channel connection in RMS, including the data exchanged between Expedia and RMS.

Overview

Expedia is an online booking channel that can be connected to RMS via the Channel Manager. Once connected, Expedia and RMS exchange availability, rate, restriction, and reservation data automatically.

This article outlines which data is sent and received between Expedia and RMS, and provides a reference for the supported and unsupported functions of the integration.

Connecting Expedia to RMS

To connect Expedia as a channel in RMS, follow the general Channel Connection process. This involves activating the channel in the RMS Channel Manager, mapping your properties, categories, and rate types, and then enabling the connection.

Availability, Rate & Reservation Data Exchange

The following tables show which availability, rate, restriction, guest, and reservation data is sent and received between Expedia and RMS.

Additional Features

The Expedia Connection can be setup with a Pricing Model of Occupancy-Based Pricing, Per Day Pricing, or Full Pattern Length of Stay.

The following additional features are available with the connection to Expedia.

Auto Replenishment

• Auto Replenishment is a feature managed by Expedia and can not be deactivated by RMS.
• Using Auto Replenishment enables Expedia to automatically increase the Property's inventory for a Category once a Cancellation has been processed by Expedia.
• Expedia will calculate available inventory for the Property in this scenario outside the inventory updates provided by RMS and make the adjustment.

Oversell Allotments

• Properties using Oversell Allotments in RMS may encounter the following scenarios in conjunction with Expedia's Auto Replenish feature.
  • Properties using Oversell Allotments may find that once overbookings have been accepted from Expedia, and a cancellation occurs for the same date and Category.
  • Expedia's auto-replenishment of inventory will open up inventory that no longer exists in RMS, even if the original Oversell Allotment has been removed.

Mapping Multiple Accounts

When setting up a connection to Expedia, users can configure multiple Expedia accounts while mapping by Property (Category level).

This is done in the Channel Management – Channel Mapping screen in RMS:

1. In RMS, go to Setup > Online Bookings > Channel Management.

2. Change Channel Connection Status from Connected to All.

3. Double‑click 'Expedia' to open the channel setup screen.

4. In the Channel Mapping screen, complete the Connection Information section:

   • Ref No = Expedia Hotel Code

5. When multi‑account is supported and configured:

   • You can set up Connection Information for multiple Expedia accounts while mapping by Property (Category).

   • Use the Account Label field (mandatory) to give each account a unique, descriptive name (e.g. Account 1, Account 2, Motel, Resort).

   • The Account Label is not communicated to Expedia; it is used only in RMS so staff can easily identify and switch between accounts in the Channel Mapping screen.
     

Reservation Category Changes

• Expedia does not receive updates of Category changes on a reservation in its system.
• If a Property changes the Category of an Expedia reservation in RMS and this reservation is later cancelled, the auto replenish feature will add inventory in Expedia for the originally booked Category.
• Properties should contact their Expedia market manager for any enquiries related to Auto Replenishment.

Credit Card CVV Information

• CVV information is not provided to RMS with Expedia Collect reservations, and will not have CVV information in RMS Vault for these reservations. To obtain this information, the property should refer to the Expedia Confirmation Email.

Hotel Collect, Expedia Collect & Package

• Hotel Collect Rate Plans setup in Expedia are rate plans that can be managed by RMS on the property's behalf.

• Expedia Collect & Package Rate Plans setup in Expedia will require mapping selections in Channel Management setup for reservation delivery purposes, and should have 'No Update' selected as pricing and availability of these is derived within the Expedia extranet from the Hotel Collect Rate Plan.

  ✎ Please Note: Ensure that ALL mapping is completed with No Update selected where applicable.  This is crucial for successful reservation delivery.
• If the property is operating with a combination of Hotel Collect & Expedia Collect, the Rate Amount included on the reservation will vary based on this.
  • Hotel Collect reservations will arrive in RMS with the Gross Rate amount on the reservation. Full payment will be taken at the property, and any commissions payable to Expedia will be invoiced.
  • Expedia Collect reservations will arrive in RMS with the Net Rate and will have the Total Rate amount overridden to reflect the amount Expedia will pay to the property, less their commission taken.

Minimum Length of Stays

• Expedia supports Minimum Nights on Arrival and Minimum Nights Through Stay restrictions for managing the required length of stay of guests at the property. For Minimum Nights Through Stay, Expedia will apply the most restrictive value to the stay by checking the value set against each reservation date. This property level setting can be managed in the Expedia extranet and updated by RMS.
• To verify which length of stay method the property is set up for in Expedia, contact Expedia via the email addresses below:

• New Connections:eqcss@expedia.com
• Existing Connections:hothelp@expedia.com

Related Articles

• Channel Agent Commission Setup on a Channel Management Connection
• Channel Connection
• OTA Commission with a NET Multiplier