Group Allocation Drop Types Explained (Cloud)
The allocation drop type and associated drop date/days settings control when non-picked allocations (rooms reserved for the group but not converted to reservations) are released back into general inventory. Understanding these settings helps ensure your block behaves as intended, avoids leaving rooms unnecessarily blocked, and maximizes revenue opportunities. In the following sections, we’ll explain the four drop-type options, how they work, and when to use each (You can edit these fields under Front Office → Group → Stay Details when setting or modifying a group).
Path: Front Office > Group > Stay Details
Overview
When setting up a group’s stay, each of these drop types dictates when unused allocations are released:
Drop Type | Description | Use Case/Notes |
X days before arrival | All non-picked allocations are released on the date that is X days prior to arrival. | Useful when you want to free rooms well ahead of arrival if the group isn’t picking them. |
Arrival date | Non-picked allocations drop on the arrival date itself. | Sometimes used when flexibility is needed until check-in day. |
Departure date | Any allocations left unpicked by the departure date are dropped. | May leave some nights blocked even if a guest leaves early — used when full stay guarantee applies. |
Days from audit date | Allocations drop incrementally, X days before each night’s stay relative to audit date. | For example: With a 5-night stay and “5 days before audit,” the first night’s allocations drop earlier, subsequent nights drop day-by-day. |
Note for Best Western Properties - Allocation Drop
You will see only two drop-type options instead of four:
- Standard: You manually select a specific date for the drop (instead of choosing Arrival Date, Departure Date, or Days Before Arrival).
- Rolling: Releases allocations day by day based on the number of days from the audit date.
The default drop type/days can be configured in Management > Property Settings > Parameters.
Still Need Help With This Topic?
Ask Yourself:
- Which drop type best suits this group’s flexibility and risk?
- Have I set the correct drop days or date consistent with arrival/departure?
- Do I understand how the “Days from audit” type affects nightly allocations?
- Did I check or override the default property parameter?
Support May Ask You:
- What is the Group ID you’re editing?
- What drop type and drop days/date did you choose?
- Show a screenshot of the Stay Details screen with the drop fields.
- Does your property have a default drop type set in Parameters?
- Is the group currently checked in or partially picked up (which may affect drop behavior)?
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