Cloudbeds Training & Tech Support - In Person and Online
Cloudbeds is a comprehensive hospitality management software platform designed to streamline operations for a variety of lodging businesses, including hotels, hostels, inns, vacation rentals, and as in our case Bed & Breakfasts. We ourselves have been using this as our Property Management System (PMS) since 2014. We went through other platforms since opening in 1997. Some went out of business, others were not sufficiently funded to stay current while others did not have end to end property management functionality, or OTA integration.
The courses are taught by Dieter Gerhard co-owner of Birds of a Feather Bed & Breakfast Victoria and also in Thailand (#1 on TripAdvisor) and co-founder of Q College and North Studio and Stikky Media
Cloudbeds Property Management System's integration with OTA channels allowing us to manage multiple channels was a game changer for us. Some 80% of our reservations come from here on our own web site - something I've been encouraging my clients to do for over a decade now for commission, and hassle free reservations free from the dictates of the OTAs - yet regardless of where the reservation originates from, Cloudbeds will update availability, and pricing across all connected sources in real time.
Cloudbeds has an extensive FAQ / Knowledge Base, even an online Cloudbeds University as well as online support. If, however, you're looking for a person you can pick up the phone and talk to that's me.
Considering using Cloudbeds for your property?
- Free Assessment of suitability for your property - video call
- Cloudbeds offers a free trial (not just a demo) for its platform. This allows potential users to explore its features and determine if it meets their needs before committing to a subscription. The free trial typically includes access to the core components of the system, such as the Property Management System (PMS), Channel Manager, Booking Engine, and other key functionalities.
- Get an additional free month after the trial period if you start your free trial period and later subscribe through me.
First Time User Training & Support
- In Person and/or online
- Sign up and subscription
- Property Profile setup
- Booking Engine setup
- Interface and manage availability and pricing across OTAs such Booking.com, AirBnB and all Expedia brands in one place using the Cloudbeds PMS
- Set up, and integrate Cloudbeds Booking Engine in to your own web site and social media
- Payment processing options
- email templates for Pending and Confirmed reservations
- Adding Products & Services
- OTA Channel Distribution Setup
- Different User level permissions
- Taking reservations over the phone
- Rates and Availability
- Availability Matrix including minimum stay settings
- Occupancy & Financial Reports
Existing Users Training & Support
- Live and Emergency Support
- UP training in person, and/or online
Cost
- hourly range from CAD $150 to $250 billed to 15 minute increments drawn against a $500 retainer for smaller "Mom & Pop" properties and $1,000 for larger corporate properties.
- cost factors include but not limited to property size, your own aptitude, integration requirements, iimmediacy and urgency requirements
CloudBeds Overview
The Property Management System (PMS) is the backbone of Cloudbeds. Imagine managing a hotel where reservations are scattered across multiple spreadsheets, check-ins are handled manually, and housekeeping schedules are updated on paper. This disjointed approach is prone to errors and inefficiencies. Cloudbeds' PMS centralizes all these functions, providing a digital hub where staff can view reservations in real-time, update guest profiles, and manage room statuses with a few clicks. This not only enhances accuracy but also saves time, allowing staff to focus more on guest services.
Channel Manager
Consider a scenario where a small inn is listed on several OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb. Without a centralized system, updating availability or managing bookings across these platforms can be a nightmare, often leading to overbookings or lost opportunities. Cloudbeds' Channel Manager synchronizes inventory across all connected channels. When a room is booked on one platform, availability is automatically updated on all others, minimizing the risk of overbooking and ensuring maximum exposure to potential guests.
Booking Engine
Direct bookings are crucial for maximizing profits as they often come with lower commission rates compared to OTAs. Cloudbeds offers a customizable booking engine that can be integrated into the property's website. This engine allows guests to book directly, supports multiple languages and currencies, and offers special promotions or packages. For example, a boutique hotel can entice direct bookings by offering a 10% discount or a complimentary breakfast for reservations made through their website.
Revenue Management
Effective revenue management can significantly boost a property's profitability. Cloudbeds provides tools to implement dynamic pricing strategies, adjusting room rates based on demand, market trends, and competitor pricing. For instance, during peak travel seasons or local events, prices can be automatically increased to capitalize on higher demand, while off-peak periods might see strategic discounts to attract more guests.
Payments
Handling payments securely and efficiently is critical for any lodging business. Cloudbeds integrates with various payment processors, allowing properties to accept credit cards, schedule automated payments, and manage refunds seamlessly. For example, a guest can pay for their stay online at the time of booking, with their card details securely stored for any additional charges during their stay.
Guest Experience
Enhancing the guest experience is a key focus for any hospitality business. Cloudbeds includes features like automated pre-arrival messages, personalized offers based on guest preferences, and post-stay surveys. Imagine a guest arriving at a B&B and receiving a welcome message with information about local attractions or special offers for their next visit, creating a personalized touch that can lead to higher satisfaction and repeat business.
Reporting and Analytics
Data-driven decision-making is vital for optimizing operations and strategy. Cloudbeds offers robust reporting tools that provide insights into various aspects of the business. For example, a hotel manager can analyze occupancy rates, revenue per available room (RevPAR), and market segmentation to identify trends and make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and operational adjustments.
Integrations
Modern hospitality businesses often rely on multiple software solutions for different functions, such as accounting, marketing, and point of sale systems. Cloudbeds supports integrations with numerous third-party applications, creating a seamless workflow. For instance, integrating with an accounting software like QuickBooks ensures that financial data from bookings and transactions is automatically synced, reducing manual data entry and the risk of errors.
