Did you know that 80% of travelers now book their trips online?
No matter how well-decorated your hotel interior is or how luxurious amenities are offered– without a top-notch and user-friendly website, your business could be left in the trash!
Let’s assume that your guests visit your hotel website, find the amenities and extras they want and feel satisfied with what you offer.
But what if your website has slow loading times or a complicated booking process? –They’ll eventually leave and book elsewhere.
So, don’t let this happen! A high-performing Website is more than a digital presence. It acts as a powerful marketing tool that engages guests with stunning visuals and seamless functionality.
Ready to give your hotel business the boost that it needs? Then selecting the best website builder is the first step to staying ahead of your competitors.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential features and benefits to help you select the best hotel website builder from countless options.
So, without further ado, let’s dig deeper.
What are the key features to look for in a hotel website builder
When choosing a hotel website builder, focus on features that ensure a seamless user experience, effective management and high booking conversion rates. Here are the key features to consider.
i. User-friendly design and navigation
Your website builder should offer customizable templates specifically tailored for hotels, ensuring a professional appearance. A clean layout with intuitive navigation and clear call-to-action buttons such as “Book Now,” simplifies the user experience.
For instance, a guest exploring room options should be able to easily switch between photos, amenities and prices. Again, responsive design is a must, ensuring the website looks great and functions smoothly on all devices, including tablets and smartphones.
ii. Online booking System
An integrated online booking engine is essential to streamline reservations for both you and your guests. Real-time availability updates and instant booking confirmations enhance convenience and trust.
For example, a booking system should allow guests to select check-in and check-out dates, view room availability and pay securely, all without leaving your site. This minimizes reliance on third-party platforms and increases direct bookings.
iii. Channel management integration
A hotel website builder should offer seamless channel management integration to synchronize availability and rates across multiple Online Travel Agents (OTAs). This reduces the risk of overbooking and saves time on manual updates.
For instance, connecting your website with Booking.com or Expedia ensures guests see consistent pricing, whether booking through your site or an OTA. Automation in updating calendars makes inventory management hassle-free.
iv. Customization options
Customization tools allow you to reflect your hotel’s unique brand identity. A builder should let you adjust fonts, colors, layouts and add logos, giving your site a distinctive look.
For example, a boutique hotel can showcase its charm by adding unique design elements such as elegant fonts and warm color schemes. Adding personal touches like staff introductions or a gallery of local attractions enhances engagement.
v. Mobile optimization
A mobile-friendly website is important as most guests browse and book on their phones. A builder should automatically optimize layouts and images for smaller screens.
For example, a guest searching for a last-minute booking should find the website easy to navigate on mobile. Features like click-to-call buttons and simplified booking forms improve conversions from mobile users.
vi. SEO and marketing tools
A good website builder should include SEO features to improve your search engine rankings. Tools like meta tags, image optimization and keyword suggestions are essential for visibility.
Additionally, marketing integrations such as email campaigns and social media widgets help drive traffic. For example, you can send automated emails promoting special discounts or share seasonal offers directly on your site.
vii. Multilingual and multicurrency support
If you host international guests, a multilingual site is a game-changer. Guests should be able to view the website in their language for a smoother browsing experience.
Similarly, multicurrency options allow them to see prices in their preferred currency, building trust. For instance, a European guest can book in Euros without worrying about conversion rates.
viii. Reviews and testimonials integration
Display guest reviews prominently to build credibility and encourage bookings. Integrations with platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews can add authenticity.
For example, showing a glowing testimonial from a satisfied family can persuade other families to book. Highlighting reviews that mention cleanliness, service or location can address potential concerns upfront.
ix. Photo and video galleries
High-quality photos and videos are vital to showcase your property and amenities. A builder should include galleries that let you organize and present these visuals effectively.
For instance, a virtual tour video can give guests a feel of the rooms and facilities before booking. Visuals of your spa, pool or restaurant can make your property more appealing.
x. Analytics and reporting
Performance analytics help you track your website’s success and make data-driven decisions. Features like visitor stats, booking trends and revenue reports are essential tools.
For example, if analytics show many visitors leave before booking, you can optimize the booking process or add limited-time offers. Monitoring trends over time helps refine your strategy.
xi. Add-ons and plugins
Flexibility to integrate add-ons like chatbots or special offer pop-ups can enhance your site’s functionality. Plugins for upselling services, like spa packages or late check-outs, boost revenue.
For example, a chatbot answering common queries about room availability or policies can improve customer satisfaction. Similarly, a plugin displaying exclusive deals can increase direct bookings.
xii. Security features
A secure website is crucial for protecting guest information and building trust. Look for features like SSL certificates and PCI-compliant payment processing.
