Updated January 04, 2026
Public Booking Settings
Public Booking Settings in Restaurant Settings allow you to configure the public booking portal where customers can book tables online without logging into the system. This guide covers all public booking portal configuration options.
Accessing Public Booking Settings
To configure public booking settings:
- Navigate to Settings → Restaurant Settings
- Click on "Public Booking Settings" or "Public Portal Configuration"
- Configure public booking options
Enable Public Booking Portal
Activation
Enable or disable the public booking portal:
- Enable Public Booking: Turn on public booking feature
- Portal Status: Active or inactive status
- Maintenance Mode: Temporarily disable portal for maintenance
Access Control
- Public Access: Allow anyone to access booking portal
- Restricted Access: Require access code or invitation
- IP Restrictions: Allow access only from specific IP addresses
Booking URL Configuration
Custom URL
Configure the URL for your booking portal:
- Booking URL: Custom URL for booking portal (e.g., yourrestaurant.com/book)
- URL Slug: Short identifier for booking page
- Subdomain: Use subdomain for booking (e.g., book.yourrestaurant.com)
- Custom Domain: Use your own domain for booking portal
URL Sharing
- Shareable Link: Generate shareable booking link
- QR Code: Generate QR code for booking URL
- Embed Code: Get embed code for website integration
- Social Media Sharing: Enable sharing on social platforms
Customer Registration Requirements
Registration Settings
Configure whether customers need to register:
- Require Registration: Force customers to create account before booking
- Optional Registration: Allow bookings without registration
- Guest Booking: Allow guest bookings with minimal information
- Registration Benefits: Incentivize registration (points, discounts, etc.)
Registration Fields
- Required Fields: Minimum information required (name, email, phone)
- Optional Fields: Additional information (address, preferences, etc.)
- Email Verification: Require email verification for registered users
- Phone Verification: Require phone number verification
Booking Portal Display
Table Display
- Show Available Tables: Display available tables on portal
- Table Information: Show table details (capacity, type, location)
- Table Images: Display table photos
- Floor Plan: Show interactive floor plan
- Real-time Availability: Show real-time table availability
Portal Customization
- Branding: Customize portal with your logo and colors
- Theme: Choose portal theme and layout
- Language: Set default language for portal
- Currency Display: Show prices in your currency
Booking Rules for Public Portal
Booking Restrictions
- Advance Booking Limit: How far in advance customers can book
- Same-day Booking: Allow or restrict same-day bookings
- Minimum Notice: Minimum hours before booking time
- Maximum Guests: Limit on number of guests per booking
Time Restrictions
- Operating Hours Only: Allow bookings only during operating hours
- Peak Hour Restrictions: Different rules for peak hours
- Blackout Times: Times when bookings are not allowed
Online Payment Integration
Payment Options
- Allow Online Payment: Enable payment processing through portal
- Payment Methods: Which payment methods are available
- Payment Gateway: Configure payment gateway integration
- Deposit Payment: Allow online deposit payment
- Full Payment: Allow full payment at booking time
Payment Security
- SSL Certificate: Ensure secure payment processing
- Payment Encryption: Encrypt payment information
- PCI Compliance: Ensure PCI DSS compliance
Booking Confirmation
Confirmation Process
- Auto-confirm: Automatically confirm public bookings
- Manual Approval: Require staff approval before confirmation
- Conditional Auto-confirm: Auto-confirm based on conditions
Confirmation Communication
- Email Confirmation: Send confirmation email immediately
- SMS Confirmation: Send confirmation SMS
- Confirmation Page: Show confirmation message on portal
- Booking Details: Include booking details in confirmation
Customer Information Collection
Required Information
- Customer Name: Require customer name
- Email Address: Require email for confirmation
- Phone Number: Require phone for contact
- Special Requests: Allow customers to add special requests
- Dietary Restrictions: Collect dietary preferences
Optional Information
- Address: Optional address collection
- Birthday: Optional birthday for special offers
- Preferences: Table preferences, cuisine preferences
- Marketing Consent: Opt-in for marketing communications
Portal Features
Additional Features
- Calendar View: Show calendar for date selection
- Time Slots: Show available time slots
- Table Selection: Allow customers to select specific tables
- Guest Count: Input for number of guests
- Special Occasions: Option to mark special occasions
User Experience
- Mobile Responsive: Ensure portal works on mobile devices
- Fast Loading: Optimize portal loading speed
- Easy Navigation: Simple and intuitive booking process
- Help Text: Provide helpful instructions
Notifications and Alerts
Customer Notifications
- Booking Confirmation: Immediate confirmation notification
- Reminder Notifications: Remind customers before booking time
- Change Notifications: Notify if booking details change
- Cancellation Policy: Clear cancellation policy communication
Staff Notifications
- New Booking Alert: Notify staff of new public bookings
- Real-time Updates: Real-time booking notifications
- Dashboard Display: Show public bookings on dashboard
Analytics and Tracking
Portal Analytics
- Booking Statistics: Track bookings from public portal
- Conversion Rate: Track booking conversion rate
- Popular Times: Analyze popular booking times
- Table Preferences: Track popular table selections
Saving Public Booking Settings
After configuring all public booking settings:
- Review all configuration options
- Test booking flow if possible
- Click "Save" or "Update Settings"
- Verify booking URL is accessible
- Test booking process from customer perspective
Best Practices
- Clear Instructions: Provide clear booking instructions on portal
- Mobile Optimization: Ensure portal works perfectly on mobile
- Fast Process: Minimize steps required to complete booking
- Security: Ensure secure payment processing
- Testing: Regularly test booking flow
- Customer Support: Provide support contact for booking issues
- Regular Updates: Keep portal updated with latest features
Related Settings
Public booking settings work together with:
- Booking Settings: General booking rules apply to public portal
- Operating Hours: Portal respects operating hours
- Deposit Settings: Deposit requirements apply to public bookings
- Online Payment Settings: Configure payment gateway for portal
A well-configured public booking portal enhances customer experience and increases bookings!