# Introduction

Whether you run a small hostel or a multi-location operation, this documentation shows you how to handle the essentials: take bookings, manage rooms and beds, sync with OTAs, and process payments securely.

## Why Hostel Mate

* Simple, fast tools for daily front-desk work
* Reliable OTA syncing with leading channels
* Built-in payments and finance reporting
* Secure data handling and user permissions

## Start Here

* Front Desk overview: [Front Desk](https://docs.hostelmate.co/front-desk)
* Finance management: [Finance](https://docs.hostelmate.co/finance-management)
* Channel mapping (OTAs): [Channel Guides](https://docs.hostelmate.co/channel-mapping-guides)

## Common Tasks

* Add or modify a booking: [Booking Management](https://docs.hostelmate.co/front-desk/booking-management)
* Check-in and check-out: [Check-In & Check-Out](https://docs.hostelmate.co/front-desk/check-in-check-out)
* Connect Booking.com or Airbnb: [Booking.com](https://docs.hostelmate.co/channel-mapping-guides/booking.com), [Airbnb](https://docs.hostelmate.co/channel-mapping-guides/airbnb)
* Set up Stripe payments: [Stripe](https://docs.hostelmate.co/finance-management/payment-processing/stripe)

## Need Help?

If you get stuck, open [Contact Support](https://docs.hostelmate.co/contact-support) for the fastest way to reach us.