Small hotels, guest houses and holiday rentals depend heavily on booking platforms that take a commission on every stay. A good website helps guests book directly and gives returning guests a reason to skip the platform. Here is what it needs.
Rooms and rates
One section per room or apartment with photos, capacity, equipment and starting prices. A comparison table helps families and groups choose. See how to display prices.
Guest reviews
Show testimonials from guests next to the booking button. Ask for them at check-out with a QR code in the room, see QR codes for reviews.
A digital welcome booklet
Your welcome booklet (house rules, Wi-Fi, check-out time, local recommendations) can be published as a flipbook on a private or public page. Guests read it on their phone before arrival, which reduces questions. See how to embed a PDF.
Reception hours and contact
Show reception hours with a live status and how to reach you outside them. A WhatsApp button is the favourite channel of many travellers, especially from abroad. See how to choose one.
Direct booking incentives
Give guests a reason to book directly: best price guarantee, free breakfast, late check-out. Announce it with an announcement bar.
Local guides
Pages about your area (beaches, hikes, restaurants, events) attract travellers searching for the destination and show that you know it well.
Seasonal closures
If you close in winter, show it clearly with the reopening date, see holiday hours.
The contact button, flipbook, testimonials and hours tools are in the Complete Plugin Bundle; try the contact button demo.
Common mistakes
- No prices, forcing guests to go to booking platforms to compare.
- Photos that are too few, too dark or outdated.
- No clear reason to book direct.
- Contact options limited to a form.
Checklist
- One section per room with photos, capacity and starting price.
- Direct booking benefits clearly stated.
- Guest testimonials near the booking button.
- Welcome booklet as a flipbook.
- Reception hours and WhatsApp contact.
- Local guide pages.
- Seasonal closures announced.
Frequently asked questions
Can a small hotel compete with booking platforms?
Yes for returning guests and direct searches, with a good website and direct booking incentives.
Is WhatsApp useful for hotels?
Very: international guests use it to ask questions before and during their stay.
Should the welcome booklet be public?
Public for general information; keep codes and private details for confirmed guests.