FAQ - Revenue Management / Using VM RM with Best Rev or Duetto

Can I use Visual Matrix rate level restrictions if I use BestRev or Duetto for pricing?

Yes — you can use Visual Matrix’s Rate Level Open/Close restrictions while letting BestRev or Duetto manage the actual pricing. However, you must enable Auto-Tiering in the system in order to use these restrictions, even if you don't want Visual Matrix to manage rates.

If BestRev is controlling rates, what should I do in the tiering configuration?

Set all tiering configurations to Base, so that no actual tier-based rate changes occur. Visual Matrix will pass through all rates from BestRev while still allowing you to control rate level availability and restrictions (like opening/closing certain rate levels).

Why would I use Visual Matrix for restrictions if BestRev is managing rates?

Because BestRev does not support automatic restrictions like CTA or rate level closures. By using Visual Matrix for availability controls, you get a more complete revenue strategy — pairing BestRev’s rate generation with VM’s restriction automation.

What’s the benefit of using Visual Matrix beyond BestRev’s 90-day pricing window?

BestRev only pushes rates for the next 90 days. You can use Visual Matrix to manage pricing or restrictions beyond 90 days, such as setting Tier 9 rates far in advance or preparing for high-demand events not yet recognized by BestRev. Visual Matrix can keep higher rates active beyond BestRev’s forecasting window.

What if I only want to use Visual Matrix for rates after a certain date?

You can configure the system so that:

- Visual Matrix controls pricing or restrictions before BestRev kicks in (e.g., 180+ days out).

- Set Tier 9 or custom tiers for dates outside BestRev’s active window, then let BestRev take over inside the 90-day window.

Does Duetto work the same way as BestRev with Visual Matrix?

Not exactly. Duetto typically manages a 365-day pricing window, so hotels using Duetto generally do not need to use Visual Matrix’s tiering or restriction tools. Duetto handles both pricing and restrictions across a full year.

Can I set custom booking windows when working with an external RMS?

Yes — you can create an unlimited number of booking windows in Visual Matrix (e.g., 90, 120, 180 days) and assign restrictions or placeholders as needed to work around the limitations of your external RMS.

What’s the required setup if I only want to use Visual Matrix for rate level restrictions?

Turn on Auto-Tiering (required for any RM features).

Set all tiers to "Base" to avoid triggering pricing charges.

Use the Rate Level Open/Close grid to configure which rate plans (A–H) should be open or closed at each trigger level.

What happens if I don’t turn on Auto-Tiering while using BestRev or Duetto?

None of the rate-level restrictions or occupancy-based triggers will activate. Visual Matrix requires Auto-Tiering to be enabled to access any of its Revenue Management functionalities, even if you're not using it to control pricing.

Can I use Visual Matrix to apply restrictions during special events that BestRev doesn’t recognize?

Yes. Since BestRev only controls a 90-day window, you can preemptively configure restrictions or higher tiers in Visual Matrix for high-demand events like concerts or conventions outside that window, ensuring your hotel is protected in advance.

What’s the best practice for configuring Visual Matrix alongside BestRev?

Set all tier levels to Base to prevent rate overrides, then use the Rate Level Open/Close feature to manage restrictions. This setup allows BestRev to control pricing while Visual Matrix controls availability rules.

Can I still configure Tier Rates in Visual Matrix if BestRev is active?

Yes, but it’s recommended to assign Tier Base across all occupancy triggers so Visual Matrix does not interfere with rate control. The tier setup becomes structural for allowing restrictions, not pricing.

If I use Visual Matrix to manage post-90-day pricing, do those rates sync with my Channel Manager?

Yes. Any rate change triggered by Visual Matrix’s auto-tiering (outside of BestRev’s window) is automatically pushed to the Channel Manager, ensuring consistency across all OTA and direct booking platforms.

Can I mix and match tiers and restrictions based on booking windows even with an external RMS?

Yes. You can assign Tier 9 for dates 180+ days out, Tier Base for 90–179 days, and allow BestRev to take over for the last 90. This lets you fully customize hybrid control across the booking horizon.

What if BestRev updates the rate but I still want to control discount levels?

You can use Rate Level Open/Close to control which rate plans (e.g., discounts) are visible — even if BestRev sets the rate. This allows you to accept BestRev’s price while limiting lower-value offerings during high demand.

 

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