IMPORTANT NOTICE: Packages are not currently supported by the HBook Booking System plugin. This means that if used as configured in the demo of the 5 Star Hotel child theme, expect zero support from the HBook plugin authors for Packages. All inquiries regarding Packages should be sent to MAGI Web Design. If Packages are not desired in its current limited configuration, please remove this functionality from your website, or choose a booking plugin which has this feature.

WHY THIS NOTICE

This notice is to alert you to any potential issues which may arise from utilizing Packages as we've implemented them. We're not trying to scare you, just inform of current Package limitations.

While it was suggested to us by the plugin developers we not include a "Packages" feature due to the added complexity and possible confusion for customers & developers alike, we felt it added great value to you, our customer if given the opportunity to utilize such a powerful tool for generating extra profit.

The plugin authors have stated Package support is in the development pipeline, but no timeline is given. When an update to HBook is available, you will be notified in the Plugins Dashboard of the WordPress Admin area. Click the "Update Details" link, to see if Packages have been added as an official feature to HBook.

PACKAGE LIMITATIONS

Until an official implementation of Packages is available through HBook, you're limited in how Packages can be sold to guests.

For Packages we're utilizing the "Extra Services" feature in HBook. This function is quite flexible, allowing hoteliers to charge extra fees in both optional or compulsory ways. Guests can be given single or multiple extra service options while booking their room, and the price of "Extra Services" are tacked onto the booking total price. Additionally, extra services can be limited to specific rooms (as in our demo).

In a "fully-supported" implementation of Packages, the Room stay would be included in the Package cost, optional add-ons for the Package may be offered during checkout, and discounts would be calculated/triggered. This is not the case in our work-around solution.

OUR PACKAGES IMPLEMENTATION

We've created 4 Package Posts in the 5 Star Hotel demo, and saved the page design as a Divi Library Layout. This saves you hours of development time in creating your own instances should you wish to implement this feature.

To minimize confusion for customers, we've included the following note in the body copy of each Package Post:

Note: By clicking “Book Now”, you will be lead to the Deluxe King Suite where this package is exclusively available. During the Booking process, select this Package under “Optional Extras”, and it will be added to the Room Price. The Package Price excludes the price of your Room, and is intended for a minimum 2-Night stay. By selecting this package, you agree to our Terms & Privacy conditions.

We strongly recommend keeping this notice (or an altered version) so customers are well aware of any limitations. Additionally, make it clear how Packages are processed on your website in your Terms & Conditions page (linked in the note).

In our instance, guests must select their accommodation on the booking form, and click the checkbox for their Package of choice in the "Extra Services" section of the checkout form. The cost of the Package is tacked onto their booking total. No discounts or additional options are applied or appear.

To mitigate confusion, we've included a required Terms & Conditions checkbox in our demo checkout page, so guests would be guided to read how their Package purchase is handled.

If implemented, be aware any inclusions to your Package will need to be manually handled by you. For example, including two opera tickets in your Package entitles you to purchase these tickets prior to your guests arrival, and you must devise a solution to be alerted to this requirement with enough time to purchase the tickets. We recommend implementing email alerts to your mobile phone for new bookings.

It's possible in future HBook will support Packages with Zapier integration, allowing some degree of automation like making purchases on your behalf based on which Package is selected. This is complete speculation, but we'd like to see this implemented.

If you have any questions regarding our custom work-around for Packages, don't hesitate to create a support ticket.