A Rate Override allows you to set a specific price for a room type and date range, replacing the existing rate from your rate sheet.
Rate Overrides are best used for short-term, once-off pricing changes where you want full control over the final amount charged, rather than applying a percentage-based adjustment.
When Should I Use a Rate Override?
Use a Rate Override when you want to:
- Set an exact price (e.g. R1,950 instead of R2,100).
- Adjust rates for specific dates only.
- Make a temporary pricing change outside your normal seasonal rates.
- Correct an incorrect base rate quickly.
- Price special events, public holidays, or peak-demand dates.
If you need rules, conditions, or promotional logic, a Rate Discount is usually a better option.
Important Things to Know Before You Start
Before adding a Rate Override, keep the following in mind:
- Rate Overrides replace the base rate completely.
- They do not support:
- Minimum stays
- Booking windows
- Early Bird or Last Minute rules
- Only one date range can be used per override.
- Overrides apply to online bookings.
- Overrides may cancel Rate Discounts if both apply to the same dates.
How Rate Overrides Appear to Guests
On the NightsBridge Booking Engine
- The overridden rate is shown as the nightly price.
- No discount label is displayed.
- The original rate is not visible.
On Booking Channels
- The channel receives the overridden rate as the standard price.
- No indication is shown that a rate override was used.
- From a guest’s perspective, the rate looks normal.
This is expected behaviour.
What Happens If a Discount Also Applies?
If a Rate Discount and a Rate Override apply to the same room type and dates:
- NightsBridge applies system rules to decide which rate is used.
- In many cases, the Rate Override replaces the discount.
- This can result in the discount not applying.
To avoid unexpected pricing:
- Avoid overlapping overrides and discounts unless intentional.
- Always test pricing on your booking engine after adding an override.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Rate Override when a Rate Discount would be more flexible.
- Overlapping overrides with active discounts.
- Expecting overrides to show as promotions on booking channels.
When Not to Use a Rate Override
Do not use a Rate Override if:
- You want to apply a percentage change.
- You need booking conditions or rules.
- You want the price to display as a promotion.
- You want to run Early Bird, Last Minute, or Long Stay deals.
In these cases, use a Rate Discount instead.