Running a hospitality business means messages come in at all hours: new booking inquiries, check-in questions, and support requests that can spike at the worst possible times. If your responsiveness depends on who’s available, you risk slower replies, missed leads, and an inconsistent guest experience.
That’s why we’re introducing Smart Availability Scheduling for UpMarket’s Virtual Concierge – a new feature that lets you set exactly when your Virtual Concierge is active, aligned to your business hours, peak demand, and off-hours coverage.
The Problem: Hospitality Messaging Doesn’t Follow Business Hours
Guests and prospects don’t wait for 9–5. They message:
- During peak check-in/check-out windows
- Late at night with urgent questions
- On weekends and holidays
- While your team is busy handling on-the-ground operations
Without a clear system, you’re left choosing between “always on” burnout or slower responses that cost bookings and guest satisfaction.
The Solution: Smart Availability Scheduling
Smart Availability Scheduling gives hosts precise control over when UpMarket’s Virtual Concierge is active.
Instead of running automation 24/7 (or turning it off completely), you can configure specific days and time windows so your Virtual Concierge supports your operation when it’s most valuable.
Use it to schedule coverage during:
- Peak times (high message volume)
- Off-hours (when your team is offline)
- Business availability (to match your workflows and staffing)
Why It Matters: Benefits of Smart Availability Scheduling
Stay Fast When Demand Is Highest: Turn on your Virtual Concierge during the busiest hours, such as check-in rushes or weekend spikes so guests get answers quickly and your team stays focused.
Provide Off-Hours Coverage Without Adding Headcount: Keep responsiveness high overnight, on holidays, and outside office hours, without staffing a 24/7 support desk.
Match Your Business Availability and Not Someone Else’s: Every host has different hours, team coverage, and property needs. Smart scheduling helps you align automation with your real operation, so you can stay consistent and in control.
Reduce Missed Leads and Improve Booking Conversion: Fast replies are a competitive advantage. When prospective guests receive timely answers – especially off-hours – you’re more likely to win the booking.
Create a More Consistent Guest Experience: Your guest experience shouldn’t depend on who’s awake or online. Scheduling makes coverage predictable and reliable.
How to Use Smart Availability Scheduling (Step-by-Step)
1. Navigate to AI & Messaging and select the option AI Configuration
2. Under AI Sleep Time, click Add a new item
3. Choose the days you want your Virtual Concierge to be disabled (e.g., business hours, or during non-peak times)
4. Set your sleep time windows, such as:
- Non-Peak times: 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–21:00
- Off-hours: 21:00–08:00
- Business availability: 09:00–18:00
5. Save – your Virtual Concierge will follow your schedule automatically
Pro tip: Start by covering your highest-volume windows (inquiries + check-in), then expand coverage based on results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smart Availability Scheduling?
Smart Availability Scheduling is a feature in UpMarket’s Virtual Concierge that allows hosts to configure the exact days and hours when the Virtual Concierge is active.
How does Smart Availability Scheduling help hosts?
It helps hosts stay responsive during peak times, provide off-hours coverage, and align automation with their business availability, reducing missed leads and improving guest experience.
Can I schedule the Virtual Concierge to run only during peak times?
Yes. You can set specific time windows (like check-in hours or weekend spikes) so your Virtual Concierge is active only when message volume is highest.
Can I enable the Virtual Concierge during off-hours?
Yes. You can schedule the Virtual Concierge to be active overnight, on holidays, or outside office hours to maintain fast responses without staffing 24/7 support.
Does Smart Availability Scheduling replace human support?
No. It helps manage coverage and responsiveness by automating concierge interactions during the hours you choose, while your team focuses on higher-touch tasks.
Is Smart Availability Scheduling available for all UpMarket customers?
Yes, Smart Availability Scheduling is available for all UpMarket clients on a plan which includes the Virtual Concierge
Can I change my schedule later?
Yes. You can update your active days and hours anytime to match seasonal demand, staffing changes, or operational needs.
Get Started: Become an UpMarket Customer
If you want faster responses, happier guests, and fewer missed opportunities, without being “always on”, UpMarket can help.
UpMarket’s Virtual Concierge with its’ new Smart Availability Scheduling lets you automate messaging on your terms: peak times, off-hours, or whenever best suits your availability.
Ready to see how it works? Book a demo for a detailed walkthrough of our brand new feature
Already a customer? Get started with Smart Availability Scheduling right now
