This article explains how to activate the Google Hotel Ads connection in RMS, configure options and Rate Types, and provides details on commission charges and monthly reconciliation.
Overview
Google Hotel Ads (also referred to as Google HPA in the RMS Channel Manager) is activated through the Channel Manager in RMS. Once connected, the property's availability and rates are sent to Google and displayed on Google Search and Google Maps alongside Online Travel Agent (OTA) listings, with a direct booking link to the property's RMS Booking Engine.
For an overview of what Google Hotel Ads is, how it appears to travellers, and its benefits, see Google Hotel Ads: Channel Information.
Please Note! RMS is highly configurable. Some Terminology, User Access & Permissions, Images, Labels, and Functions used in these articles may differ from your setup. CLICK HERE to find out more.
Prerequisites
Before activating the Google Hotel Ads connection, confirm that the following requirements are met:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| RMS Online module | An active RMS Online subscription is required to access the Channel Manager. |
| RMS Booking Engine | The RMS Booking Engine must be active as the property booking engine. |
| Google Business Profile | The property must have a Google Business Profile with the property name, address, and contact information matching what is configured in RMS. |
| Billing information | A valid Credit Card or Direct Debit billing method must be configured in RMS Billing Information. |
| Region | The property must be located in Australia or the USA. |
Important! The RMS Online module is required to use the Channel Manager, and the RMS Booking Engine is required as the property booking engine to use the connection to Google Hotel Ads with RMS. A valid Credit Card or Direct Debit billing method must be configured in RMS Billing Information to activate and use this connection.
Activating Google Hotel Ads
To activate the Google Hotel Ads (Google HPA) connection, follow the steps below. For general guidance on connecting channels, see the Channel Connection article.
Step 1: Connect Google HPA in Channel Manager
- Navigate to Setup > Online Bookings > Channel Management.
- Select the Property.
- Select the 'All' Channel Connection Status.
- Choose 'Google HPA'.
- Select the 'Connect' button.
Step 2: Configure Options
- Navigate to the 'Options' menu.
- Select an Availability option.
- Choose a Colour (Optional).
- Designate a Market Segment (Optional).
- Select a Booking Source (Optional).
Please Note! Selecting a Rate Type or Availability Option that is not available on the RMS Booking Engine will hinder reservation conversions through Google Hotel Ads. Ensure the selected options match what is configured on your RMS Booking Engine.
Step 3: Allocate Rate Types and Activate
- Navigate to the 'Available Rate Types' menu.
- Highlight a Rate Type and choose the 'Allocate' icon.
- Select the 'Save' button.
- Read the Terms & Conditions.
- Select the 'Activate Google HPA' button.
Tip! For general step-by-step instructions on connecting a channel, see the Channel Connection article. For information on configuring Rate Types, see the Rate Types article.
After Activation
Once the connection is activated in RMS, Google Hotel Ads can take four to six weeks to begin appearing on Google platforms. During this time, Google marketing specialists verify the connection and build the property's campaigns. RMS has no control over this timeframe.
To confirm the connection is active and working, see the "How to Verify Google Hotel Ads is Working" section in the Google Hotel Ads: Channel Information article.
Commission and Reconciliation
Google Hotel Ads reservation commissions are calculated at 15% of the Total Rate amount for each reservation created (converted) through Google Hotel Ads, based on the month in which the reservation is created.
Commission Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Commission rate | 15% of the Total Rate per reservation. |
| When commission applies | All reservations created through Google Hotel Ads, regardless of status (Cancelled, No Show, Unconfirmed, Confirmed, or Departed). |
| Estimated commission | Visible on the Google HPA Dashboard from the time the reservation is created. Adjusts if the Total Rate changes. |
| RMS subscription fees | None. Google Hotel Ads has no monthly fees and will not appear on the RMS Product Subscription invoice. |
| Google advertising costs | There is no cost to activate the specific channel in RM . The 15% commission is the only charge for bookings received through this connection. |
| Commission invoices | Sent separately from the RMS Product Subscription invoice. |
Modified and Cancelled Reservations
Commission is charged on all reservations created (converted) through Google Hotel Ads, regardless of the final reservation status, including Cancelled, No Show, Unconfirmed, Confirmed, and Departed.
RMS uses these reservations to calculate the property's Google commission for the previous month, as shown on the Google HPA Dashboard and the Reconciliation Report.
Changing the Total Rate on a reservation adjusts the estimated commission payable until reconciliation is completed.
Reconciliation
Google HPA reservations are automatically reconciled using the RMS Billing Information on the 14th of each month for conversions from the previous calendar month. The commission payable for each reservation is calculated at 15% of the Total Rate recorded in RMS for that reservation at the end of the relevant month.
Changes to the Total Rate after reservation creation will change the estimated commission payable on the Google HPA Dashboard until reconciliation is completed.
The Google HPA Dashboard is available under the 'Dashboard' menu accessible from the side menu or by selecting the 'Dashboard' icon in the Toolbar Menu. The Reconciliation Report included on the dashboard will display the commission amount due for Google HPA reservations from the previous calendar month.
On the 14th of each month, RMS will invoice or directly debit the property for any commissions owed to Google using the RMS Billing Information configured as Credit Card or Direct Debit.
For any queries on the displayed amount owing, contact RMS Accounts prior to the 7th of the month.
Deactivating the Connection
The Google Hotel Ads connection can be deactivated at any time.
Once deactivated, RMS stops sending bookable rates and availability to Google.
It can take Google four to six weeks to remove the property from Google Hotel Ads listings after the connection is disconnected in RMS.
Deactivating the connection does not cancel reservations already received. Existing bookings must still be honoured and managed in RMS under the property's normal booking conditions.
Commission remains payable on qualifying revenue from Google Hotel Ads reservations created before the connection was deactivated, and is reconciled on the next monthly cycle described above.
Identifying Google Hotel Ads Reservations
Reservations created through Google Hotel Ads display "Google HPA" as the Travel Agent in the reservation details and include the RMS Online Confirmation Number.
These reservations can also be viewed on the Google HPA Dashboard, where you can track overall reservation statistics and monitor the performance of the property's listing.
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