At Merlin Software, continuous improvement remains a core part of our approach. Every server update is designed to address real operational challenges our clients face while helping resorts work smarter, respond faster, and deliver a better experience for owners, members, and guests.
The July 12, 2026 General Server Update introduces a range of enhancements across Front Office, Marketing, Sales, Back Office, Set Up, Name Home Page, and Merlin Apps.
As always, these updates are included as part of the Merlin platform, meaning users continue to benefit from new functionality without expensive upgrade projects or disruptive migrations.
Here is a closer look at what has changed and what it means for your business.
Enhanced Online Booking for Fixed and Floating Owners
Bookings for Fixed Float Week Owners
One of the most significant updates in this release is the enhancement to the Floating Timeshare Booking Engine. Owners who have Fixed/Floating Unit and Floating Week ownership structures can now make reservations online through the booking engine.
What this means
Many resorts operate mixed ownership models, and booking rules can become complex. This enhancement removes manual intervention and allows owners to self-manage reservations based on their specific ownership entitlements.
Benefits
- Reduced call volumes for reservations teams
- Improved owner satisfaction
- Greater booking convenience
- Increased use of self-service channels
- More accurate application of ownership rules
For owners, this delivers the digital experience they increasingly expect.
Priority Waitlist Enhancements Continue
Reservation Requests and Stock Availability
Merlin now allows bookings and reservation requests to be created simultaneously within the Priority Waitlist process.
Why this matters
Managing waitlists manually can be time-consuming, particularly during peak occupancy periods. This enhancement provides staff with a clearer picture of available inventory while simplifying the reservation process.
New Detailed Priority Waitlist Report
A dedicated report has been introduced specifically for Priority Waitlist reservation requests.
Benefits
- Improved visibility into waitlisted demand
- Easier forecasting of inventory requirements
- Better owner communication
- Enhanced reporting for management teams
Auto Offer Limitations
A new setup option allows resorts to determine when automatic offering rules should apply within the Priority Waitlist process. This gives resorts more control over inventory allocation strategies and owner prioritisation.
Reservation Requests Now Available on the Name Home Page
Reservation Requests can now be displayed directly on the Name Home Page HUD. In addition, a summary modal can now be displayed directly on the HUD.
Benefits
- Faster access to owner information
- Fewer clicks between screens
- Improved service response times
- Better visibility for owner services teams
This continues Merlin’s focus on bringing key information closer to users.
Better Owner Communications
Same User Allocation for OBC
Merlin will now automatically allocate member communications to the same user who previously communicated with that member.
Why this matters
Owners prefer dealing with one person who understands their history and requirements. This enhancement helps create:
- Greater continuity
- Better customer relationships
- Reduced duplication
- Improved service consistency
New Appointment Management Features
Technical Issue Appointment Status
A new Tour Disposition status of “Tech Issue” has been introduced. This gives marketing teams additional visibility when appointments are affected by technical or system-related issues.
Company Group Name Restrictions
Enhanced Company Group Name Vertical Rights have been added to Marketing Appointment pages, including:
- Appointments Locate
- Appointments Monitor
- Arrivals Manifest
Benefits
- Improved security controls
- Better data segregation
- Greater control for multi-company operations
Improved Reporting and Financial Visibility
Company Transactions Extract Reporting
Company information has now been added to the GL Transaction Locate grid. This makes financial reporting and reconciliation easier, particularly for organisations operating multiple entities.
New Report for Points Transactions
The existing report has been enhanced to allow users to search for Points Transactions and their corresponding booking details by reservation reference. This improves traceability and simplifies auditing processes.
Promise to Pay Enhancements
Further development has been made to Promise to Pay functionality for customer account types.
Benefits
- Improved collections management
- Better payment tracking
- Enhanced visibility into outstanding balances
- Greater flexibility for owner services teams
Sales Enhancements
Contract Instalment Tool Tips
Helpful tool tips have been added to the Instalment page. This makes navigating contract instalment processes easier, particularly for newer users and cross-trained teams.
Front Office and Property Management Improvements
Maintenance Tasks – Public Areas
Property Location information has been added to maintenance reporting.
Benefits
- Improved work order management
- Faster identification of issues
- Better visibility for engineering teams
Reservation Occupancy Dates Export
Key Code columns have been added to exports. This provides greater flexibility when analysing occupancy data externally.
Parking Bay Automation
Parking bay numbers can now automatically be linked to units when bookings are made. In addition, users can now add Key Codes directly within Reservation Information.
Benefits
- Better arrival preparation
- Improved front desk efficiency
- Reduced manual allocation work
- Better guest experience at check-in
Merlin Apps Enhancement
New Service Matched and Unmatched Status
A new service status has been released within Merlin Apps. This enhancement provides additional visibility into service matching processes and supports improved operational reporting.
What This Means for Merlin Users
The July enhancements focus on three important themes:
Improved Self-Service
Owners can increasingly manage reservations and interactions online, reducing pressure on staff while improving satisfaction.
Better Visibility
Additional reports, HUD enhancements, and new financial information provide management teams with better insight and faster decision-making.
Greater Operational Efficiency
Automated allocations, parking assignment, waitlist management, and improved workflows remove unnecessary manual processes. Small, consistent enhancements can have a significant impact across daily resort operations.
Looking for New Resort Software?
One of the biggest advantages of Merlin Software is our commitment to continuous development.
Unlike many platforms, Merlin enhancements and server updates are generally released at no additional cost to clients. This means every user benefits from ongoing innovation without expensive upgrade projects, disruptive migrations, or additional licensing fees. Whether you manage:
- Legacy Timeshare Resorts
- Vacation Clubs
- Fractional Resorts
- Mixed-Use Communities
- Rental Operations
- Multi-Property Portfolios
Merlin continues to evolve alongside your business.
To learn more about Merlin CORE, Merlin Web Apps, Merlin Portals, the Navigator App, and the wider Merlin Ecosystem, contact:
Mike Ashton SVP Resort Partnerships, mikea@quickmerlin.com, +1 (246) 230-4982
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding these enhancements or would like assistance implementing any of the new functionality, please contact Merlin Support. Our team is always happy to help you get the most from your Merlin platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these Merlin enhancements included within our existing software subscription?
Yes. Merlin enhancements and server updates are generally released to users at no additional cost, ensuring all clients benefit from ongoing platform improvements.
- How do the new booking enhancements benefit owners?
Owners with Fixed/Floating Units and Floating Week ownership structures can now make reservations online, providing greater convenience and reducing the need for manual assistance from resort staff.
- What are the main operational benefits of the July 2026 update?
The update improves efficiency through enhanced waitlist management, automated parking allocations, better reporting visibility, improved owner communication continuity, and additional self-service capabilities.
