The Direct Booking Website gives hosts a professional, ready-made booking page without technical skills, extra tools, or a complex setup. It lets you start accepting direct bookings quickly and build a more independent business over time. Direct bookings are charged a 6% Holidu fee, compared with a typical 15% channel commission.

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.

Note: 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 manual deposits are not needed.
• Direct Booking Offer Tool: Send personalized offers or booking links directly 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:
   • Email signature, business cards, and WhatsApp status
   • QR codes on your property doors
   • Regular posts on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
   • 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, and 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. Offer a direct booking discount: Offer guests 5%, 10%, or 15% off when they book through your website or booking widget, making your direct channel more competitive than platform listings.
5. Add the booking widget to your existing website (if applicable): 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, work 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.

Frequently asked questions

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. You can 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 if I update my property details?

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

How do I reduce costs and increase margins?

Direct bookings made through your Host Website are charged a 6% Holidu fee, significantly less than third-party platforms. Combined with the direct booking discount feature, you can price competitively while earning more per booking.