Booking, Airbnb and your own website: one calendar, no double bookings

How iCal sync works in practice

iCal is an open calendar format that Booking.com, Airbnb and Vrbo all support. Each calendar provides a link through which other systems can read its availability — and likewise a link through which it can take on availability from elsewhere. Step by step, it looks like this:

1. 01

   Get the iCal links from the platforms

   Booking.com and Airbnb offer an export function in each listing's calendar settings that generates an iCal link. When we build your website, we add these links for you — you don't have to configure anything yourself.

2. 02

   Connect the calendars both ways

   The links are entered on both sides: your website reads the platforms' availability, and the platforms read your website's availability. This creates a two-way sync — not just a one-way import.

3. 03

   New booking: the date is blocked everywhere

   When a guest books on Booking.com, the period shows as occupied in your central calendar and is passed on to Airbnb and Vrbo. When someone books directly on your website, that blocks the platforms in the same way.

4. 04

   Cancellation: the date frees up again

   When a guest cancels, the block disappears from all calendars at the next sync. The period is bookable again across all channels — without you having to free it up by hand anywhere.

5. 05

   Conflict alert as a safety net

   Should two bookings overlap in time despite the sync, the system reports the conflict immediately. You can react while there's still time — instead of finding out about the double booking only at check-in.

Frequently asked questions about calendar sync

How do I sync my Airbnb calendar with Booking.com?

Via iCal export and import: both platforms generate an iCal link in their calendar settings, which you enter on the other platform. A more elegant approach is a central hub — such as your own website with a booking system, which connects all calendars and gives you a single overview. At apartmentsite we set up this connection when we build your website.

What's the difference between iCal and a channel manager?

iCal syncs availability and calendars: a booking on one channel blocks the date on all the others. A channel manager additionally transfers prices and listing content between the platforms. That makes sense for large hotels — but it costs accordingly. For 1 to 10 holiday lets whose listings rarely change, iCal is usually all you need.

How quickly does the iCal sync update?

iCal works with regular sync intervals: the platforms fetch the calendar links at intervals they set themselves — usually anywhere from minutes to a few hours. So a booking isn't visible everywhere in the same second. That's exactly why apartmentsite has the conflict alert as a safety net for the rare gap between two syncs.

What happens with a cancellation?

The block is lifted automatically: when a guest cancels on Booking.com or Airbnb, the occupied period disappears from all connected calendars at the next sync. The date is then bookable again across all channels and on your own website. You don't have to free anything up by hand — and so you don't forget anything either.

Do I need a channel manager for 2-3 holiday lets?

In the vast majority of cases, no. A channel manager pays off if you often have to manage prices and content across many channels at once. With 2-3 properties the real risk is the double booking — and that's exactly what iCal sync solves. You save yourself the cost of a system whose features you'd hardly use.

How do I avoid double bookings across several platforms?

With three building blocks: first, connect all calendars both ways via iCal so every booking blocks everywhere. Second, use a central overview where you see all channels at a glance. Third, a conflict alert that reports overlaps immediately. At apartmentsite all three building blocks are included in the subscription from €49 per month.

Does the sync also work with Vrbo?

Yes. Vrbo supports iCal just like Booking.com and Airbnb. Your apartmentsite website can connect to all three platforms at once — every booking blocks the date on all channels, and every cancellation frees it up again. Several properties, each with their own platform calendars, are no problem either.

Do I have to set up the sync myself?

No. apartmentsite isn't a website builder: you send us the links to your listings on Airbnb or Booking.com, and we build your website with a booking system within 48 hours — including the calendar connection to the platforms. After that you try it free for 14 days, no credit card, and from activation you have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.