# Authentication
All MCP requests must include a Bearer token in the Authorization header.
# Token Types
| Type | Format | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Access Token (PAT) | pat_… | Human users, IDE integrations |
| JWT | Standard JWT | Service-to-service integrations |
For IDE integrations (Cursor, Claude Desktop, Codex), create a PAT — it's the simplest path.
# Creating a Personal Access Token
- Log in to portal.hotel-universe.travel (opens new window)
- Navigate to Settings → Access Tokens
- Click Generate new token
- Enter a descriptive name (e.g.
Cursor MCP,Claude Desktop) - Click Generate token
- Copy the token — it starts with
pat_
Copy the token immediately
The token is shown only once. If you lose it, you must generate a new one.
# Required Permissions
A PAT inherits the permissions of the account that created it.
| Permission | What it unlocks | Available to |
|---|---|---|
hotels:view | All search tools, get_hotel, geocode_location | All accounts |
lists:manage | All 5 list tools | All accounts |
reviews:view | get_hotel_reviews | Full tier only |
metasearch:view | get_metasearch_pricing | Full tier (included) or Trial tier with metasearch subscription |
# Using the Token
Add the token to every request as a Bearer token:
Authorization: Bearer pat_YOUR_TOKEN
# Verifying Your Token
Call tools/list to confirm the token is valid and see all available tools:
curl -X POST https://api.hotel-universe.travel/mcp \
-H "Authorization: Bearer pat_YOUR_TOKEN" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"tools/list","params":{}}'
A valid token returns HTTP 200 with a result.tools array containing 12 tool definitions. If you have a metasearch subscription the get_metasearch_pricing tool will be present.
# Error Reference
| HTTP status | Meaning | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| 401 | Token missing or invalid | Check the Authorization header and token value |
| 403 | Token lacks hotels:view | Contact support to verify your account permissions |
| 402 | Trial hotel limit reached, or subscription missing | Upgrade at hello@ubio.ai |