👉 The rules of the game for booking rooms.
📘 What are Restrictions?
Restrictions in hospitality are conditions that limit or control room bookings, aiming to optimise revenue and manage occupancy.
- They can be minimum/maximum nights, specific arrival days, closed-out dates, etc.
- Applied to rates, packages or distribution channels.
✅ Why are Restrictions important?
Because they allow the hotel to control occupancy and maximise profitability:
- Prevent unprofitable bookings on high-demand dates.
- Optimise stays and minimise gaps in the calendar.
- Help coordinate sales across channels and segments.
💡 Practical example of Restrictions
A hotel sets a minimum 3-night stay for bookings during a long weekend. This ensures rooms are not blocked for short stays, increasing occupancy and revenue.
🔄 Disambiguation of Restrictions
- Restrictions vs Cancellation Policies: Cancellation policies affect what happens if the guest cancels, while restrictions affect how and when a room can be booked.
- Restrictions vs Availability: Availability shows if rooms are free; restrictions limit who can book and under what conditions.
In summary:
Restrictions = rules applied to bookings to control occupancy, maximise revenue, and organise the room calendar.