Channel Manager Comparison: iCal vs Channel Manager

A channel manager and iCal are both online tools that can help you overcome your double-booking challenges when managing your property’s availability. Each of these solutions is a much better option than any current offline methods you may be using, such as excel spreadsheets or pen & paper.

But what are the differences between them and what’s the best solution for your property?

Let’s find out!

What is a channel manager?

A channel manager software is a cloud-based tool that will enable you to sell your rooms on as many channels as you want at the same time, with real-time updates and two-way communication between your website, channels, and property management system (if you have one and choose to integrate the systems). 

This means if you want to advertise all your rooms on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia at the same time, you can do so with ease and have no worries about manually updating your inventory or risking double bookings. It also ensures all shared information is accurate, reducing the possibility of human error.

Is a channel manager worth it?

Yes! A channel manager is an incredibly valuable tool for a small, independent hotel. It allows you to list your property across multiple booking channels through a single dashboard, and update rates, availability and info across all of them in clicks. Ultimately you can save vast amounts of time, secure more bookings, and reduce the risk of errors and double bookings.

Along with enhancing exposure, accuracy and operational efficiency, a channel manager grants you more control over distribution, and makes it easier for you to optimise your online presence. You can compare your performance across a number of OTAs, then optimise your pricing and listings based on the insights you generate.

What’s more, a channel manager like Little Hotelier integrates with a suite of other tools, including PMS systems and booking engines, allowing you to automate a wealth of previously manual tasks. For independent hotels with limited staff, this automation can free you from low value busywork and allow you to focus on offering the finest guest experience possible.

What is iCal?

iCal is a computer file format for storing calendar information. Don’t get it confused with Apple’s calendar app which was also previously known as iCal. Your property can use iCal to synchronise your bookings across all third-party channels that you connect to.

iCal is free to use and can be an easy step for those wanting to move away from manual methods of management.

What are the key differences of channel managers and iCal? (Comparison table)

A channel manager and iCal both give you greater control over your distribution by allowing you to reduce manual data entry and updating of your inventory. They can be used to share your availability between your website and other booking channels, such as Airbnb or Booking.com, which is updated automatically when a reservation is made by a guest.

The key benefit here is that your availability is up-to-date across all your sales channels, and you don’t have to do the manual work each time you take a booking.

There are a few key differences between a channel manager and iCal that should be aware of, and should clear up any confusion.

Most notably is the fact that iCal is free and a channel manager is usually offered on a monthly subscription basis (or occasionally by commission-fee). This is because iCal has a number of limitations on its functionality, while a channel manager is a more powerful and useful tool.

Check out the table below for a full comparison between a channel manager and iCal.

Key takeaways

• Channel managers like Little Hotelier update availability, rates, and reservations in real-time across unlimited channels, while iCal updates are delayed and feature-limited.
• iCal is free but offers minimal connectivity and integration, and no performance reporting or reservation detail recording.
• For a small subscription fee a quality channel manager will provide advanced integration, automation and performance insights.

Should you choose a channel manager or iCal?

Choose a channel manager if you need real-time updates, manage rates across multiple platforms, or want performance analytics. Choose iCal if you’re comfortable with sync delays, only use a couple of booking platforms, and need a free solution for basic availability sharing. 

We may be prone to bias but if your property is looking to grow and thrive, and you want more control over how you run your business, then you will be better served by using a channel manager solution.