Overview

Implementing Ratebook API in the bookings flow has a few aspects that highly recommended to plan before starting the implementation:

Understanding how Ratebook operated.
Understanding the required flow adjustments on partners side.
Ratebook risk-awareness.
Prerequisites.

How Ratebook Operates

Here's an overview of the process:

Partner initiates a search and follows through all the necessary steps up to the point of booking the room.
Right before submitting the booking request to the supplier, the partner triggers a Ratebook API request to Gimmonix.
The Ratebook API then searches for and compares alternative hotel rooms, by finding the same type of room at a better price point.
If Ratebook finds a room offer with a better price point, it automatically books this room.
In cases where Ratebook does not find a offers at a better price point, it returns a message advising the user to continue with their original room offer.

Ratebook API - Flows

Flow	Description	Key Difference
Ratebook API Flow	Ratebook API Request will search, compare and books alternative hotel rooms, by finding the same type of room at a better price point in a single call.	A single request that searches, compares, and books an alternative room at a better price point.
Ratebook - Prefetch Flow	Ratebook Prefetch API Request will search and compare alternative hotel rooms, by finding the same type of room at a better price point. Then - another Ratebook API Request, will proceed to book the room.	The first request will only search and compare rooms for and store information. The second request will proceed to book the room. **It is best to initiate the prefetch while the end customer is filling in the booking and passenger information.

Postman API Examples

Ratebook API Flow Documnetation - Click here.

Ratebook Prefetch API Flow Documnetation - Click here.

Identifying the Hotel

Supplier HotelID + SupplierID:
This method enables hotel identification by specifying the HotelID of any supplier connected to Gimmonix, along with the corresponding SupplierID. (List of supported Suppliers along with their ID)

Required Flow adjustments

The Ratebook API seamlessly integrates into the booking process prior to sending the Book-Request to accommodation suppliers.

This integration ensures that the necessary flow adjustments occur solely at the booking step, ensuring swift and effortless integration.

Risk Awareness

Room Mapping
Ratebook API leverages a sophisticated room mapping to compare requested rooms with alternative options.
This incorporates various room attributes including room name, meal plan, room category, cancellation policies, and more.

By ensuring the booking of the precise room, it effectively minimizes risks and enhances precision in the booking process.

Interactive process
The Ratebook logic integrates an interactive process designed to seamlessly handle instances where information is not fully comprehended or alternative room options are unavailable.

In such cases, Ratebook intelligently halts the process and provides clear guidance to proceed with the original room option, guaranteeing that if no alternative room is identified, users can confidently proceed with their native room option.