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Channel mapping: Frequently asked questions

Updated over 4 months ago

Why isn't a channel receiving inventory updates?

Check these common issues if your channel isn't receiving inventory updates:

  • The channel isn't properly connected: Enable the channel in its channel settings

  • Missing rate mappings: Ensure all your room rates are mapped to the channel

  • Disabled channel room rate: Navigate to Distribution > Channels > Edit room rates mapping > Configure on the disabled rate > fix configuration errors > set Start updating channel to Yes

  • Channel restrictions: Some channels block updates for derived or package rates - verify with your channel partner

  • Feature limitations: Certain channels don't support all update types - check if these must be managed in the channel's extranet

Why is my channel room rate disabled?

​​A disabled channel room rate indicates a settings conflict. You'll notice:

  • Greyed-out rate in Rooms Rates Mapping

  • An error message explaining the conflict in the rate configuration

  • Email notification (if you've enabled notifications)

To resolve this:

  1. Navigate to Distribution > Channels

  2. Select Edit room rates mapping

  3. Click Configure on the disabled rate

  4. Fix the configuration error

  5. Set Start updating channel to Yes

Enable email notifications about disabled rates through your Property name > My account.

Why does a room rate exist on the channel but doesn’t appear in my mapping options?

A rate might be missing from your mapping options because:

  • It's newly created: New rates take up to 60 minutes to appear

  • Your rate list needs refreshing: Click Refresh next to Rates mapped

  • The rate is inactive: Check if the rate is active in your channel's extranet

Get the most current list of mappable channel room rates:

  1. Navigate to Distribution > Channels

  2. Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to the channel

  3. Choose Edit room rates mapping

  4. Click Refresh next to Rates mapped

  5. Allow a few minutes for the update to complete

How do I update or refresh my mapping to fix syncing issues?

To trigger a refresh and help push inventory to the channel:

  1. Navigate to Distribution > Channels

  2. Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to the channel

  3. Choose Edit room rates mapping

  4. Click Configure on the relevant channel room rate

  5. Click Save (even without making any changes)

This action often resolves syncing issues by re-establishing the connection.

Will disabling a channel room rate stop selling on the channel?

No - disabling only prevents Little Hotelier from sending updates to the channel. The rate remains visible and bookable on the channel.

To stop selling a disabled rate:

  • Click Configure on the channel room rate, then Save

  • Apply inventory restrictions: Set a stop sell through your Inventory grid

  • Remove directly: Delete the rate from the channel's extranet

For Airbnb only, disabling a rate will deactivate the listing on the channel.

Can I receive reservations without sending inventory updates?

Yes, you can create a one-way connection for reservations only:

  • Map your room rate to the channel

  • Keep Start updating channel set to No

This requires managing inventory manually on the channel and increases overbooking risk.

Do all channels handle occupancy the same way?

No, channels handle occupancy differently:

  • Little Hotelier: Allows setting occupancy at both room type and room rate levels

  • Some channels only manage occupancy at the room type level

Note: Never create separate room rates for different occupancies (single, double, triple) on the channel - this creates multiple availability for the same room type and can increase overbookings.

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