A channel manager helps hoteliers keep prices, availability and restrictions in sync across all connected booking channels, but even the best systems need a little check-up every now and then.

If you’re using Smart Channel Manager, you’re already saving time and avoiding overbookings. But are you using it to its full potential?

Here are three quick checks you can do yourself to make sure everything’s running smoothly, and you’re not missing out on any bookings or revenue.

Check 1: Spot-Check Prices and Restrictions Across Channels

Take a moment to compare your pricing and restrictions across a few channels — choose 3–5 future dates (a weekday, a weekend, a peak season moment) and check them on your direct booking engine and top OTAs like Booking.com or Expedia.

What you want to check is simple:

• Do the prices match?
• Are your restrictions like minimum stay or cancellation policy showing up as intended?
• Is your availability consistent?

If a date is closed on one channel but open on another, or if cancellation terms differ across platforms, that’s a red flag. Discrepancies like these can lead to confusion for guests, lost bookings, or OTAs undercutting your direct website.

Check 2: Review Your OTA Mix: How Dependent Are You?

Next, dive into your OTA performance. Over the past month or quarter, which channels are bringing in bookings? And if they don’t bring the booking, do they bring visibility and attract guests to you own website?

Take a look at your production data through your PMS or channel manager and make a quick overview. You might find that one OTA is dominating, or that another one is connected but barely used.

A healthy OTA mix spreads your exposure across multiple markets and helps reduce dependency on one major player. Plus, it gives you more leverage in commission conversations. If an OTA is underperforming, it could be a targeting issue, or the connection might not be set up correctly.

Check 3: Check How You Appear to Guests

Finally, put yourself in your guests shoes. Search for your hotel on an OTA and compare that experience to what you see on your own booking engine.

Are your room names and photos aligned? Do the descriptions and amenities match? Are you offering the same price, or better value on your direct site?

Guests often check multiple platforms before booking, and the way you present yourself matters. If your OTA listings look more polished than your own website, that’s a missed opportunity. And if the messaging is inconsistent, it could impact trust.

These three simple checks can go a long way in making sure your setup is optimised, and your hotel isn’t leaving money on the table.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our support. We’re here to help.