> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hostelmate.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hostelmate.co/readme.md).

# 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

## Two apps, one login

Hostel Mate is split in two. Same login, different jobs:

|              | Front Desk                                                           | Finance                                                                                                                       |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Address      | [app.hostelmate.co](https://app.hostelmate.co)                       | [finance.hostelmate.co](https://finance.hostelmate.co)                                                                        |
| Looks like   | Calendar with a menu across the top                                  | Menu down the left side                                                                                                       |
| Go there for | The daily work: bookings, check-in, guests, pricing, channel manager | Setting things up: rooms and beds, property details, booking engine, notifications, staff accounts, reports, plan and billing |

To jump from Front Desk to Finance, open **More** in the top menu and click **Finance**. It opens in a new tab.

If you're hunting for a setting and can't find it, chances are it's in the other app. Rooms are the usual one: you rename them, add beds and change capacity in **Finance → Property Setup → Room Inventory**, not in Front Desk.

## Start Here

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

## Common Tasks

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

## Need Help?

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