Websites for riads and guesthouses: growing direct bookings

For a riad, guesthouse or small hotel in Morocco, booking platforms are essential for visibility. But every night they sell costs a commission: in 2023, Morocco's national hotel industry federation denounced commissions of up to 20% of the bill, according to Hespress. A website with direct booking does not replace the platforms; it wins back part of your guests, especially returning ones and those who find you on Google or Instagram.

What a riad website must do

• Inspire: large real photos of the patio, rooms, terrace and meals.
• Reassure: precise location, access from the airport and medina, amenities, a clear cancellation policy.
• Book in a few clicks: availability, prices, payment or deposit.
• Speak the guest's language: at least French and English, plus your main markets' languages.
• Reward direct booking: a small site-only perk (transfer, breakfast, upgrade subject to availability).

Booking engine and calendar sync

The heart of the site is the booking engine: per-room calendar, seasonal rates, minimum stay, extras. To avoid double bookings it must sync with the platforms, through a channel manager or calendar sync (iCal) for small properties.

Payments

Take an online deposit by card (through your bank and CMI, with multi-currency for foreign guests) and the balance on site, or full payment, depending on your cancellation policy. See CMI card payments.

Getting found: SEO, Google Maps and Instagram

• A polished Google Business Profile with the booking link. See ranking on Google Maps.
• Useful pages for travellers: neighbourhood, access, nearby activities, seasons.
• One page per language, properly linked for Google.
• A booking link in your Instagram bio, instead of endless DMs.
• Reviews encouraged after each stay.

Common mistakes

• A slow site with unoptimised photos, especially on mobile.
• Higher prices on the site than on the platforms: guests compare.
• An "availability request" form instead of real booking.
• No calendar sync.
• A French-only site for an international clientele.

We build your booking website

We design websites for riads, guesthouses and hotels: beautiful photos, a synced booking engine, online payments, several languages and local SEO. Tell us about your property.