The Hotel Configuration API is the first step for distributors after authenticating their account and obtaining security tokens. This API allows distributors to retrieve a list of available hotels and their associated products by supplier, and optionally activate them for distribution based on the ARI (Availability, Rates, and Inventory) model.

Note: Activation is an optional process. Distributors must decide whether they want to manage the activation process on their end, or delegate it to DerbySoft (DS). This flexibility allows each distributor to tailor the activation workflow based on their internal capabilities or business preferences.

The key functionalities of this API include:

  • Retrieving Available Hotels: The first step for distributors is to fetch a list of hotels that are available for distribution. This API call provides key details about each hotel, such as the hotel name, unique hotel identifier, and its status. This step helps the distributor understand which hotels they can potentially distribute.
  • Retrieving Available Products: After retrieving the list of available hotels, the distributor can make another API call to fetch the products offered by each hotel. The product details include hotel location, room/rate combination, room names, rate names, descriptions, payment options, cancellation policies, and other key attributes. This step provides a comprehensive view of what offerings are available for distribution at each hotel.
  • Activating Hotels: Activation of hotels is technically mandatory in both push and pull ARI models, but the process can be managed either by the distributor or delegated to DS, depending on preference. If you want to manage it here are the details:
    • Push Model: Distributors need to configure a URL through the Derbysoft console, which allows Derbysoft to retrieve the list of hotels they wish to distribute. We will then pull data from this URL, typically once a day, to determine which hotels should be activated for distribution.
    • Pull Model: Distributors need to explicitly activate hotels by making a POST request to the Pull activation endpoint, which allows them to choose and activate hotels for distribution. This call will allow distributors to deactivate active hotels.
  • Activating Products: Activating Products: Activating products is technically a mandatory step only for the push ARI model but the process can be managed either by the distributor or delegated to DS, depending on preference. If you want to manage it here are the details: 
    • Push Model: Distributors need to provide a URL through Derbysoft console, which allows Derbysoft to retrieve the list of available products (room/ rate combination) for active hotels. Derbysoft will fetch this data to determine which products are available to receive ARI. 
    • Pull Model: Distributors under the pull model do not need this steps.