The Accommodations section allows you to showcase various lodging options available with your trips. While the actual room bookings are handled outside the Buddy platform, proper accommodation listings help customers understand their stay options when booking trips.
Watch our quick tutorial to learn how to manage accommodations 👇🏻
[Demo video link]
Accommodations in the Buddy platform serve as informational listings that help customers visualize their stay during trips. Each accommodation entry can include details about the property, room types, amenities, and photos to help customers make informed decisions.
It's important to note that while customers see these accommodations during booking, the actual room reservations are managed by you directly with the properties. This gives you flexibility in managing your relationships with accommodation providers while still presenting professional, detailed information to your customers.
Adding Accommodations
To add a new accommodation:
Navigate to Settings > Accommodations
Click the "Add New" button
Configure the following details:
Basic Information
The title and description help customers identify and understand the accommodation:
Title (required)
Create a clear, recognizable name (max 50 characters)
Use the actual property name or a descriptive identifier
Example: "Paradise Beach Resort" or "Oceanfront Dive Lodge"
Description (optional)
Add helpful details (max 100 characters)
Include key features like distance to dive sites
Mention included amenities or meal plans
Example: "Beachfront resort, 5 min from dive sites, includes breakfast"
Internal Reference
The Private Business Label is for your internal use:
Optional field for your reference (max 100 characters)
Not visible to customers
Useful for internal codes or property manager contacts
Example: "PBR-North" or "Contact: John +1-555-0123"
Visual Presentation
High-quality images help customers visualize their stay:
Upload up to 10 images per accommodation
Supported formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, WEBP
Images automatically display in 4:3 ratio
Include photos of:
Room interiors
Property exterior
Common areas
Key amenities
Views and surroundings
Managing Accommodations
Editing Restrictions
The platform protects booking consistency through editing restrictions. Here's what you can modify:
For accommodations not used in published trips:
All details can be edited freely
Images can be added or removed
Descriptions can be updated
For accommodations used in published trips:
Only the Private Business Label can be edited
Other changes require creating a new accommodation
Existing bookings maintain original details
This ensures customers always see the same accommodation information they booked with.
Creating Variations
When you need to update details for an accommodation already in use:
Create a new accommodation entry
Add updated information and images
Use the new entry for future trips
Keep the original for existing bookings
This approach maintains consistency while allowing you to evolve your offerings.
Removing Accommodations
When you delete an accommodation:
It remains available in existing trips and bookings
Cannot be selected for new trips
System prompts for confirmation
Existing bookings maintain all details
The platform preserves historical booking data while preventing future use.
Using Accommodations Effectively
Trip Integration
When creating trips, you can:
Select from your configured accommodations
Set availability and capacity
Associate pricing per accommodation type
Present multiple accommodation options
Customer Experience
Your accommodation listings appear to customers:
During trip booking process
In trip details and confirmations
With all configured images
Including full descriptions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Concepts
Q: Does Buddy handle the actual room bookings?
A: No, you manage all room reservations directly with the properties. Buddy showcases the accommodations to customers during trip booking, but you handle the actual room arrangements.
Q: How many accommodations can I list?
A: There's no limit to the number of accommodations you can add. Create as many listings as needed to cover all your trip locations and options.
Configuration
Q: What details should I include in accommodation descriptions?
A: Focus on information that helps customers make decisions:
Distance to dive sites or meeting points
Included meals or services
Room types and capacities
Special amenities for divers
Transport arrangements
Q: How do I handle seasonal variations?
A: Create separate accommodation listings for significant seasonal differences in:
Room types or availability
Included services
Meal plans
Price points
Managing Changes
Q: Why can't I update accommodation details?
A: Once an accommodation is used in a published trip, most details lock to maintain consistency for existing bookings. This prevents confusion and ensures customers get what they booked.
Q: How do I handle price or service changes?
A: Create a new accommodation listing with updated details and use it for future trips. The original listing remains for existing bookings.
Troubleshooting
Q: What if my images aren't displaying correctly?
A: Check that your images:
Meet the format requirements
Follow the 4:3 ratio
Don't exceed file size limits
Are high quality but optimized
Q: Can I temporarily hide an accommodation?
A: Instead of hiding, create new listings for active options and stop using others in new trips. This maintains historical data while controlling availability.