Maximize your Booking Widget's potential with our step-by-step guide. Learn Best Practices for efficient utilization and effective management in just a few simple steps. 

Steps for Booking Widget Defaults 

Step 1: Default Booking Widget to a 7 night stay

• When clients select an arrival date, you should automatically select a 7 night stay. 
• This helps promote extended stays, maximize revenue, align with the guest preferences and it also contributes to operational efficiency. 

Step 2: Default to 2 adults/ 0 children

• This streamlines the booking process, reduces the likelihood of errors, aligns with standard room configurations, and enhances clarity for users during the reservation process. 

Step 3: Default to 1 room 

• Corresponds with the 2 adults/ 0 children.

Step 4: IP Detect by Country 

• This will automatically populate language and other features. 

Step 5: Automatically populate country of origin for hotel + air search. 

Step 6: Add a Video or Image to the transition page as well as a background. 

• This enhances visual appeal and engagement. 
• Visual elements can convey information quickly and succinctly.

Step 7: Link the Google Analytics account

• This will provide invaluable insights into user behavior and website performance. 

Step 8: Review the "General Settings" under the "Booking Engine" tab. 

• Add Call center phone numbers to ensure your guests have easy access to your phone numbers.
• Ensure that "show promotion" is enabled to allow for strike through pricing. 

Validations

• Check to make sure client doesn't select a departure date after arrival date or the same day. 
• Number (#) of adults should never be less than the number (#) of rooms. 
• Validate all elements are actually selected. 

Booking Engine Design

• Add a video on the transition page -  further your brand identity.
  
• Ensure Header Images are optimized with hotel logo and 'catchphrase' or phone numbers. 
• Use a background image to give a burst of color/activity
• Add 2 or more room images - 418 x 263

Social Media

• Add a Facebook or Instagram 'Book Now' Button
  

Promotions and Amenities

• Use our Rolling Booking Windows to seed business further out with higher promotional values.
  
  • Be sure that your 'Show Promotion' button is enabled under 'General Settings'. This will activate the cross-through pricing - giving your clients a visual representation of the discounts offered.
    
  • 82% of users want to add on transfers. Are you selling them?
  • Take this opportunity to offer additional services and promotion services offered by the hotel (spa, F&B, events, excursions, etc.)
  • Use the amenity section to add 'value adds' that can be used as promotions.
  • Consider using the Package Rate option to sell things like 'Spa Packages', 'Gold Packages' or even 'Honeymoon Packages'. Ever consider doing a Momcation? 

Rates

• There should be rates for a minimum of 2 years even if nexts year's rate is not yet available. Put in this year's rate with a 10%-15% increase so at least the client gets something.
• Make sure hotel had loaded a package rate.

New Features

• Price Matchers (Hotel Only)
  • Compete directly and in real time with the prices offered by Online Travel Agents, giving your customers the confidence to know they're getting the best price by looking direct. Plus, Reserv's Price Matcher can be set to match or beat Hotels prices to those offered by OTAs, all managed through an easy to use dashboard. 
• Member Rate
  
  • Create a specific rate to boost loyalty and encourage your guests to book direct.