For instance, a secure payment gateway re-assures guests that their credit card details are safe. Regular software updates from the builder also prevent vulnerabilities.
What are the benefits of using a drag-and-drop interface for building a hotel website?
A drag-and-drop interface offers several significant benefits for building a hotel website, making the process simpler and more efficient.
Simplified website building process
A drag-and-drop builder eliminates the need for coding skills, enabling anyone to create a professional-looking hotel website. Users can easily arrange elements like images, text and forms by simply dragging them into place. And, it speeds up the creation process.
Customizable design options
Drag-and-drop builders often come with pre-designed templates tailored for the hotel industry such as layouts for room listings, booking forms and guest testimonials. These templates are easily customizable to reflect the hotel’s brand, color scheme and style.
Enhanced user experience
With intuitive tools and real-time previews, users can immediately see changes to their website design. This not only simplifies the process but also improves the overall user experience by ensuring the website is aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly.
Time efficiency
Building a website from scratch can be time-consuming, especially for hotel businesses that require specific features, like booking systems and event calendars. Drag-and-drop builders offer integrated solutions like these. It allows users to focus more on content and less on technical challenges.
Mobile responsiveness
Most drag-and-drop website builders automatically create mobile-optimized versions of websites, which is critical for a hotel’s success. More travelers are using mobile devices to book stays, so having a mobile-friendly site ensures a broader reach and improved conversion rates.
Cost-effective
Since drag-and-drop builders reduce the need for hiring developers, they offer a cost-effective solution for smaller hotel businesses with little amount of investment. Many drag-and-drop platforms also include hosting and security as part of their packages that also lowers the costs
Easy content management
Managing a hotel website often involves updating room availability, prices or special promotions. With drag-and-drop interfaces, content updates are straightforward and require minimal technical knowledge, which is ideal for hotel managers who need to make frequent changes to the site.
SEO-friendly features
Many drag-and-drop website builders include built-in SEO tools to help improve search engine rankings. For hotels, this is crucial to attract organic traffic from potential guests searching for accommodations in specific locations. The platform often guides users in optimizing images, titles and meta descriptions.
How important is mobile optimization for a hotel website
Mobile optimization for hotel websites is not just a luxury but a necessity to stay competitive, boost user experience and increase conversion rates. It’s crucial for hotel websites for several reasons.
i. Growing mobile traffic
With the increasing number of users browsing and booking on mobile devices, it’s essential that hotel websites provide a seamless experience on smartphones and tablets. A large percentage of users browse and make bookings via their mobile devices and a website that isn’t optimized for mobile can lead to a poor user experience and lost bookings.
ii. Improved user experience
Mobile-optimized websites load faster. They are easier to navigate and have properly sized content for small screens. Interestingly, it directly enhances the user’s journey and increases the likelihood of them completing a booking. Moreover, a mobile-friendly website ensures that guests can quickly check availability, view rooms and make reservations on the go.
iii. Better SEO rankings
Search engines, particularly Google, prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their search results. Websites that are not optimized for mobile devices could be penalized in rankings. Eventually, it results in poor online visibility.
iv. Increased conversion rates
A well-optimized mobile website can improve conversion rates as users are more likely to complete their booking on a website that works well on their devices. Mobile optimization reduces the chances of users abandoning their reservation process due to frustration or difficulty navigating the site.
v. Competitive edge
Having a mobile-optimized website can set a hotel apart from competitors that haven’t invested in mobile-friendly designs. Guests are more likely to book with hotels that provide a hassle-free experience on their mobile devices.
What integrations are essential for a hotel website builder
Integrations are crucial for a hotel website builder to ensure seamless functionality, enhance user experience and streamline operations. Here are essential integrations for a hotel website builder.
Online booking and reservation systems
A hotel website builder must include an online booking and reservation system to allow guests to check room availability, make reservations and manage their bookings.
Integrating tools like Tourfic hotel booking plugin ensures a seamless booking experience. Additionally, channel managers such as Siteminder or Cloudbeds synchronize reservations across multiple platforms, reducing the risk of double bookings.
Payment gateways
Secure payment options are essential to building trust with guests. Popular payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal provide global support, while Authorize.Net ensures secure credit card transactions. For local or smaller hotels, options like Square offer an excellent solution for handling payments smoothly.
Customer relationship management (CRM)
To enhance guest relationships and improve marketing strategies, CRM integration is essential. Tools like Salesforce or HubSpot help manage guest data and interactions effectively. For email campaigns and automated communication, platforms such as MailChimp or ActiveCampaign are fantastic options.
Property management system (PMS)
Property management system integration streamlines hotel operations, including housekeeping, room assignments, and billing. Popular options like Cloudbeds and RoomRaccoon are ideal for small to medium-sized hotels, while Opera PMS by Oracle serves larger establishments with complex needs.
