Direct Booking Website Recommendations

Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2022 · 69 posts · 38 votes

Hi! We're looking to start our own website for our STR with the hopes of generating more direct booking leads rather than solely relying on Airbnb. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good starting place? What websites are good for building booking sites? I've heard about Square Space and Crafted Stays, but wanted to ask the larger community for recommendations.

Thanks!

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John UnderwoodPro Member

Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes

5mo

If you've only got Airbnb then you need Vrbo in addition to a direct booking site.

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Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
5mo
I use that one that comes with my PMS but I have heard good things from single unit operators about Houfy.
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- Shane Bishop
  OP
  Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2022 · 69 posts · 38 votes
  5mo
  Quote from @Andrew Steffens:
  
  I use that one that comes with my PMS but I have heard good things from single unit operators about Houfy.
  
  I'll take a look at it! Thanks
  0 Reply
John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
5mo
If you've only got Airbnb then you need Vrbo in addition to a direct booking site.
4 Reply
Lisa Graesser
Rental Property Investor · The Villages, FL · Member since 2017 · 341 posts · 398 votes
5mo
I second the Houfy recommendation. I have been using it for years, highly recommend for direct bookings. You do need to promote it on your own, I have only had a few organic bookings. Mostly I have steered guests from local booking sites and repeat guests. I have several repeat guest that return, booking through Houfy.
You can accept bookings with credit card payments through Stripe or Square or accept other payment options outside of the site like check, venmo or zelle.
They also offer damage protection if you choose it.
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- Shane Bishop
  OP
  Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2022 · 69 posts · 38 votes
  5mo
  Quote from @Lisa Graesser:
  
  I second the Houfy recommendation. I have been using it for years, highly recommend for direct bookings. You do need to promote it on your own, I have only had a few organic bookings. Mostly I have steered guests from local booking sites and repeat guests. I have several repeat guest that return, booking through Houfy.
  You can accept bookings with credit card payments through Stripe or Square or accept other payment options outside of the site like check, venmo or zelle.
  They also offer damage protection if you choose it.
  
  Thanks! I'll be sure to check it out. We have a large non-profit organization that is interested in using the house for it's members so looking to save both them and us money if possible.
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Collin HaysBusiness Member
Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
5mo
Quote from @Shane Bishop:

Hi! We're looking to start our own website for our STR with the hopes of generating more direct booking leads rather than solely relying on Airbnb. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good starting place? What websites are good for building booking sites? I've heard about Square Space and Crafted Stays, but wanted to ask the larger community for recommendations.

Thanks!

If you only have one or two properties, I recommend Vacation Rental Desk. They have templates to help you quickly build your own site within their system, and you can plug in your own domain name, etc. VacationRentalDesk.com
[email protected]806-672-7102
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Mike GrudzienPro Member
Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
5mo
Good tips here!
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Jeff Langley
Member since 2021 · 168 posts · 142 votes
5mo
You can build these with ease, just need the ical info. The only downfall for us is we still route our direct booking site through Hospitable which they do take their fee…. Not the 18% Airbnb, but still a fee.
Let me know if you need help.
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Koba Molenaar
Cape Town, South Africa · Member since 2026 · 23 posts · 13 votes
5mo
I'd recommend that you check out which vacation rental software tools have a direct booking website builder, instead of using a more generic tool like Squarespace. It just makes calendar synchronization easier and often include other useful STR features like check-in forms and security deposits. As mentioned, you can check out Hospitable, Vacation Rental Desk (which I'm unfamiliar with), and Houfy (that's not a direct booking website builder in the true sense of the word). You can also check out iGMS, Guesty, and Smoobu. Full disclosure, I'm part of the iGMS team and be happy to answer any questions.
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Derek D.
Property Manager · Old Orchard Beach, ME · Member since 2015 · 108 posts · 11 votes
4mo
Hey @Shane Bishop
While Squarespace and Crafted Stays are great for aesthetics, the real challenge of direct booking is managing risk. You’ll need a policy from a provider like Proper or Safely that specifically covers "commercial" short-term use, as standard homeowner policies or Airbnb's internal coverage won't apply.

Operational-wise, make sure whatever site you build integrates with a merchant processor like Stripe. This allows you to set up automated security deposits, which is vital since you no longer have a third party to mediate damage claims. To fill your calendar without the Airbnb algorithm, start collecting guest emails now. A simple "welcome guide" QR code in your kitchen that requires an email login is the most effective way to build a database of past guests to market to later. Moves like this turn your property into a business rather than just a listing.
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Kehinde Filani
Developer · Houston · Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 1 vote
4mo
A website is a great move if you're looking to increase direct bookings. My advice: don't just focus on the site builder—make sure you have a way to capture and follow up with visitors who don't book right away.

Squarespace is a solid start. Out of curiosity, how many properties are you managing?
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Matthew Tregoning
Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 472 posts · 173 votes
5d
That nonprofit could give the site a useful starting point, Shane. Will one coordinator book for everyone, or will members book their own dates? I'd get that flow clear before choosing a builder. Then test a booking on a phone all the way through confirmation and your arrival instructions.
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