Mapping links property, room and meal-plan information from a source to the matching entry in the catalog. For example, two suppliers may list the same hotel under different names. Matching those records identifies which property their information belongs to.
What does a match do?
One supplier may use DBL-SV for a sea-view room, while another uses SEA-DOUBLE. If the room type, capacity and features match, both codes can refer to the same room record.
| Information from the source | Matching catalog entry |
|---|---|
| Property name and code | The relevant property record |
Room code DBL-SV |
Sea-view double room |
Amenity code WIFI-FREE |
Free WiFi |
Meal-plan code BB |
Bed and breakfast |
Mappings let incoming prices and room information reach the relevant record. When a booking is sent to a supplier, it uses that supplier's codes.
Similar names are not enough. Compare capacity, bed layout and view before matching two rooms. Belonging to the same property does not make them the same room type.
What does source information show?
Source information shows where a record or match came from. It helps you find which supplier record to check when a description looks wrong.
For example, a room named Sea-view double may have a description that says garden view. Check the source record and the room mapping together. Changing the displayed name alone does not correct a wrong room match.
When should you review mappings?
- When you connect a new supplier.
- When a source sends a new room or meal-plan code.
- When room capacity or descriptions differ between sources.
- When a previously matched record changes.
A catalog listing does not mean a property is on sale. The connection, prices, inventory (the number of rooms available to sell) and sales conditions must also allow the booking.