From a family vacation cabin to a professional, high-demand boutique retreat in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, Cabañas Kwepal has transformed its operations with an integrated tech stack by HostXpertz (formally Centauro solutions), compiling of their comprehensive, leading property management platform Hotel Link paired seamlessly with SiteMinder’s award winning channel manager.
What began as a personal getaway quickly evolved into a thriving hospitality business. Located in La Fortuna de San Carlos, with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, Cabañas Kwepal offers private cabins with individual jacuzzis, designed for couples and small families seeking privacy and memorable moments – from anniversary escapes to marriage proposals.
As demand grew, so did operational complexity. To scale confidently and avoid costly mistakes, owner Natascha Maldonado knew she needed to move from manual processes to a professional, connected system. This is what led Natashca to implement HostXpertz, which combines the best of both Centauro and SiteMinder’s technology.
Managing bookings “Flintstones-style” was unsustainable
Cabañas Kwepal officially launched in 2022, during a period of strong domestic and international travel recovery. Initially, bookings were handled manually across multiple OTAs and direct channels.
Every time a reservation came in, Natascha had to log into each platform individually to verify availability before confirming.
“I was basically flying around all the platforms to make sure everything was okay before confirming a booking,” she explains. “It was very ‘Flintstones-style’. And from the Flintstones, I’ve now moved into the modern era I’d been looking for.”
This fragmented setup created several challenges:
- Time-consuming manual checks across OTAs
- Increased risk of overbookings
- Limited pricing flexibility
- No centralized calendar view
- Difficulty planning promotions strategically
At the same time, Natascha was actively growing the business – creating proposal packages, seasonal decorations, and social media campaigns. Without the right technology foundation, scaling further would have meant increasing complexity and stress.
She needed a professional, fully integrated solution that could bring everything together by centralising reservations, automatically syncing availability, and giving her full control over flexible pricing. Just as importantly, it had to handle payments securely and come backed by reliable, local support in Spanish, ensuring she could run her business with confidence and ease.
One connected platform, powered by HostXpertz and SiteMinder, was the solution
Cabañas Kwepal implemented a connected tech stack combining the HostXpertz solution and integrated booking engine with SiteMinder’s guest acquisition and revenue management platform, voted best channel for 5 years in a row, to distribute rates and inventory across multiple OTAs. Through this integration, all OTA reservations flow automatically into HostXpertz, where direct bookings are also managed, giving the property a single, centralized system to oversee availability, pricing and reservations in one place.
“The connection is now seamless, with (OTA bookings coming through) SiteMinder, we just go into the HostXpertz platform and everything is there. Whatever is booked syncs and shows up there.”
The new system enables Cabañas Kwepal to:
- Set different prices for website vs OTAs
- Create seasonal promotions in advance
- Close specific dates or apply minimum stays
- Manage deposits and flexible payment structures
- Avoid double bookings automatically
Beyond functionality, local onboarding and Spanish-language support were decisive factors.
“For me, support is the most important thing. You don’t just hand us a system and disappear. You take us by the hand.”
Live Zoom training, recorded sessions, and responsive assistance ensured the transition was smooth, even for a self-described former “tech skeptic.”
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Time saved, control gained, and confidence instilled
The shift to a centralized system has fundamentally changed how Cabañas Kwepal operates.
Instead of juggling platforms daily, Natascha now starts each morning with a single routine: open the dashboard, review the calendar, and confirm everything is in order.
“The routine of having my coffee and opening the calendar to see that everything’s fine is priceless.”
Key outcomes include:
- Centralized reservation management
- Significant reduction in manual checks
- Lower risk of overbookings
- Greater pricing and revenue control
- More time to focus on guest experience and marketing
With pricing automation and real-time availability updates through SiteMinder, the property can now distribute confidently across multiple channels without operational friction.
HostXpertz provides the flexibility to sell more than just accommodation, as the Hotel link PMS includes not only a front Desk centralized calendar but also an integrated website and booking engine with embedded payments which allows users to offer tours, decorations and experience packages – increasing revenue opportunities per guest.
Importantly, technology has enabled proactive revenue planning. While many properties focus only on the next holiday, Cabañas Kwepal plans campaigns months in advance.
“While others are thinking about Christmas, I’m already thinking about Valentine’s. December needs to be ready ahead of time.”
This forward-thinking mindset, supported by integrated technology, allows the business to capture demand early and compete effectively in a highly competitive destination.
A partnership that empowers growth
For Natascha, the combination of SiteMinder and SiteMinder, Hotel Link and HostXpertz’s personalized support is not just about software, it’s about having a reliable ecosystem.
“It’s like baking a cake. You need sugar, salt, flour – everything working together. The system and the support are all part of the recipe.”
She now recommends SiteMinder and HotelXpertz as an integrated channel manager and PMS setup to any property with more than two units, or any property listed on multiple platforms.
“If you have more than two or three units, you need a professional setup. Otherwise, your availability is going to be a mess.”
Her advice to other hoteliers is clear:
“For vacation rental owners and hoteliers on the fence about implementing technology to manage their operations, you won’t know if it’s hard until you try. If it doesn’t work, you haven’t lost anything. But if it does work, you’ve gained something valuable you can grow.”
With operations centralized, payments streamlined, and distribution automated, Cabañas Kwepal is well positioned for continued growth – powered by a connected tech stack that delivers control, efficiency and peace of mind.
HostXpertz by Centauro Solutions was a 2025 Finalist for Reseller Partner of the Year in SiteMinder’s annual partner awards.