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LiveRes is a restaurant reservation system owned by Zonal, widely used across the UK hospitality industry. It provides booking management, table allocation, and guest communication tools. PolyAI’s integration enables voice agents to interact directly with LiveRes, allowing callers to make, modify, and cancel reservations through natural conversation.

Capabilities

  • Check availability: Query available time slots for specific dates, party sizes, and dining areas
  • Make reservations: Create bookings with guest details, special requests, and occasion information
  • Modify bookings: Update reservation details including time, date, party size, or special requirements
  • Cancel bookings: Process cancellation requests with appropriate policies
  • Menu availability: Check and communicate menu availability for specific booking times
  • Deposit requirements: Retrieve deposit and card guarantee requirements for bookings

Getting started

Prerequisites

  • An active LiveRes account with API access enabled
  • Zonal API credentials
  • Your outlet/restaurant ID(s)

Step 1: Request API access

  1. Contact your Zonal account manager to enable API access for your LiveRes account
  2. You will receive:
    • API Base URL: Your LiveRes API endpoint
    • Username and password: For Basic Authentication
    • Outlet list: IDs for your restaurant locations

Step 2: Configure authentication

LiveRes uses Basic Authentication. Provide the following to PolyAI:
  • API endpoint URL
  • Username
  • Password (stored securely as a secret)
  • Outlet IDs for each location

Step 3: Define booking parameters

Work with your PolyAI team to configure:
  • Available booking areas (main dining, private rooms, bar, etc.)
  • Party size limits
  • Booking lead times and cutoffs
  • Deposit requirements and policies
  • Menu options and special experiences

Dining areas

LiveRes supports multiple dining areas per venue. The voice agent can:
  • Offer specific areas based on availability
  • Handle area preferences from callers
  • Fall back to alternative areas when first choice is unavailable

Special requirements

Occasions

LiveRes supports occasion tags for bookings. Common examples:
  • Birthday
  • Anniversary
  • Business meeting
  • Special celebration

Deposit handling

For bookings requiring deposits or card guarantees:
  • The voice agent will inform callers of deposit requirements
  • Card details must be collected through secure channels (transferred to staff or online completion)
  • Deposit policies are communicated based on your LiveRes configuration

Limitations

  • Payment processing: Card payments for deposits cannot be processed via voice; callers are directed to complete payment online or with staff
  • Complex modifications: Significant booking changes may require human assistance
  • Menu pre-orders: Detailed menu selections are typically handled post-booking

Error handling

Common scenarios the integration handles:
ScenarioResponse
No availabilityOffers alternative times/dates
Invalid party sizeRequests correction or suggests alternatives
Booking not foundAsks for additional details to locate reservation
System timeoutGracefully informs caller and offers callback

Support

For integration questions, contact your PolyAI account manager or reach out to PolyAI Support.