CRS (Central Reservation System)

Term from Hotel Management industry explained for recruiters

A Central Reservation System (CRS) is like a digital command center for hotels to manage all their bookings and room availability. Think of it as a smart booking system that helps hotels keep track of reservations coming from different places - whether guests book directly through the hotel's website, through travel websites like Expedia, or via phone calls. It's the main tool hotel staff use to check room availability, manage rates, and handle guest bookings. Popular examples include Oracle's OPERA and Amadeus's Hospitality Platform. These systems help prevent double bookings and make sure all booking information is up-to-date across all booking channels.

Examples in Resumes

Managed daily operations of CRS to handle over 200 room bookings per day

Trained staff of 15 front desk agents on Central Reservation System operations

Increased booking efficiency by 40% through optimized use of CRS features

Typical job title: "Reservation Managers"

Also try searching for:

Reservations Manager Front Office Manager Hotel Operations Manager Booking Coordinator Revenue Manager Reservations Supervisor Front Desk Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where the CRS shows conflicting booking information across different channels?

Expected Answer: A senior manager should explain their problem-solving approach: checking all booking sources, prioritizing guest satisfaction, implementing immediate solutions to prevent double bookings, and creating procedures to prevent future conflicts.

Q: How do you use CRS data to optimize revenue management?

Expected Answer: Should discuss analyzing booking patterns, adjusting rates based on demand, using historical data for forecasting, and coordinating with sales and marketing teams to maximize occupancy and revenue.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What strategies do you use to manage overbooking situations?

Expected Answer: Should explain their experience with handling overbooked situations, including working with partner hotels, upgrading rooms, and maintaining guest satisfaction while managing costs.

Q: How do you ensure your team maintains accurate reservation records in the CRS?

Expected Answer: Should discuss training procedures, daily audit processes, regular data checks, and methods for maintaining consistent booking procedures across all staff members.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic features of a CRS do you use daily?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic booking processes, checking room availability, modifying reservations, and handling basic guest requests.

Q: How do you handle a basic booking modification in the CRS?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of changing dates, room types, and guest information, plus knowing when to seek supervisor assistance.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic reservation entry and modification
  • Guest information management
  • Simple rate applications
  • Basic troubleshooting

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Multiple channel booking management
  • Rate optimization
  • Team training and supervision
  • Conflict resolution

Senior (5+ years)

  • Revenue management integration
  • System optimization and customization
  • Strategic planning and forecasting
  • Cross-department coordination

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with major booking channels or travel agencies
  • Lack of customer service skills
  • Unable to handle basic booking modifications
  • No understanding of rate structures or room types
  • Poor attention to detail in reservation management