The Ultimate Guide to Bed and Breakfast Website Design for Hosts

If you’ve been thinking about traveling or hosting and have been online recently, then you know that no one wants average anymore. More and more people opt for bed and breakfasts, or B&Bs, because they offer a more personalized and personable stay than other options like resorts or boutique hotels. It’s not enough to just have friendly service and a cozy space anymore. You need to stand out and to do that, you need to catch someone’s eye with a good website.

Think of your website as the virtual front door to your bed and breakfast, giving potential guests their first glimpse of what you have to offer. A well-crafted, user-friendly site can make all the difference between a casual browser and a confirmed booking.

In this guide, we’ll cover the key elements of designing a bed and breakfast website using iGMS’s Website Builder. By enhancing your online presence, you can ensure your calendar stays fully booked.

Why Your Website’s Design Matters

Before we get into the checklists and the technicalities, let’s run through the reasons why you need a website and why it needs to be good.

First Impressions and Experience

Your bed and breakfast website is the digital front door to your property. In the same way, you’d want your physical entrance to be inviting and well-kept, your website needs to make a strong first impression. It only takes a few seconds for visitors to form an opinion about your site, so those moments are crucial. A user-friendly interface, striking photos, and intuitive navigation can make all the difference.

When potential guests land on your site, the expectation is for it to run smoothly and maybe even be an enjoyable experience. Making sure your website is mobile-friendly is key because, let’s face it, everyone’s browsing on their phones these days. A seamless experience on mobile devices, along with clear calls to action like “Check Availability” or “Book Now,” can make all the difference in whether someone sticks around or clicks away.

If your site is clunky or slow, you might lose those potential guests to another B&B with a more polished site. That’s why investing in a user-friendly, mobile-responsive design is a no-brainer—it keeps visitors engaged and more likely to book.

Conversion Rates and Booking Success

Your bed and breakfast website isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s a powerful tool to drive more direct bookings. The way your site is laid out, the quality of the images, and the content you share all play a huge role in guiding visitors toward hitting that “Book Now” button. Clear and engaging room descriptions, high-quality images, and a straightforward booking system can really enhance the guest experience and lead to more bookings.

Think about it: If potential guests can easily find the room details they’re looking for, check availability, and make a reservation without any hiccups, they’re much more likely to complete the booking. On the flip side, if your site is confusing or cluttered, you might be driving those valuable bookings straight into the arms of a competitor with a slicker site.

A well-designed website can help ensure that your online visitors turn into paying guests, giving your booking success a serious boost.

Credibility and Your Brand Image

There’s no denying that your website is a reflection of your brand and the quality of service you provide. A professional, well-designed site makes a difference in how credible people consider your business, better positioning it as a trusted, top-tier choice. The logical place to start is with the visuals because high-quality pictures from a professional photographer can really make your B&B shine online and show that you’re serious about offering a great stay.

A well-designed site also helps your B&B stand out from the crowd. By showing off your unique features, highlighting nearby attractions, and sharing the personalized service you offer, you create a story that resonates with potential guests. This not only draws people in but also builds a strong brand image that encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.

First impressions are everything in any sector of hospitality, so the way your bed and breakfast website design is no different. It’s actually a big part of the key to your success. If a great user experience and your brand’s reputation stay top of mind while you create your website, it will naturally translate over into happy guests who keep coming back for more.

6 Essentials for Your Bed and Breakfast Website

When it comes to the design of your bed and breakfast website, there are a few non-negotiables in terms of elements. These aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re an essential part of creating a website that doesn’t just attract guests, but shows the very best of your B&B and ultimately encourages direct bookings.

Here’s what you need to nail it.

1. Make it User-Friendly

Why an Intuitive Layout Matters

First off, your website should be easy to navigate. Think of it like a map that leads potential guests straight to what they’re looking for—whether it’s room details, amenities, or how to book a stay.

