The Direct Booking Website gives you a professional, ready-made booking presence without technical skills, additional tools, or a complex setup. You can start accepting direct bookings today and build a more independent business over time.

How to access your Direct Booking Website

1. Log in to your Holidu host account.
2. Click Direct bookings in the left-hand menu.
3. Select My website and widget.

This option is available to primary account holders only, not secondary collaborators.

What you get: core benefits at a glance

Built-in tools that handle the work for you

Every direct booking runs through the full Holidu infrastructure, the same systems used across all your bookings:

• Secure payment handling: payments are collected and processed automatically, with no bank transfers or manual follow-ups.
• Automated guest messaging: scheduled messages are sent at every stage of the guest journey, from confirmation to post-stay.
• Professional invoicing: invoices are generated automatically and comply with local requirements.
• Online guest check-in: guest data is collected in advance and submitted to local authorities, where available.
• Damage protection (Holidu Protect): direct bookings are covered by the same protection setup, so you don't need manual deposits.
• Direct Booking Offer Tool: send personalized offers or booking links to guests from your calendar to turn enquiries into confirmed bookings.

Everything in one place

• All bookings, both direct and from booking channels, are managed in one calendar.
• Real-time availability sync across all channels helps prevent double bookings.
• One inbox handles all guest communication, including direct booking guests.

How to drive more direct bookings

The website does the heavy lifting. Your promotion drives the results.

1. Share your link everywhere.
   • Add it to your email signature, business cards, and WhatsApp status.
   • Place QR codes on your property doors.
   • Post regularly on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
   • Add it to your Google Business Profile.
2. Target the right guests first.
   • Returning guests are the easiest to convert because they already trust you.
   • Reach out to your local network: friends, family, local businesses, and contacts.
3. Build a professional presence.
   • Set up a custom domain and connect it to a Google Business Profile so guests can find and book you on Google Maps.
   • Complete your About section to build a personal connection with potential guests.
   • Upload your logo and choose your branding colors and theme.
4. Activate the Host Website Discount. Offer guests a 5%, 10%, or 15% discount for booking through your website or booking widget to make your direct channel more competitive than platform listings.
5. Add the booking widget to your existing website, if you have one. You can embed the Holidu booking engine using a script, or link to it so it opens in a new window. The link option requires no technical skills. For script integration, coordinate with your webmaster or your local Holidu contact, where available.

How to create a Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile makes your property discoverable on Google Search and Google Maps and lets you link directly to your booking website.

1. Open Google Maps and sign in with your email address.
2. Click the three horizontal bars in the search bar to open the side menu.
3. Select Add your business.
4. Enter your business name, category (for example, holiday rental or agro-tourism), and address.
5. Link to your Host Website booking URL.

Once live, guests can find your property, read reviews, and book directly without going through a booking channel.

FAQ

Do I need technical skills to set up my Host Website?

No. Setup takes a few minutes and requires no technical knowledge. Your website is automatically translated into up to eight languages.

Can I use the Host Website if I already have a website?

Yes. Add the Holidu booking widget to your existing site. For script integration, your webmaster can help, or you can coordinate with your local Holidu contact, where available. Alternatively, use a direct link that opens the booking engine in a new window.

Are direct bookings secure?

Yes. Guests benefit from secure payments, transparent cancellation policies, and Holidu's support team.

What happens if I update my property details?

Any changes you make in your Holidu account sync automatically to your Host Website.

How do I reduce costs and increase margins?

Direct bookings through your Host Website are charged a 6% commission, which is significantly less than third-party platforms. Combined with the direct booking discount feature, you can price competitively and earn more per booking.

The bottom line

The Direct Booking Website gives you a foundation for a direct channel that grows over time. It is a professional starting point that is live in minutes, offers lower commission and broad booking automation, and becomes more valuable as guests return to book directly. You don't need to change everything at once. You just need a place to start and a simple way to build from there.