SimpleStay Getting Started

Prepare booking channels in SimpleStay

Review your Channel Manager area, request activation, and understand what needs to be ready before connecting Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, Vrbo, or another OTA.

4 minutes Beginner After rates and taxes
SimpleStay Channel Manager dashboard with pending approval and no active channels
The Channel Manager dashboard shows activation status, performance, active channels, and quick links.

Open Channel Manager

After logging in, choose the correct property in the top-left corner, then click Channel Manager in the top navigation.

This area is where SimpleStay manages distribution channels, rates, and availability after channel manager activation is approved.

SimpleStay Channel Manager overview screen
The overview keeps channel status and performance in one place.
Close-up of the Channel Manager tab in the SimpleStay navigation
Use the Channel Manager tab after rooms, rates, and taxes are ready.
1

Check that your setup is ready

Before requesting channel activation, make sure your core setup is clean. Channels depend on the same room inventory, availability, and rates that guests see when they book directly.

  • Room types: every room or unit you want to sell should exist in SimpleStay.
  • Base rates: each sellable room needs pricing for the dates you want to open.
  • Availability: closed dates, blocked rooms, and inventory counts should be accurate.
  • Taxes and fees: direct-booking charges should be reviewed, and OTA charges should be checked separately where needed.
Tip: Clean setup first prevents confusing channel mappings later. It is easier to map one clear room type than to repair duplicated or unclear inventory after activation.
2

Request Channel Manager activation

If Channel Manager is not active yet, SimpleStay shows an activation card. Click Request Activation to start the approval process.

SimpleStay Channel Manager not activated card with Request Activation button
The activation request does not publish rooms to external channels by itself.
3

Confirm Pending Approval

After the request is sent, the button changes to Pending Approval. This means SimpleStay has received the activation request and the channel setup is waiting for approval.

SimpleStay Channel Manager card showing Pending Approval
Pending Approval confirms the request has been submitted.
4

Review the Active Channels table

The Active Channels table is where connected channels appear after activation and mapping. A new account may show No channels found, which is normal before any OTA is connected.

SimpleStay Active Channels table showing no channels found
Once channels are connected, this table helps you track status, bookings, revenue, and canceled bookings.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect Booking.com or Airbnb immediately?

Channel connections usually need channel manager activation first. Request activation in SimpleStay, then follow the provider-specific mapping steps once your account is approved.

What should be ready before requesting channel activation?

Create your room types, add base prices, review availability, and confirm taxes or fees that affect your direct booking setup.

Does requesting activation publish my rooms to OTAs?

No. Requesting activation starts the approval/setup process. Your rooms are not published to external channels until channel mappings and provider connections are completed.

What to do next

Prepare the guest-facing booking flow

Review room pages

Make sure room photos, descriptions, and amenities are guest-ready.

Create a test booking

Confirm rates, taxes, availability, and confirmation messages before going live.

Map channels carefully

When activation is approved, connect each OTA with the correct room and rate plan.

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