How to get it right in hotel website design

1.     Photos

The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words is especially true for hotel websites. Most potential guests want to see the room that they are considering booking and the look and style can have a big impact on whether they make a booking. It’s well worth investing in a professional photographer and building up a gallery of the property looking its best. Wide-angle, bright shots can do wonders at converting website visitors into guests.

The Kelebeck Cave Hotel (http://www.kelebekhotel.com/rooms.php) does this very well with images of all their 31 unique rooms.

2.     Easy to use reservation system

An online reservation system that allows visitors to check availability, rates for the period they want to stay and make and confirm their booking is obviously vital for all but the smallest properties. Hotels should make sure it is simple and foolproof, as far too many reservation systems are fiddly and require the guest to jump through several hoops before reaching that all important confirmation screen. The more streamlined the booking process, the more likely it is that guests will see it through to completion. 

A whole post could be written just about reservation systems but little things, like having the departure date options only showing dates after the arrival, create less opportunity for error while having unavailable dates blocked off to save users wasted time searching for rooms is another bonus.

Avoid facing the user with an overly long list of room types for the same rooms with options for internet offers, flexible booking rates, non-refundable offer rate etc. It’s just confusing to users!

3.     Contact details
Sometimes you just need to ask a simple question and there is nothing more frustrating than having to hunt down a phone number or email address. Make sure there is a clear way to get in touch with a “real” person to help with quick queries and unusual requests. 

4.     Location and directions

It’s vital that your guests can find you so your hotel website should contain a map and clear directions on how to reach you. Directions from main access points to the city / location are a bonus, as is information about parking.

The Hoxten Hotel use a large, clear Google map showing underground stations with useful information and advice for drivers.

5.     What’s included

A list of information about what’s included in the room price and available facilities is essential and should be easily accessible. Things that are important to guests include whether there is WiFi available, in room facilities such as hair dryers, fridge/bar and safe. Travel Lodge show clearly what’s in the room and what is available from reception.

 

While there are many other things that can (and often should) be included on a hotel website, getting these five elements right will be key to how well your website performs.

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