Day-one checklist

Print this page or keep it open in a tab. Tick each line as you go; every line links to the chapter that shows how.

Before you sell

1. ☐ Create your account and pick your UI language.
2. ☐ Hotel profile and photos: address, description, photos, check-in and check-out times.
3. ☐ Room types and room numbers: every type, its capacity, beds and photos.
4. ☐ Meal plans: only the ones you really sell.
5. ☐ Seasons: at least the next twelve months.
6. ☐ Rate plans: prices, cancellation policy and payment terms.
7. ☐ Pricing and restrictions: weekends, events, minimum stays.
8. ☐ Taxes: your VAT rates and the city tax.
9. ☐ Invoicing details: company, VAT number, IBAN, invoice series.
10. ☐ Staff and roles: one login per person.

Before your first guest

11. ☐ Your booking website: check it on a computer and a phone.
12. ☐ Bank transfer payments: instructions and deadline.
13. ☐ Make a test booking yourself, as in A guest books online, then cancel it.
14. ☐ Confirming the bank payment: practise once.
15. ☐ Self check-in email: codes and Wi-Fi.
16. ☐ Products: minibar, transfers, tickets.

Everyday work

17. ☐ A day at the front desk: walk-ins, room moves, check-in and check-out.
18. ☐ Housekeeping: the board on the housekeeper’s phone.
19. ☐ Guest registration: forms for every guest.
20. ☐ Group bookings, cancellations and no-shows, closing a room.
21. ☐ Invoices from start to finish and promo codes.
22. ☐ Guest messaging and reports, also on your phone.
23. ☐ When you’re ready: connect Booking.com and Airbnb.