Connecting to Homeaway/VRBO with Sympl

Since HomeAway and VRBO are shared listing platforms, you only need to make one connection. This platform requires that you set up an iCal connection. Once the method outlined below is completed, you will have two-way synchronization. This will eliminate any potential double bookings by continuously updating calendars on both your Sympl rentals and your HomeAway/VRBO calendar.

Step 1: Calendar Exporting

  1. Navigate to the Channels module from the top menu bar.

  2. Click the + Add Channel button.

  3. In the Channels Overlay, select the iCal tab and locate the HomeAway/VRBO option. Click Connect or on the + icon if there are existing connections.

  4. In the Exported Calendars section, click the Add icon.

  5. Select the rental from the dropdown list and click Export.

  6. In the popup, copy your Sympl iCal URL.

  7. On the Reservations Calendar page, click the "Import/Export" option at the top of the screen, then select "Import Calendar" from the drop-down menu.

  8. When the "Import Calendar" page loads, you will be able to paste your exported calendar URL into the URL field and give your calendar import a name. Click the "Import Calendar" button to complete the process.

Step 2: Calendar Importing

  1. In HomeAway: On the Reservations Calendar page, you can locate and click the "Import/Export" button again and choose the "Export" option.

  2. The subsequent page will provide you with a calendar URL - copy this to your clipboard and return to your Sympl dashboard.

  3. In Sympl: Navigate to the Channels module from the top menu bar.

  4. Click the + Add Channel button.

  5. In the Channels Overlay, select the iCal tab and locate the HomeAway/VRBO option. Click Connect or on the + icon if there are existing connections.

  6. Scroll down to the Imported Calendars section and click the Add icon.

  7. Complete the required information:

Please note that HomeAway/VRBO provides an option to export either tentative or non-tentative reservations. For the purposes of blocking time on the calendar, you will want to select non-tentative. Choosing the option to send tentative reservations will result in inquiries blocking dates on your Sympl calendar rather than only confirmed bookings.

What Happens Next?

  • Sympl will import all of your HomeAway/VRBO bookings and blocked dates.

  • All imported HomeAway/VRBO events become Hold Events in Sympl.

  • iCal is a calendar link only.  You will want to continue managing rates in HomeAway/VRBO.

  • You can convert Hold Events to Bookings in Sympl and enter additional info, by clicking on the Hold Event in your Sympl calendar and pressing "Edit", then "Convert".

As always, please contact us with questions any time.  We're happy to help.
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