Categories provide a structured way to group properties so they can be managed collectively across the system. By assigning properties to a category, you can efficiently configure rates, special rates, seasons, listings, packages, and website display settings at scale.
How to create a Category:
To create a category follow the steps below:
- From the left hand side menu in Homhero, click Booking Engine.
- Click on Listings.
- Click Manage.
- Click Categories.
Once you have selected Categories, from the manage drop down:
- Click on + ADD.
- This will add a new blank line. Click on the name box to open a free text field, enter the name of your category.
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Next, click on the Type Dropdown, this will provide 4 options to you:
Property Type
Identifies the style or classification of the property (e.g. Apartment, House, Cabin, Chalet). This is used to group listings by dwelling type.Property Group
When assigned to a listing, this category groups those properties together within the Booking Chart. This is particularly useful if you manage multiple apartments within the same complex or multiple dwellings on a single allotment.Region
Similar to Location, but typically structured for broader website filtering. This is best used to help guests refine searches by major geographic areas.Location
Categorises properties by specific geographic identifiers such as neighbourhood, suburb, city, street, beach, or lake. This allows for more granular segmentation of your portfolio.
Once created, you can apply this category to listings by following the below steps:
- Click on Booking Engine and then Listings, from the left hand side menu in Homhero.
- Click the Edit pencil on the listing you would like to add the category to.
- Once inside the listing, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and select Categories from the right hand side.
- Select the category you wish to apply to the listing
- Click the arrow, to move it from the Available categories, to Selected.
- Click Set.
Once completed, click Save on the property.
Where can you use Categories?
Once you’ve created and assigned your categories, they can be utilised across multiple areas of Homhero to improve efficiency and control:
Special Rates:
Categories allow you to apply special rates to a defined group of properties in bulk. For example, you may want to introduce a 7-night discount exclusively for properties in the Gold Coast region. Using a category eliminates the need to manually select each listing, ensuring consistency and saving time.
Seasons:
Category Override for BRM and Min/Max Stays:
Two regions may share identical seasonal dates (e.g. School Holidays), but one group of properties may require a higher minimum stay. A category override enables you to adjust BRM or Min/Max stay restrictions at the category level, rather than updating each property individually.
Limit to Category Settings:
If different regions operate under different seasonal periods (e.g., NSW vs QLD School Holidays), you can restrict a season to a specific category. This provides cleaner control over regional seasonality without affecting unrelated properties.
Packages:
Packages can be restricted to certain categories. For instance, you may wish to apply a higher booking fee to a portfolio of premium properties. This can be configured via Booking Engine > Packages, ensuring the package only applies to the intended group.
Quotes:
When generating quotes, you can filter properties by category. If a guest is enquiring about the Gold Coast, you can quickly narrow your search to that category, improving speed and accuracy.
Booking Chart:
Similar to quotes, the Reservations Chart can be filtered by category, allowing you to view and manage specific groups of properties. This functionality also complements portfolio-level management.
Websites:
Categories can be used to enhance website navigation by enabling guests to filter properties by region or type. This improves user experience and makes it easier for guests to find relevant listings.
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