Can I get real-time hotel occupancy information through the API so I know which properties have rooms available before I search?

Yes, you can see which hotel rooms and room types are available at a property through the hotel booking API before you search or book. When you query the API for a specific hotel on specific dates, you get back the room inventory that is currently open, so you know what your customer can actually book. This helps you avoid wasting time showing your customers properties that are already sold out or only have rooms left that do not match what they need.

The availability data comes directly from the suppliers, so it updates as bookings come in. However, the speed at which that information refreshes depends on the supplier and their connection to our system. Some suppliers update their inventory in real time, while others may take a little longer. If a room shows as available when you search but becomes unavailable by the time your customer tries to complete the booking, the booking will fail, and you will need to search again and offer them a different option.

Keep in mind that availability can change very quickly at popular hotels, especially during peak travel times. A room that is available when you run your search might be gone a few minutes later if another agent books it. This is why some travel agencies choose to hold rooms for their customers while they think about whether to book, though not all suppliers offer that feature. Check with your supplier to see if room holds are available and what the terms are for your account.