An intuitive layout means visitors won’t have to search high and low for the info they need. When your site is well-organized, it creates a smooth, enjoyable experience that keeps potential guests engaged and more likely to book.

Tips for Menu Design and Page Structure

Keeping it simple is the way to go when you’re designing your menu. Use clear, straightforward labels like “Rooms,” “Amenities,” “Local Attractions,” and “Book Now.” Make sure these are easy to spot at the top of your page.

Don’t overwhelm visitors with too many choices—stick to a clean, uncluttered menu that leads to well-organized pages. This not only makes for a better user experience but also helps with your search engine rankings, making it easier for guests to find you online.

2. Mobile-First

Accommodate Mobile Bookings and Browsing

I’ll cut right to the chase: your website needs to be mobile-friendly. No ifs or buts. In this day and age where our phones have become an extra appendage, you need to be catering to the portion of travelers that are planning their next stay from a tablet or smartphone. Eliminate a step for them by letting them book right there, otherwise they’ll simply hop on over to a competitor’s page that lets them do just that.

If your website isn’t mobile-responsive, you’re probably missing out on a lot of potential guests. A mobile-friendly site ensures your bed and breakfast looks and works great no matter what device visitors are using.

Create a Seamless Experience on Every Device

If you want to make sure that your website works smoothly on any device, use a responsive design that automatically adapts to different screen sizes. Whether someone’s browsing on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, they’ll have the same easy, enjoyable experience.

Also make sure your images, text, and menus look great on smaller screens—everything should be easy to read and navigate without needing to pinch or zoom.

3. High-Quality Visuals

Professional Photography and Videos

Visuals are everything. More often than not, pictures and videos can be the deciding factor when guests are booking a place to stay.

Having a professional photographer come in and snap your B&B will take things to the next level. An expert will know just how to capture the charm and personality of your space with the right light and tools in their kit. If you want to level things up even more, why not add a video tour? It can be a great way to give a more immersive experience that makes them feel like they’re already there.

Optimize Images for Faster Loading

Great images are key, but they shouldn’t slow down your site. Quick loading times are essential to keep visitors engaged—nobody likes waiting for a page to load.

Optimize your images by compressing them without sacrificing quality and using the right file formats. This not only improves the user experience but also helps with your search engine rankings, because Google favors faster-loading websites.

4. Write Well

Write Engaging Descriptions of Your Property and What You Have on Offer

Your website’s copy is your chance to really sell your B&B. Engaging and descriptive text that brings your property to life can make a huge difference. Focus on writing room descriptions that showcase the unique features and comforts of each space.

Describe your amenities in a way that entices guests to book—whether it’s the delicious breakfast you serve each morning or the cozy common areas perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring local attractions.

Highlight Your Unique Selling Points

Consider what makes your bed and breakfast special. Is it the location? Do you offer a special service or experience? Or maybe the property itself has a rich and interesting history that would draw visitors.

The point is, whatever the draw, it needs to be front and center on your website. This is your chance to tell guests why yours is the perfect place for them to stay, so sell it. Use clear calls to action in key spots so you can lead visitors to the all-important booking button.

5. Booking Engine Integration

Picking a Booking System

A booking engine is going to be one of the most important features of your website. There are many options available, from standalone systems to those integrated into larger content management platforms. The goal is to pick one that’s easy for both you and your guests to use. A good booking engine should let guests check availability, view pricing, and secure their reservations with just a few clicks.

Benefits of Integrating a Direct Booking Engine

Integrating a direct booking engine on your site can boost direct bookings, saving you from paying commissions to third-party platforms and keeping more revenue in your pocket.

Plus, a direct booking engine offers a smoother experience for guests, allowing them to complete their reservations without leaving your site.

6. SEO Optimization

Basic On-Page SEO

When it comes to a well-crafted website, search engine optimization (SEO) is key to helping people find you, on-page SEO specifically. It’s basically how you get discovered online through search engines like Google.

