Skip to main content
All CollectionsChannel Manager and Connecting to OTAs
Airbnb (iCal) Channel Manager Connection
Airbnb (iCal) Channel Manager Connection

Airbnb connections work a little differently to the standard ChannelManager (XML) connections.

George Ilie avatar
Written by George Ilie
Updated over a week ago

Airbnb connections use iCal (a file that can be read by any calendar app) to display/set the availability of a room.

Generally connecting to an OTA involves entering a few values like hotel Id, setting an uplift and closeout threshold.  

Airbnb connections are different and require the additional step of generating an iCal URL (a web address) to paste into your Airbnb account.  This URL will provide an iCal with the availability status of your room/apartment for the year for Airbnb to query. 

To generate the URL on GuestDiary.com click Channels -> iCal.  Then click Generate for a room/apartment you wish to generate a URL for.  Copy the generated URL to Airbnb.  

To Import your availability from GuestDiary to Airbnb

  1. Sign in to Airbnb

  2. Click Host

  3. Listing

  4. Availability

  5. Scroll down to Sync calendars

  6. Click Import Calendar

  7. Past the URL that you copied from your diary

Airbnb only request open/close status for a room/apartment.  They do not request rates.  The rates seen on Airbnb are set on Airbnb.

For the booking retrieval you must create a link as with other OTA.  Select 'Create New Connection' on the Channels->Channels page.  Select Airbnb and give a name to the connection (optional).  Click 'Save and discover rooms on OTA website' and then you will see the mapping screen.

Mapping

Click 'Create New Mapping'.
Select the source occupancy mapping on the Diary for a reservation from Airbnb to be placed into.
Enter a name for the room/apartment mapping in Target Room (optional).
Paste the URL (web address) of the Airbnb iCal into the Calendar Link column.

To Export your reservations from Airbnb:

  1. Sign in to Airbnb

  2. Click Host

  3. Listing

  4. Availability

  5. Scroll down to Sync calendars

  6. Click Export Calendar

  7. Copy the URL that appears 


If you want to import all existing Airbnb reservations when the connection is first switched on then select 'Import Previously Made Bookings' from the Import Reservations drop down menu.
Click 'Add the new room'
Repeat until all you Airbnb iCal are mapped.
Then click 'Save Mapping' (will not be visible if you are adding a mapping)

The first time you turn on a connection the Channel Manager will retrieve a list of all current reservations on Airbnb.  
If you have not selected to import previous airbnb reservations then it will not enter these reservations into your GuestDiary property.  It is essential that all your Airbnb reservations have been entered manually; with Airbnb as the booking source and the correct Reservation Number.  If any changes occur to these reservations via Airbnb, or any reservations are created on Airbnb, your property on GuestDiary will be updated.

The information provided by Airbnb for an enquiry/pending reservation will be the guests first name and arrival and departure dates.  It will be placed into the appropriate room/apartment with a status of pending.
The information provided by Airbnb for a confirmed reservation will be the guests full name, email, arrival and departure dates. It will be placed into the appropriate room/apartment with a status of confirmed.
If a reservation is cancelled on Airbnb then the reservation pill will be cancelled on you GuestDiary property minutes later.

Airbnb do not provide the price for the reservation.  This must be entered manually by editing the reservation on your GuestDiary property.

With GuestDiary.com, you are able to close Airbnb sales on particular dates with the click of a button. See Booking Engine Prioritisation for more information.

Did this answer your question?