Expedia Partner Central: The Essential Handbook for Hotels
Hotels and Resorts, discover everything you need to know to maximize conversion on Expedia Partner Central
Hotels and resorts face intense competition for traveler attention. In 2023, Expedia Group facilitated $104 billion in bookings, making it a critical channel for properties aiming to boost occupancy and revenue. Yet, simply listing your hotel isn’t enough. Success on Expedia Partner Central (EPC) depends on how well you set up your account, manage your content, and use the platform’s tools to stand out. This handbook explains how to get started, maximize your visibility, and use essential EPC features—while highlighting how OCUS’s visual content solutions can give your property a decisive edge.
Table of Contents
- What is Expedia Partner Central?
- Why Hotels and Resorts Use Expedia Partner Central
- How to Set Up Your Expedia Partner Central Account
- Navigating the Expedia Extranet Dashboard
- Essential Tools for Hotels on EPC
- Maximizing Visibility: Tips and Best Practices
- The OCUS Advantage for Visual Content
- Conclusion & Next Steps
What is Expedia Partner Central?
Expedia Partner Central is the management platform for hotels and resorts within the Expedia Group’s network. By listing your property on EPC, you gain access to millions of travelers across Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, and other leading OTAs. The platform centralizes your property’s online presence, allowing you to:
- Manage listings, rates, and availability in real time
- Track bookings and guest interactions
- Respond to reviews and monitor performance
EPC’s unified dashboard streamlines operations, helping you stay competitive and responsive in a fast-moving market[1][2].
Why Hotels and Resorts Use Expedia Partner Central
Global Reach and Increased Bookings
Expedia’s network connects your property to a worldwide audience, from business travelers to vacationers. Whether you manage a boutique hotel or a large resort, EPC helps you attract international guests and fill rooms year-round[2].
Centralized Management
Instead of juggling multiple OTAs, EPC lets you synchronize rates, inventory, and content across platforms. This reduces manual work and the risk of overbooking, freeing up time for guest service and strategy[1].
Data-Driven Revenue Optimization
EPC’s analytics and the Rev+ tool provide actionable insights—like occupancy trends and competitor pricing—so you can adjust rates and packages to maximize revenue.
Enhanced Guest Experience
The platform consolidates guest reviews and feedback, making it easier to respond and improve your reputation. Prompt, professional engagement with reviews can directly influence booking decisions[1].
How to Set Up Your Expedia Partner Central Account
Getting started on EPC is straightforward, but attention to detail is key for long-term success.
Step 1: Register Your Property
- Visit the Expedia Partner Central website and select “List Your Property.”
- Provide essential details: location, room types, amenities, and services.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
- Fill out every section with accurate, up-to-date information.
- Detailed descriptions and transparent policies help set guest expectations.
Step 3: Upload High-Quality Photos
- Listings with high-quality images receive up to 63% more bookings than those with poor visuals.
- Use professional photography to showcase rooms, amenities, and unique features.
Step 4: Set Rates and Availability
- Enter your room rates, availability, and any restrictions (like minimum stays).
- Adjust for seasonality and special events to stay competitive.
Step 5: Verify Your Listing
- Expedia reviews your submission and may request additional information.
- Once approved, your property goes live and is visible to millions of travelers.
Tip: Properties with 20+ high-quality images see 136% more bookings than those with fewer or lower-quality photos.
Navigating the Expedia Extranet Dashboard
After logging in at expediapartnercentral.com with your registered email and password, you’ll access the EPC dashboard—the control center for your property’s online presence[1][3][4].
Key dashboard features:
- Booking Overview: Monitor occupancy, upcoming arrivals, and booking trends.
- Rate Management: Adjust room rates in response to demand or special events.
- Guest Reviews: Read and respond to guest feedback to build your reputation.
- Profile Management: Update property details, amenities, and policies as needed.
If you forget your password, use the “Forgot Your Password?” link to reset your credentials quickly[4].
Essential Tools for Hotels on EPC
Expedia Partner Central offers a suite of tools designed to help hotels operate efficiently and attract more guests.
Rev+ Revenue Management
- Provides real-time insights into competitor rates and market demand.
- Suggests pricing adjustments to help you maximize revenue during high and low seasons.
Guest Experience Tools
- Consolidates guest reviews from across Expedia platforms.
- Enables direct responses and generates feedback reports to identify improvement areas.
Rate and Availability Management
- Flexible controls for adjusting rates, setting restrictions, and managing inventory.
- Supports dynamic pricing strategies to respond to market changes.
Calendar Syncing and Channel Management
- Integrates with channel managers to synchronize inventory across multiple OTAs.
- Reduces the risk of double bookings and keeps availability accurate everywhere.
Promotions and Deals
- Create targeted promotions to boost occupancy during slow periods.
- Offer discounts, perks, or packages to attract new guests.
Maximizing Visibility: Tips and Best Practices
Standing out on Expedia requires more than just being listed. Here’s how to make your property irresistible to travelers:
- Enhance Your Profile
- - Use detailed, accurate descriptions for rooms and amenities.
- - Highlight what makes your property unique.
- Optimize Your Photos
- - Invest in professional photography. High-resolution images (minimum 2048 x 1536 pixels) make a strong impression.
- - Maintain consistency in style and branding across all images.
- - Feature your best amenities—like pools, views, or dining options.
- Offer Flexible Cancellation Policies
- - Listings with refundable rates attract more bookings and are prioritized in search results.
- Run Seasonal Promotions
- - Use EPC’s tools to create special offers during low-occupancy periods.
- Respond to Reviews
- - Address both positive and negative feedback professionally.
- - Engaged management signals quality and care to potential guests.
- Monitor Competitor Rates
- - Use Rev+ to track local competitors and adjust your pricing strategy.
- Consult Your Market Manager
- - Expedia assigns market managers to help you optimize your listing and strategy.
The OCUS Advantage for Visual Content
Visual content is the single most influential factor in a traveler’s booking decision. OCUS delivers a comprehensive solution for hotels and resorts seeking to maximize their visual impact:
- On-demand access to a global network of 35,000+ professional photographers in over 43 countries
- AI-powered image enhancement and moderation for consistent, high-quality visuals
- Automated workflows that streamline content management and compliance
- Performance analytics to measure the impact of your images on conversion and revenue
OCUS’s Visual Content-as-a-Service platform is trusted by leading enterprises to deliver flawless, brand-consistent imagery at scale. For hotels on Expedia Partner Central, this means more bookings, higher guest satisfaction, and a stronger online reputation.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Expedia Partner Central is a powerful platform for hotels and resorts aiming to increase bookings, optimize revenue, and manage their online presence efficiently. The most successful properties invest in high-quality visual content, data-driven pricing, and responsive guest engagement.
OCUS empowers hotels to elevate their listings with world-class photography, automated image enhancement, and enterprise-grade content management. Discover how OCUS can help your property stand out and convert more travelers on Expedia and beyond.
Ready to make your hotel irresistible on Expedia?
Learn more about OCUS’s Visual Content-as-a-Service and unlock your property’s full potential.
Citations
[1] https://www.siteminder.com/r/expedia-partner-central/
[2] https://www.mylighthouse.com/resources/blog/expedia-partner-central