Hospitable gives you two ways to add bookings that don’t come from connected channels like Airbnb or Vrbo: manual bookings and Direct bookings.
Choosing the right one depends on a simple question:
Do you want Hospitable to collect payment from the guest?
Yes → Use a Direct booking
No → Use a manual booking
Manual Bookings
A manual booking is a calendar entry used to block dates and track reservation details.
What manual bookings do
Block dates on your calendar
Store guest details
Trigger automations (messages, tasks, smart lock codes)
Appear in reports and owner statements
Support rental agreements and guest verification (if configured)
What manual bookings do not do
Collect or process payments
Charge or schedule payments automatically
Calculate or apply taxes automatically
If you use a manual booking for a paying guest, you must handle payment outside of Hospitable.
When to use manual bookings
Use manual bookings when:
The guest has already paid you outside Hospitable (cash, bank transfer, invoice)
You’re blocking dates for owner stays or maintenance
You’re importing or tracking past reservations
The booking comes from a source not connected to Hospitable
Direct Bookings
A Direct booking is a reservation where Hospitable manages the booking and payment flow.
What Direct bookings do
Collect payments from guests during checkout
Apply your payment terms and schedule (including installments, if configured)
Calculate and apply taxes based on your setup
Trigger automations (messages, tasks, smart lock codes)
Include guest verification and rental agreements as part of the booking flow
Provide a full booking experience through your site, widget, or booking link
What Direct bookings do not do
Support external/off-platform payment collection
Allow skipping the built-in checkout and payment flow
Do not use Direct bookings if the guest has already paid outside Hospitable, as they may be charged again.
When to use Direct bookings
Use Direct bookings when:
Guests are booking through your website or booking link
You want Hospitable to collect and manage payments
You want taxes, policies, and fees applied automatically
You want a complete guest booking experience (checkout, confirmation, guest portal)
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Manual Booking | Direct Booking |
Payment collection | Not handled by Hospitable | Collected through Hospitable |
Payment scheduling | Not available | Based on your payment terms |
Tax calculation | Not automatic | Automatic (based on setup) |
Guest verification | Available (if configured) | Included in booking flow |
Rental agreements | Supported | Supported |
Guest checkout experience | Not included | Included |
Automations & tasks | Yes | Yes |
Calendar blocking | Yes | Yes |
Financial reporting | Yes | Yes |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a manual booking for a paying guest
→ Payments will not be collected automaticallyUsing a Direct booking for a guest who already paid outside Hospitable
→ The guest may be charged again
Still Not Sure?
Ask yourself:
Do I need Hospitable to collect payment from the guest?
Yes → Use a Direct booking
No → Use a manual booking
What’s Next
Once you’ve chosen the right booking type, you can:
Add a Direct booking
Create a manual booking
Configure payment terms and policies