Marketing and analytics tools
Marketing integrations such as Google Analytics enable tracking of website performance and user behavior, helping hoteliers make informed decisions. Facebook Pixel assists in running retargeting campaigns and SEO tools like Yoast SEO or RankMath optimize the website for search engine visibility.
Travel and tourism integrations
Partnering with travel and tourism platforms can significantly increase a hotel’s visibility. APIs from TripAdvisor allow hotels to display reviews and booking widgets directly on their websites. Additionally, integrations with Expedia or Booking.com let guests book rooms through well-known third-party platforms.
Maps and geolocation
Integrating mapping tools like Google Maps or OpenStreetMap ensures guests can easily find the property and nearby attractions. APIs that showcase nearby restaurants, landmarks and activities add extra value to the guest experience, helping them plan their stay effortlessly.
Social media integrations
Social media integration is crucial for promoting the hotel and enhancing brand visibility. Instagram and Facebook plugins allow hotels to display official posts or user-generated content. Social login features simplify the process of creating accounts or signing in for users, improving overall convenience.
Review and feedback systems
Guest feedback plays a pivotal role in building trust and credibility. Tools like TrustYou or Revinate help manage and showcase reviews effectively. Including a TripAdvisor review widget on the website ensures that the real-time feedback is accessible, encouraging potential guests to book with confidence.
Multilingual and translation support
A multilingual website expands the hotel’s reach to a global audience. Plugins like WPML or Polylang allow WordPress-based websites to cater to users in multiple languages. For quick translations, the Google Translate API provides a practical solution.
Live chat and chatbots
Integrating live chat tools such as Tawk.to or LiveChat enhances customer support by enabling real-time communication. AI-powered chatbots automate responses to common inquiries, ensuring guests receive instant answers to their questions, even outside regular working hours.
Mobile app integration
For larger hotels or chains, integrating with a custom mobile app can take the guest experience to the next level. Mobile apps allow users to make bookings, request room service and access loyalty program benefits directly from their smartphones.
What customization options are available for hotel websites
When customizing a hotel website, there are several key options to enhance user experience, functionality and design. Depending on whether you’re using a theme or a plugin like Tourfic or a specialized hotel booking plugin, here are common customization options.
Design and layout customization
For hotel websites, selecting a theme that suits your needs is the first step. Themes such as Travelfic provide flexible layout options, making it easy to customize elements like headers, footers and color schemes.
You can adjust the typography and set custom CSS to match your hotel’s branding. Additionally, modern hotel themes support drag-and-drop builders like Elementor, which allows for easy customization of homepages – including the addition of hero images, featured rooms or promotional banners.
Booking system integration
A seamless booking experience is essential. You can customize booking forms to collect important information such as check-in and check-out dates, guest count and additional service requests like spa treatments or airport transfers.
Customizing the availability calendar is also essential as it helps display real-time room availability. Pricing can be adjusted dynamically based on seasonality or special promotions, ensuring that users see accurate rates for their desired dates.
Furthermore, integrating popular payment gateways such as PayPal or Stripe will allow for a secure and smooth transaction process.
Advanced search and filters
A powerful search function can significantly improve user experience on a hotel website. You can customize search filters to allow guests to find rooms based on specific criteria such as location, price range, number of guests or available amenities like a pool or pet-friendly rooms.
This type of advanced search ensures that visitors can easily find exactly what they need. It eventually enhances their overall experience and increasing the likelihood of bookings.
Room management features
Managing room listings on your website is essential for keeping everything organized. You can customize each room’s details, including its size, bed types, available facilities and special features like ocean views or balcony access.
Adding custom fields for additional services—such as in-room dining options, guided tours or concierge services—lets guests know what extra features are available. Including a room gallery with high-quality images is also key to providing a visual preview of the accommodation.
User experience enhancements
To improve user engagement, customization options like customer reviews, a loyalty program or offering package deals for extended stays can be added. Personalized recommendations based on user preferences or past bookings also help create a tailored experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the best hotel website builder is an important step in establishing a strong online presence and ensuring a seamless booking experience for your guests.
The right builder like Tourfic should offer flexibility in design, powerful booking and management tools as well as the ability to easily integrate payment gateways and other essential features like search filters and customer reviews.
It should also be mobile-responsive to cater to the increasing number of users booking on their smartphones.
When evaluating hotel website builders, focus on key features such as customizable templates, scalability and the ability to manage room listings effortlessly. Consider builders that offer integrations with popular booking engines, SEO optimization for better visibility and robust support for various payment methods.
Ultimately, the best hotel website builder for your business will be one that aligns with your specific needs, offers ease of use and provides all the tools necessary to enhance the guest experience and drive bookings.
