How can I add/delete a manual calendar block?
Managing your calendar keeps your availability accurate and prevents double bookings. This guide explains how to add and remove manual calendar blocks in your Holidu Host account.
Did you know? If you're blocking dates to manage a direct booking you received outside of Holidu — via WhatsApp, email, or phone — you can handle it entirely within Holidu instead. Use the Direct Booking feature to send a professional offer, collect payment securely, and have the booking appear automatically in your calendar. No manual block needed.
How to Add a Manual Calendar Block
Adding a manual calendar block is straightforward and takes just a few steps. Follow this process to block out your unavailable dates:
- Log in to your Holidu Host account.
- Go to the Calendar section at the top of your dashboard.
- Click Block in the Availability panel on the right side.
- Select dates by clicking your start date, then your end date.
- Confirm dates by clicking Confirm dates on the right side.
- Enter details in the pop-up form that appears.
- Save to apply the block to your calendar.
Once saved, the blocked dates will appear on your calendar and guests will not be able to book during this period.
How to Remove a Manual Calendar Block
If you need to remove a previously created calendar block, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the Calendar section in your Holidu Host account.
- Click on the blocked dates you want to remove.
- Select Remove Block from the menu that appears.
- Confirm if prompted.
- The calendar updates automatically.
Your calendar will immediately reflect the removal of the block, making those dates available for new bookings.
Important Considerations for Managing Your Calendar
To maximize your bookings and maintain an accurate calendar, keep the following points in mind:
- Keeping your calendar up to date prevents double bookings and maximises occupancy.
- There is currently no way to automatically open or close availability based on lead time (e.g., after 9, 12, or 18 months). To control availability beyond a certain timeframe, manually block or unblock the relevant dates.
- If you need at least one day between stays for cleaning, block that date manually as soon as possible. Automatic gap rules between check-out and check-in are not currently available.
- Review your calendar blocks periodically to make sure you're not missing booking opportunities.
Tip: Manage direct bookings without the manual work. Holidu's direct booking tools — including the Offer Tool, Host Website, and Booking Module — let you receive, manage, and track direct bookings in one place, with automatic calendar sync, secure payments, and guest messaging built in.
Best Practices for Calendar Management
To get the most out of your Holidu calendar, consider these best practices:
- Block dates as far in advance as possible for any known unavailable periods, such as personal vacations or scheduled maintenance.
- Update your calendar promptly after receiving direct bookings outside of Holidu to avoid accidental double bookings.
- Schedule regular maintenance blocks during seasons when demand is typically lower to minimize lost booking opportunities.
- Use blocking strategically for cleaning days between guest stays to ensure your property is always ready.
- Review blocked dates monthly to identify any unnecessary blocks that could be converted to available booking dates.
Common Calendar Block Scenarios
Here are some typical situations where you might want to add a manual calendar block:
- Personal travel: Block dates when you plan to be away from your property.
- Maintenance and repairs: Reserve time for cleaning, inspections, or necessary property updates.
- Direct bookings: Block dates for reservations made outside the Holidu platform until you can add them as proper bookings.
- Seasonal closures: Block extended periods if you choose to close your property during low seasons.
- Turnover time: Create buffers between checkout and check-in for thorough cleaning and property preparation.
Need Additional Help?
If you have questions about managing your calendar or need further assistance with calendar blocks, please contact us using our contact form. Our support team is here to help you make the most of your Holidu Host account.
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