Introduction to ReservationKey Custom Fields

By popular demand, you can now customize the Check-In Time field to leave it as a text field, or make it a dropdown with your own dropdown selection text.

To make a dropdown, go to Website tab, Reservation Pages, edit your page, scroll down to near the bottom, the section called Reservation Form, and click Customize. In the label field for Check-In Time, add your label, in this format:
[label name] dropdown:[value1#value2#value3]

Everything after the word “dropdown:” will be assumed to be the dropdown values, separated by # sign. Everything up to the word “dropdown:” is treated as the label for the field.

Such as:
Check-in Time (11am – 11pm only) dropdown:11am-1pm#1pm-3pm#3pm-5pm#5pm-7pm#7pm-11pm

Here is what the final product looks like:

In the world of online bookings, clarity and consistency are key. If you're using ReservationKey and still relying on open-text fields for your guests’ check-in times, it’s time to step up your form game. This blog will walk you through how to create a dropdown field for check-in time in ReservationKey, making your forms more user-friendly and error-proof.

Why Dropdowns Are Better Than Text Inputs

Open text fields allow flexibility—but sometimes, that’s a problem. Guests might write “eleven,” “11AM,” or even “late afternoon.” You don’t want to interpret vague entries every time. A dropdown solves that.

Importance of Structured Check-In Data

Having structured check-in options improves:

• Scheduling for cleaning and reception
• Sync with automated systems
• Fewer misunderstandings and guest calls

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Create the Dropdown Field

Step 1: Access Your Reservation Page

1. Log in to ReservationKey.
2. Click the Website tab.
3. Select Reservation Pages.
4. Choose the page you want to edit.

Step 2: Navigate to the Form Editor

Scroll down to the Reservation Form section and click Customize.

Step 3: Add Dropdown Formatting Syntax

Now, update the label of your check-in field using this format:

Check-in Time dropdown:11am-1pm#1pm-3pm#3pm-5pm#5pm-7pm#7pm-11pm


The part before dropdown: is your label. The part after is a list of options, separated by the # symbol.

Step 4: Sample Code for Dropdown Setup

Here’s a great example:

Check-in Time (11am – 11pm only) dropdown:11am-1pm#1pm-3pm#3pm-5pm#5pm-7pm#7pm-11pm

This will show a neat dropdown list with 5 clearly defined time blocks.

Step 5: Save and Preview Your Form

After updating the field:

• Click Save.
• View your live booking form.
• Test the dropdown to confirm it appears correctly.

Example Dropdown Field Configuration

Recommended Time Blocks

• 11am–1pm
• 1pm–3pm
• 3pm–5pm
• 5pm–7pm
• 7pm–11pm

These blocks ensure flexibility while keeping things manageable.

Customizing for Unique Check-In Policies

You can adjust blocks to suit your operations:

• Add overnight check-ins
• Restrict early check-in requests
• Create time-specific pricing if needed

Benefits of Using Dropdown Fields

AdvantageWhy It’s ImportantConsistencyAvoids typos and vague entriesBetter UXEasier for users to choose a valid timeEfficiencySimplifies internal planning

Advanced Custom Field Tips

ReservationKey isn’t limited to dropdowns. You can also:

• Link fields to specific unit types (great for multiple properties)
• Use conditional fields to show extra inputs based on user selections
• Try checkboxes, radio buttons, or text areas for more flexibility

You’ll find all these under Settings → Custom Fields.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Skipping the dropdown: keyword
• ❌ Using commas instead of #
• ❌ Not testing the form live
• ❌ Forgetting to press Save

Double-check your formatting and preview everything!

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