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Top 5 features to look for in a cabana booking system for resorts | STAY

Written by Oier Fano D. | Mar 6, 2025 3:05:36 PM

As the hotel industry evolves, resorts are under increasing pressure to enhance the guest experience while maximizing revenue.

A powerful cabana booking system can help meet both needs, streamlining operations and providing guests with a smooth, seamless process to book their perfect spot by the pool or beach.

Whether you manage an upscale resort or an all-inclusive retreat, here are the top five features you should look for in a cabana management system. These features will improve guest satisfaction and increase your resort's revenue.

1. Real-time availability & instant booking for a seamless guest experience

In today’s fast-paced world, guests expect a hassle-free booking process. A great cabana booking system should allow guests to check availability and make reservations instantly, directly from your resort’s branded guest app or website. This feature will enable guests to book a cabana anytime, whether lounging by the pool or relaxing in their room.

This convenience improves the guest experience and helps resorts fill otherwise unbooked cabanas, especially during off-peak times. Enabling 24/7 booking access provides guests with the flexibility they desire and drives revenue growth by ensuring that no time slots or cabanas are left empty.

2. Interactive map for easy cabana management & guest customization

Guests love being in control of their vacation experience, and an interactive map that shows real-time availability of cabanas puts that control at their fingertips. Whether they’re looking for the best view, extra privacy, or proximity to the bar, guests can choose the perfect cabana based on location preferences.

For resort managers, this feature simplifies cabana management. It reduces the chances of double-booking and miscommunication with staff, while offering a personalized service that meets the unique needs of each guest. The ability to choose and book their exact location ensures that the guest experience is tailored and personalized, leading to higher satisfaction rates.

3. Flexible booking windows & customizable hours for operational efficiency

Flexibility is a game-changer in the hotel industry, especially when managing cabana reservations. The best cabana management systems allow you to set custom booking hours, adjust booking windows, and better manage peak periods. Whether you're dealing with daily reservations or managing by shift, this flexibility ensures your cabanas are booked at optimal times, with no overlapping reservations.

This control helps resorts avoid issues like early morning bookings from the previous night and lets you effectively handle busy periods without overloading your staff. By streamlining this aspect of cabana management, resorts can ensure that every reservation is maximized and operational efficiency is enhanced, all while keeping guests happy and their needs met on time.

4. Seamless integration across multiple digital platforms

Guests are increasingly booking their vacations across different platforms. A great cabana booking system should integrate seamlessly with your hotel website, Google Maps, and other digital platforms, making it easy for guests to find availability and book their cabanas instantly.

Whether they’re on their phone, tablet, or desktop, your booking system should ensure a consistent experience across all devices. This multi-platform integration increases conversion rates by providing guests with a user-friendly experience and reduces the chances of lost bookings. By making the process as seamless as possible, you’re more likely to capture last-minute reservations and prevent no-shows. Plus, it allows for real-time updates to availability, ensuring guests always know where they stand.

5. Streamlined payment processing & secure transactions

A smooth booking experience isn’t complete without secure payment processing. Offering multiple payment options ensures that guests can easily secure their cabana reservations upfront, reducing cancellations and ensuring you don’t lose out on revenue. Whether it’s credit cards, digital wallets, or even pre-paid options, your booking system should support various payment methods for maximum convenience.

For resorts, having an upfront payment system also streamlines cash flow and helps secure bookings. By collecting payments at the time of reservation, you’re protecting your revenue while offering guests peace of mind that their spot is guaranteed. It’s a win-win for both parties.

The right cabana booking system can help your resort thrive in today’s competitive market. From offering real-time availability to providing guests with the ability to customize their booking and enjoy a seamless payment process, the benefits are clear. Plus, with integration across multiple digital platforms and flexible management options, your resort can increase efficiency while delivering an exceptional guest experience.

As seen in STAY’s success with The Westin Reserva Conchal (Marriot Hotels), implementing an innovative cabanas management system can drive higher revenue (45%), better guest satisfaction, and operational success.

By choosing the right system, your resort can stay ahead of the competition and deliver an unforgettable experience for guests—one cabana at a time.