Convenient Booking Notifications via WhatsApp with Hotel Link

To provide a more stable and cost-effective communication solution for accommodation providers, Hotel Link is preparing to launch a new feature: WhatsApp Booking Notifications on the Extranet system in early July. This update will replace the traditional SMS notification method, which often faces barriers of high costs and regulatory restrictions in many countries, helping hotel managers and owners track room availability changes more conveniently.

Why Hotels Should Transition From SMS To WhatsApp

For years, SMS messages have been a familiar notification channel for hotel owners whenever a new booking occurs. However, this format is showing certain operational limitations: high maintenance costs, the risk of congested or delayed messages during network overloads, and increasingly strict legal regulations in many regions.

Switching to the WhatsApp platform brings specific improvements for hotels:

• Higher reliability: Notifications are sent to the hotel's registered WhatsApp account almost instantly via an internet connection, reducing the risk of signal loss or delays from telecommunication providers.
• Cost savings: Eliminating international SMS fee structures helps hotels reduce a portion of their fixed monthly operational expenses.
• Centralized management: All booking information is synchronized to a familiar messaging app that management teams and staff already use daily.

What Makes This Feature Stand Out?

Hotel Link's Extranet management system will be upgraded with an intuitive setup interface, allowing hotels to easily familiarize themselves with and operate this feature in just a few simple steps:

1. Dedicated Notification Tab

Under the Booking Engine / Setup section, a new specialized tab will appear. This is where you can register the hotel's WhatsApp phone number, manage recipient numbers, and flexibly toggle notification settings based on the practical needs of each department.

2. Three Essential Notification Types

Hotel Link's automated system will send notifications directly to your WhatsApp for three core room status changes:

• New bookings: Notifies when there is a new booking, helping the hotel proactively prepare to welcome guests.
• Cancelled bookings: Notifies when a guest cancels a booking, allowing the system to instantly free up inventory for resale.
• Modified bookings: Notifies when there is a change in booking information (applicable only to OTA bookings modified on the OTA side).

3. Phone Verification & Quick Testing

The setup process is secure and straightforward. Hoteliers simply enter the phone number in international format (E.164), scan the QR code displayed on the screen for the initial setup, and the system will allow sending a test message to ensure everything works properly before going live.

4. Transparent Notification Log

You will not have to worry about missing information thanks to the smart message history storage feature. This log allows you to search and filter data precisely by:

• Date range
• Message status (Successful/Failed)
• Booking ID or recipient number
• View details: Simply click on each notification line to review the full details of when and what content was sent.

See detailed instructions on how to set up and use the WhatsApp Booking Notifications feature here.

Upcoming Launch

The introduction of the WhatsApp Booking Notification feature reflects Hotel Link's ongoing efforts to enhance products based on the operational needs of our accommodation partners. By transitioning to WhatsApp, we aim to provide you with a more modern, faster, and more economical communication technology.

This feature is scheduled to launch in early July on your Extranet system. Hotels can prepare their WhatsApp accounts to complete the setup as soon as the feature is activated. The Hotel Link support team is always ready to guide you through the configuration process upon request.

If you are not yet a partner of Hotel Link and wish to equip your property with a comprehensive, automated hotel management ecosystem, contact Hotel Link today for detailed consultation.