US Booking Services: Freetobook Software, UK's First Self-Funding Online Room Booking Service, Launched For Independent Accommodation Market

Designed specifically for independent properties, US Booking Service's freetobook removes the cost and complexity of offering full on-line room booking functionality. It is the UK's first self-funding booking engine. 

Developed in-house over six months by one of Scotland’s leading independent travel companies, US Booking Services, this newest software gives accommodation owners access to an on-line account where they can easily set up and manage their room inventory. Freetobook is a unique innovation that brings together sophisticated functionality, simplicity of use and freedom of access. It follows on from the success of the company’s integrated on-line reservation systems Justonehotel.com and the extranet roomgenie, servicing the medium and larger hotel market. International hotel chains directly linked to Justonehotel via roomgenie include Radisson, Apex, Thistle, Park Inn, Jurys, Millennium and Macdonald.

Recent industry reports estimated that around 69%* of British holidaymakers now use the internet to research and book their holiday but only 26%** of the smaller, independent properties offer full on-line booking. This coupled with the increase in people enjoying holidays in the UK means many of these independent properties have a great opportunity to grow their business and compete with the more established larger hotel chains. However, customers now expect a good on-line booking experience, with the ability to search live rates and availability and place bookings easily.

Freetobook can handle significantly complex logic (from child ages to minimum stays, room occupancy to meals) but is very straightforward for the user. The property owner pays no usage fee or commission on bookings made on their own website. It is only through extra business brought in from the freetobook websites that a commission is earnt on rooms sold. 

“Given the current economic uncertainly, last year’s trend for Britons to vacation on their own shores is predicted to grow. Overall this is great news for the UK’s smaller independent properties,” says Craig Stewart, Founder and Director of US Booking Services. “Our new software gives these properties access to the best booking technology and online customers can take advantage of more individual, moderately-priced accommodation saving time and money.”

“Freetobook is incredibly easy to use, bookings can be created and managed in seconds and as all inventory is centrally managed, confirmed rooms are removed from the inventory therefore eliminating any errors. Special offers and rate changes can be actioned in minutes,’ adds Director Iain Stewart, US Booking Services.

Visit www.freetobook.com or Freephone: 0800 002 9736.

* The Kelkoo European Travel Index 2010, compiled by the Centre for Economics and Business Research.
** US Booking Services analysed 5,142 UK independent properties from their database. Results revealed that 25% have no known website, 49% have a website with no online booking and only 26% have online booking on their website.

More about US Booking Services:

Established in November 1998 by Craig Stewart to provide accommodation to independent travel agents, this family-run business has grown into one of Scotland’s leading independent travel companies boasting a strong in-house technology capability. Craig’s brother Iain Stewart joined the Glasgow-based company in 2001. Freetobook follows on from the success of the company’s integrated on-line reservation systems Justonehotel.com and the extranet roomgenie, servicing the medium and larger hotel market. International hotel chains directly linked to Justonehotel via roomgenie include Radisson, Apex, Thistle, Park Inn, Jurys, Millennium and Macdonald.

For media enquires please contact:

Caroline Newson, CL Communications 
T: 07990 601560 E: caroline@clcommunications.ca