Set up Smoobu channels properly
Which channels to connect first, why API is almost always better than iCal, and how rate sync actually works.
API vs iCal — the difference that changes everything
The most common confusion in channel setup: what's the difference between an API connection and iCal sync? The difference is significant.
| API | iCal | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability sync | Real-time — booking on Airbnb immediately blocks Booking.com | Delayed — sync every 1–24 hours depending on the channel |
| Rate sync | Yes — Smoobu prices are pushed to the channel | No — rates must be managed manually in the OTA extranet |
| Guest details | Full: name, email, phone, special requests | Date + placeholder only ("Airbnb Guest") |
| Cancellation sync | Yes — automatic and instant | Yes, but with sync delay |
| Review requests via Smoobu | Yes | No |
| Which channels support it | Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo, Home2Go (API only) | Most smaller channels, as a fallback |
Order: how to proceed
Set up Smoobu as your master system (first)
Before connecting any channel: make sure all properties in Smoobu are fully set up — prices, minimum stay, blocked dates, photos, description. Smoobu becomes the master system; what you configure here gets pushed to all connected channels.
Connect Airbnb via API
Smoobu → Settings → Channels → Airbnb → "Connect". You'll be redirected to Airbnb to authorise Smoobu as a channel manager. After connection, select which Smoobu properties map to which Airbnb listings. Verify: the Airbnb calendar should match Smoobu.
Connect Booking.com via API
Booking.com requires that Booking.com initiates the connection — you can't start it from within Smoobu. Contact your Booking.com account manager or write to Booking.com support requesting a "Channel Manager Connect" via Smoobu. They'll send you a connection link. Setup takes 1–3 business days.
Expedia / Vrbo (optional, via API)
Expedia Group (including Vrbo) also offers API integration. Smoobu → Channels → Expedia. The process is similar to Booking.com — Expedia must approve the connection. Worthwhile if you target the North American market or offer vacation homes (Vrbo is stronger than Airbnb there).
Smaller channels via iCal (if needed)
If you list on other platforms (regional booking sites, specialist portals), connect them via iCal. Smoobu → Settings → iCal export → copy URL → paste as iCal feed in the channel. Note: rates won't sync — you'll need to manage them there manually.
Preventing double bookings
With API connections for main channels, the risk is minimal — Smoobu blocks the calendar in real time. With iCal connections there's residual risk from sync delays. Here's how to minimise it:
Enable a buffer day
Smoobu → Settings → Property → Minimum stay / buffer days. A buffer day blocks the departure date for new bookings — ideal when you have back-to-back short stays.
Understand iCal sync frequency
You can't directly control how often external channels fetch your iCal feed — that's up to the channel. But you can configure how often Smoobu fetches the channels' iCal feeds. Smoobu → Settings → Channels → [Channel] → "Sync interval" (if available).
Block manually during live enquiries
If a guest messages directly asking about dates before confirming: block the period in Smoobu immediately. Don't wait for payment confirmation — the block protects you while you're still negotiating.
Understanding rate sync
Smoobu pushes rates to API channels — but the logic matters. Smoobu always sends the base price from your rate table plus any promotions you've created in Smoobu. There's no dynamic pricing algorithm built in.
If you want dynamic pricing (higher rates on weekends, peak season, last-minute bookings), you need an external tool like PriceLabs, Beyond, or Wheelhouse. These can connect directly to Airbnb/Booking.com — either via the Smoobu add-on or directly to the channels.
Common issues
Booking.com shows different availability than Smoobu
First check if the API connection is active (Smoobu → Channels → Booking.com → Status). If the connection shows "active" but calendars diverge: a common cause is a minimum stay conflict. Smoobu and Booking.com each have their own minimum stay settings — make sure Booking.com doesn't have a separate minimum stay that overrides Smoobu's.
Airbnb prices don't match Smoobu
Airbnb has its own "Smart Pricing" settings that can override Smoobu's prices. Check in Airbnb: Listing → Pricing → disable "Smart Pricing". Also: Airbnb always shows net pricing (without service fees); the Smoobu price is your base rate, Airbnb adds its guest service fee on top.
I have iCal connections and still getting double bookings
iCal has an inherent sync delay that can't be fully eliminated. The safe solution: switch main channels to API connection. As an immediate measure: manually block 1–2 days after each booking until you've confirmed all channels have synced.
Smoobu shows my channel as "not connected"
OAuth tokens expire — especially common after password changes on the channel. Fix: disconnect the channel in Smoobu and reconnect. This issues a new token. Existing bookings are preserved.
Need help with channel setup? Happy to help with setup — especially if you're combining Smoobu with a direct booking website.
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