When you’re new to the world of online bookings, it can be confusing to sort through terms like OTAs, iCal, and channel managers. This guide will walk you through these concepts, compare the pros and cons, and show you how to use them in Mangobeds so you can decide what’s best for your property.
What Are OTAs / Channels?
OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) are online platforms (like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, etc.) where travelers can book accommodations. In Mangobeds, we often refer to these platforms simply as “channels.”
Why List on OTAs?
OTAs can boost your visibility and bring in more bookings. However, managing availability, pricing, and reservations on multiple OTAs by hand can be time-consuming.
Channel Connectors / Direct Integrations
Some OTAs can be connected directly to Mangobeds through an integration (channel manager). This allows Mangobeds to automatically send rates and availability to the OTA and retrieve complete booking details (guest name, payment info, etc.).
In Mangobeds, channel manager integrations are included in some plans, so you may already have access depending on your subscription.
What Is iCal?
iCal (short for iCalendar) is a calendar file format used to share availability data between different apps. In the context of accommodations:
How It Works
- Each calendar (for example, a specific unit’s availability) is shared via a unique iCal URL.
- Other platforms (like Airbnb, Booking.com, Google Calendar, or Mangobeds) can import this URL to see if certain dates are blocked or available.
- The sync is typically not instant. Most platforms refresh iCal links at intervals (every few hours is common).
iCal Pros
- Widely supported by many platforms.
- Simple to set up.
- Great for blocking out rooms or dates quickly.
iCal Cons
- Cost and overhead: iCal has a cost associated with it, and it often adds extra work on the operations side (more checks, more manual follow-up).
- Limited data: it usually only syncs basic information like dates. It won’t import detailed guest or payment data into Mangobeds.
- More monitoring needed: with iCal, you typically need to keep a closer eye on calendars, verify updates are coming through, and handle more “ops admin” compared to a direct integration.
Learn how to use iCal in Mangobeds →
What Is a Channel Manager?
A channel manager is a service (or app) that connects your property management system (PMS) directly to OTAs.
How It Works
The channel manager acts as a bridge between Mangobeds and the OTA, syncing in near real time.
When a room is booked, the channel manager sends the details (guest info, payment status, etc.) into Mangobeds automatically and adjusts availability across your connected channels.
Channel Manager Pros
- Real-time updates: reduces the chance of double-booking.
- Complete data sync: brings over guest details, payments, and more into Mangobeds.
- Easier management: update rates and availability in one place (Mangobeds), and changes are sent to every connected OTA.
Channel Manager Cons
- Setup and learning curve: connecting everything properly takes a bit of time (we keep it as simple as possible).
In Mangobeds, we integrate with many channels. Check them out here
iCal vs. Channel Managers: Quick Comparison
| Feature | iCal | Channel Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Has a cost associated | Included in some Mangobeds plans |
| Data Synced | Dates only (blocks rooms) | Dates, rates, guest details, payments |
| Update Frequency | Periodic (not instant) | Real-time / near real-time |
| Complexity | Simple setup | More advanced setup |
| Best for | Smaller setups, fewer channels, basic blocking | Busy calendars, multiple OTAs, less manual work |
Working with iCal and Channel Managers in Mangobeds
iCal Integration
If you prefer a simpler approach or only have one or two channels to manage, you can use Mangobeds to export or import iCal.
When a booking is made on an OTA, it will appear in Mangobeds as a gray blocked date. You can then create a manual booking to fill in guest details if needed.
Just keep in mind: iCal typically means more manual checking and more ops time. Someone on the team usually needs to monitor updates, confirm blocks are syncing correctly, and handle edge cases when calendars refresh late.
Channel Manager Integration
If you want a more automated experience, consider using our official apps for direct connections.
For channels, Mangobeds can send availability and rates to those OTAs and receive complete booking info when a reservation is made.
This approach reduces your workload and gives you a more seamless setup, especially when you have multiple channels.
Choosing the Right Approach
- Small setup or single OTA: iCal can be enough (as long as you’re OK with the extra checking and ops time).
- Multiple channels or a busy calendar: a channel manager integration is the better option for faster updates, fewer manual tasks, and richer booking data.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between iCal and a channel manager can save you time, reduce booking errors, and help your property run smoothly. If you’re managing fewer OTA connections and don’t mind the extra monitoring, iCal can work well. If you operate across multiple channels and want faster sync plus full booking details inside Mangobeds, a direct channel manager connection is the way to go.
No matter which approach you pick, Mangobeds aims to make it simple and painless to manage your place, retreat, or pop-up events.
Have questions or need help setting things up? Reach out to our support team, we’re here to help you get the most out of Mangobeds!
