Refers to a provisional reservation made by a guest or a travel intermediary that holds space—such as a room, suite, meeting venue, or group allocation—without full confirmation, usually pending payment, contract signing, or final decision. In the hospitality and accommodation sector, this mechanism allows hotels and other lodging providers to manage demand strategically while offering guests a short window of security and flexibility. The space is blocked in the property’s reservation system for a specified period, after which it is either confirmed, modified, or automatically released back into inventory if no further action is taken.
Within hotel revenue management and front-office operations, such arrangements are particularly relevant for group travel, events, and high-demand periods. They help properties forecast occupancy, negotiate rates, and prioritize business based on likelihood of conversion, while giving corporate clients, travel agents, and individual travelers time to finalize plans. Clear conditions—such as release dates, deposit requirements, and cancellation terms—are set to balance guest convenience with the property’s need to minimize lost revenue from no-shows or late decisions. When managed correctly, this practice becomes a subtle yet powerful tool, aligning guest expectations with operational efficiency and ensuring that every potential stay can be nurtured into confirmed business.
Example: “The sales manager placed a tentative booking for the wedding party, giving the couple ten days to confirm the room block and sign the contract.”
Synonyms: provisional reservation, hold booking, option booking, unconfirmed reservation, soft booking.
