Thanks for the recommendation! Our developers have a pretty full plate right now, and they generally don't work on writing to new integrations. However, we do have an open API, so if you know anyone on the CuddlyNest side you can suggest they get in contact with us about developing an API connection and provide them the info below.
OwnerRez offers two open API methods that can be used, depending on what exactly you're looking to do.
First is our open OAuth-based API that you can read about here:https://www.ownerrez.com/support/articles/api-overview
That has traditional GET, POST end points for communicating with an OwnerRez account on demand and in real time. However, that is pretty limited as we only expose certain things and are working to expand it. For instance, you cannot book a property that way (ie. send live bookings through that). Each individual OwnerRez account owner also has to specifically authorize connection with your service using OAuth in their account.
We then also have a Channel Manager side that allows you to become a first-class integrated "channel" (like Vrbo, Booking.com, Airbnb, etc) and promotes you equally with those guys.
You can read about this API here:
To do this, you'd have to follow a feeds-based structure, which is compromised of:
- Pulling XML feeds on a regular basis throughout the day (listing content, (photos, etc) and rates, rules and availability) to keep your side up to date
- Doing a "fast availability" check against our live quote and rates API when your website visitors are trying to book or get a quote (this ensures there is no lag time between changes)
- Pushing bookings across with credit card info via our OLB (online booking) end point which accepts live card data and then creates bookings on our side. This requires documented PCI compliance for credit card information handling. Alternatively, you can use our quote redirect process to send the guest to OwnerRez with a quote to book, which allows them to enter their credit card information into OwnerRez which is already PCI certified.
- Checking our BUS service (booking update service) to see if a booking was cancelled or get status information from our side after the fact
For monetization using the Channel Manager API, you have a couple of choices:
- Bill the guest's credit card for a service fee prior to sending the booking over to us (which is what Vrbo does)
- Don't bill any fees inline, but keep track of bookings that are sent across and then bill the owner/PM for the number of bookings they have per month (like Booking.com or HomeToGo does)
- Annual subscription fee, where the number of bookings and their charges is irrelevant.
Here's more information about how to use our HAXML Sandbox for testing the Channel Manager API:https://www.dropbox.com/s/eau29e6kzxgb7iv/HAXML%20Sandbox%20Instructions.pdf?dl=0