This means using relevant keywords (such as “bed and breakfast website design” and “online bookings”) in your headings, meta descriptions, and throughout your content. Make sure your website is set up so search engines can easily crawl it, with clear titles, tags, and links.

Targeting Local SEO and Relevant Keywords

Local SEO is especially important for B&Bs because most guests are looking for places to stay in your area. Use local keywords in your content, like your city or neighborhood name, and make sure you’re listed on Google My Business.

Creating content specific to your location, such as blog posts about local attractions or events, can also boost your local SEO. The better your site is optimized, the easier it will be for potential guests to find you online.

Tools and Resources for Designing a Bed and Breakfast Website

Building a website for your bed and breakfast doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and resources, you can create a professional and effective site that attracts guests and boosts bookings. Here’s an overview of some of the best options available.

Website Builders and Platforms

There are plenty of website builders and platforms out there that cater to different needs and budgets. Popular options include WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace, each offering unique features to help you create a functional website.

But if you want a solution specifically designed to elevate your bed and breakfast, iGMS’s website builder stands out as the best option.

Why Choose iGMS for Your Bed and Breakfast Website?

iGMS is more than just a website builder—it’s a comprehensive platform tailored for the hospitality industry, making it the ideal choice for bed and breakfast owners.

Here’s why iGMS is the best option for your B&B website:

• Tailored for B&Bs: Unlike generic website builders, iGMS is specifically designed with bed and breakfasts in mind. It understands the unique needs of B&B owners, offering features that cater to your specific requirements, such as integrated booking systems, automated guest communication, and personalized design templates that reflect the charm and character of your property.
• Seamless Integration: iGMS doesn’t just stop at website building. It seamlessly integrates with various booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO, allowing you to manage all your reservations from one place. This integration ensures that your availability is always up-to-date, reducing the risk of double bookings and making your life much easier.
• User-Friendly Interface: Even if you’re not tech-savvy, iGMS’s intuitive interface makes it easy to build and manage your website. With drag-and-drop functionality, customizable templates, and straightforward navigation, you can create a professional-looking site without needing to hire a developer.
• Optimized for Mobile and SEO: iGMS ensures your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines, helping you attract more guests who are searching for accommodations on their phones or through Google. With built-in SEO tools, you can easily enhance your site’s visibility, driving more organic traffic and increasing bookings.
• Comprehensive Support: iGMS offers robust customer support to help you every step of the way. Whether you need assistance with setting up your site, integrating booking platforms, or troubleshooting issues, their team is there to ensure your website runs smoothly.
• All-in-One Management: Beyond just the website, iGMS provides tools for managing your entire B&B operation, including guest communication, task automation, and financial reporting. This all-in-one approach streamlines your business, allowing you to focus on providing an exceptional guest experience rather than getting bogged down by administrative tasks.

Choosing iGMS’s website builder means investing in a platform that’s built to meet the unique challenges of the hospitality industry, helping you create a site that not only looks great but also functions seamlessly to keep your bookings rolling in.

Final Thoughts

A well-designed website is more than just a nice-to-have for bed and breakfast owners—it’s essential. Your website is often the first point of contact with potential guests and it’s where they’ll decide whether to book a stay with you or keep looking.

By focusing on key elements like user-friendly navigation, mobile responsiveness, high-quality visuals, compelling copy, and an integrated booking engine, you can create a website that not only attracts guests but also encourages them to book directly with you.

Remember, your website is a reflection of your B&B’s personality and the experience you offer. Invest the time and resources needed to create a site that showcases your property in the best possible light. Whether you choose to go the DIY route or hire a professional designer, the end goal is the same: a beautiful, functional website that drives bookings and helps your B&B thrive.

If you’re looking for a platform specifically tailored to the needs of B&B owners, iGMS offers a powerful, user-friendly solution that can help elevate your online presence and streamline your operations.