What is a release period?
A release period is the minimum number of days before check-in that a guest can make a booking, for example, at least 7 or 30 days in advance. You can set a release period from 1 to 180 days.
When set, the release period is automatically sent to your connected channels as a stop sell, blocking any booking that falls within the release window.
A release period is also known as an "advance purchase" restriction or a "minimum advance reservation" restriction.
Release period vs stop sell
Release period: Prevents bookings within a certain number of days of arrival. The room remains available for advance bookings outside the release window.
Stop sell: Completely closes specific dates. No bookings are allowed at all for those dates.
Examples of when to use a release period
Advance purchase discounts: a non-refundable or early-bird rate that must be booked a set number of days ahead, for example, at least 30 days before check-in
No same-day or last-minute bookings: you don't accept same-day or short-notice reservations
Preparation time for arrivals: you need a set number of days to get ready for guests
To stop same-day bookings, set your release period to 1 (guests must book at least 1 day ahead). Or, leave the release period unset and control same-day cut-off times in the channel's extranet instead.
For direct booking rates, you can also set a same-day cut-off time in the rate's Direct booking controls.
How to set a release period
Set a release period (minimum advance reservation restriction) for your rates:
Go to My Apps > Front Desk > Setup > Property & Room Settings > Rooms & Rates
Find your rate and edit, or create new.
In the Release period field, enter a number from 1–180 days. For example, enter "7" if guests must book at least 7 days in advance.
Save changes.
How the release period is sent to connected channels
The release period appears as a stop sell in your Inventory grid, and is sent to any connected channel that supports receiving stop sells.
Here's how it works:
Set the release period for each rate.
As each day passes, any date that falls within your release window is placed on stop sell, so guests can only book dates that are still far enough in advance.
The release period shows in your Inventory grid as a stop sell.
The stop sell is sent to each connected channel automatically, as long as that channel rate is enabled and supports receiving stop sells.
How to see release periods in your inventory
You can view which dates are affected by a release period in your inventory grid, but you cannot update or change the release period setting from the inventory grid.
Rates within the release period show with an orange background in the Inventory grid, similar to a stop sell. This indicates the rate cannot currently be booked due to the advance booking restriction.
Can I remove the release period for specific dates only?
No, you cannot remove the release period restriction for individual dates. The release period applies to all dates for that rate.
If you need to accept same-day bookings or bookings within your release period:
Option 1: Leave the release period field blank if you want to accept same-day bookings for all dates for that rate plan or room rate.
Option 2: Create a separate room rate without release period restrictions. This gives you flexibility for last-minute bookings:
Create a duplicate room rate.
Leave the release period field blank.
Map this new rate to your channels.
Use this rate for periods when you want to accept last-minute bookings.
Open or close this rate as needed in your inventory.
Example scenario: If your release period is set to "1" but you want to open availability for today, you would need to use a separate room rate that doesn't have the release period restriction.