Room Blocking & Direct Bookings: Clear Rules for Property Owners

Hi, I’m Jason, a Business Journalist at Bukit Vista, here to guide you through key policies every property owner should know around room blocking and direct bookings. Today’s spotlight is on a critical operational area that many owners ask us about “Can you block rooms to host direct bookings and avoid OTA commissions?” The answer is both simple and strategic, and understanding it is essential to keeping your property running smoothly.

Understanding Room Blocking

At Bukit Vista, we pride ourselves on seamless reservation management. To achieve this, we ask that all reservations and inquiries come directly through us. Why? Because uniform booking management reduces double-bookings, ensures timely guest support, and keeps occupancy rates optimized.

When is Room Blocking Allowed?

Property owners can block a room, but with one clear rule: the room must be unoccupied, and the block must not overlap with any current or future bookings.

• Permitted: Blocking an empty room temporarily for maintenance or personal use.
• Not Permitted: Blocking a room that already has a reservation or could interfere with future guest interest.

This ensures your property stays in sync with our booking calendar and maintains high standards of guest experience.

What About Direct Booking?

It’s important to understand that all bookings—including those initiated by property owners—must be passed to Bukit Vista. This consistent channeling of reservations allows us to:

• Keep your calendars updated in real-time
• Deliver proper guest communication and arrival planning
• Ensure guest expectations align with the property’s current condition and readiness

If a guest contacts you directly, we simply ask that you inform us so we can handle the details. This not only enhances guest satisfaction but also relieves you from the operational burden of managing check-ins, cleanings, and booking details.

Why the Rules Matter

These policies are designed to eliminate confusion and maximize profitability. Room blocking and direct booking mishandling can result in missed opportunities, overlapping reservations, and poor guest reviews—outcomes no one wants. With Bukit Vista managing all bookings centrally, your property benefits from streamlined processes and consistently high standards.

Conclusion: Watch the Full Explanation

For a more detailed breakdown of room blocking and the reasoning behind our direct booking policy, we invite you to watch the full video. It’s packed with clear examples and helpful insights to help you manage your space like a pro.

Got questions or unique cases? We’d love to hear from you—drop them in the YouTube comments or reach out directly! Let’s work together to keep your property optimized, your guests happy, and your bookings flowing.

Jason, Business Journalist at Bukit Vista