Central Reservations Software Overview
RDP enables unlimited scalability with separate databases for each location. Reservations can be made centrally or at each individual property, offering flexible search criteria. Additionally, RDPwin utilizes a centralized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track guest data and provide a rewards program.
RDP’s central reservation system offers the capability to search for specific guest preferences across all unit types at multiple properties. For instance, a reservationist can search across all resorts for 2-bedroom unit types with a Jacuzzi and ocean view. These preferences are fully customizable and designed to work with unit types rather than specific unit numbers. Once the unit type is selected, a unit number can be assigned from a list of available units. The central availability can include all unit types or exclude certain types as needed. Furthermore, the system allows for searching all available room types at any vacation rental or condo hotel location without the need to specify specific preferences.
The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module is specifically designed to enhance guest service and marketing by tracking all guest relationships. All guest visits are tracked from one or more RDP systems. Points can be awarded for each reservation or by dollar amount, with the number of points varying based on factors such as seasons, room types, total expenditure, and other variables. Guests have the option to make reservations by redeeming their accumulated points, subject to restrictions that control the availability of point applications. A complete history of all point reservations is maintained, ensuring comprehensive tracking and management.
Each property using the RDP system has their own database, which can be located on a server at the property or at some other location and accessed remotely. There is also one, and only one, CRM database, which is located on one of the data servers at the property or at remote location.
One data server and an IRM (webserver) are required to handle multiple properties. For sites with numerous properties, additional data servers can be added to achieve load balancing. Central reservations have fast access to the data when it is hosted on local servers. The properties connect to the remote locations using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop.
When all the data is stored on one data server, a single IRM server, (webserver) can be utilized to access multiple RDP databases on the same data server. This allows guests, travel agents, groups, wholesalers, and condominium owners to simultaneously access the same or different RDP systems using the internet.
RDP’s central reservation design provides the flexibility to mix and match different types of RDP systems. For instance, a central reservation office could effectively manage a portfolio of 10 resorts, comprising five hotels, three timeshare resorts, and two wholly-owned condominium resorts. Moreover, a single resort within this portfolio could feature a combination of hotel rooms, timeshare rooms, and whole ownership units. RDP’s versatile central reservation system allows for seamless management of diverse property types within a unified framework.
Reservations can be made simultaneously from each property and the central reservations, with instantaneous updates to the data. For instance, if there is only one room left available for a particular day, that room can be booked from a workstation at the central reservations office, a workstation at the property, or by a guest, travel agent, or wholesaler using the IRM. All reservations are promptly stored in the RDP database, ensuring real-time data accuracy and availability.