Crafting the perfect hotel listing starts with knowing what guests actually look for.

This guide walks you through the elements to make your hotel stand out and convert lookers into bookers.

How to Make Your Property Pop (and Actually Book Out)

Hey there, independent hoteliers! Before we get started—make sure to subscribe to the Hotelier Helpcast and ring that bell so you never miss another episode packed with hotel management gold.

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Are your listings just sitting there like stale toast at a breakfast buffet? This episode is for you.

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Crafting a compelling hotel listing on Booking.com isn’t just about uploading pretty photos and calling it a day. It’s about psychology, clarity, and a sprinkle of personality. Whether you run a cosy B&B, a rustic retreat, or a boutique hotel that’s bursting with charm, this is how you stand out in a sea of sameness.

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What’s Your Headline Saying (or Not Saying)?

Your title is the first hook. Make it irresistible.

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Let’s be honest. “Beautiful Room in Great Location” tells me nothing. It’s like calling a croissant “a piece of bread.” You’ve got 50–70 characters to stop the scroll. Use them.

✅ Use power words: “Romantic”, “Secluded”, “Family-friendly”, “Eco-Chic”

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✅ Mention a unique feature: “Mountain View Balcony”, “Pet-Friendly Inn with Homemade Breakfast”

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❓ Question for you: If your listing title was all a guest saw, would they click?

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💡 Tip of the Section: Test three title variations using Booking.com’s A/B testing tool. Small tweaks = big results.

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Photos Sell—Are Yours Screaming or Snoozing?

People browse with their eyes. Your listing photos are your handshake.

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Let me tell you what I don’t want to see: unmade beds, poorly lit bathrooms, or ten photos of the same vase.

Instead:

• Start with your hero image: that one shot that screams “STAY HERE!”

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• Use natural light. Shoot at golden hour if you can.

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• Show people using the space—laughing over coffee, working by the window, kids jumping into the pool.

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And for heaven’s sake, clean your lens. That smudge is not a filter.

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🎧 Quick promo break: Want more visibility tips? Check out the Hotelier Helpcast Podcast → hotelierhelpcast.com/podcast

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💡 Tip of the Section: Hire a student photographer for a professional shoot on a budget. A fresh lens (literally and figuratively) makes a huge difference.

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Nail the Description—Talk to the Guest, Not at Them

Don’t just list features. Tell a story.

Imagine this:

“Welcome to our coastal inn, where every morning starts with fresh scones and seagulls singing you awake.”

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Feels different than:

“Double room. Ensuite. WiFi. Free parking.”

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Listing platforms love rich descriptions. So do your future guests.

✅ Use short paragraphs and break up text with bullet points.

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✅ Write like you speak—warm, friendly, with a hint of cheek.

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✅ Anticipate and answer common questions.

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🎥 Promo time! For video walkthroughs and expert interviews, visit our Hotelier Helpcast YouTube Channel → YouTube

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💡 Tip of the Section: Start your description with an emotional benefit: “You’ll sleep like royalty in our feather-top beds after a day of wine tasting.”

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📅 Set Up Smarter Availability & Pricing

If your calendar’s broken, so is your income.

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Too many owners set and forget. But pricing and availability are living things. And trust me—guests notice when your prices feel off.

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❗ Pro tip: Booking.com’s Smart Pricing tools can save your bacon during the off-season.

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Also: Sync your calendar across platforms with a Channel Manager. Double bookings are the fastest way to tank your reviews.

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💡 Tip of the Section: Review your prices weekly. Adjust based on events, demand, and your competitors’ rates.

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🎯 Want more tools like this? Head over to hotelierhelpcast.com for the latest tips and downloads.

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 Reviews: Get Them. Use Them. Show Them Off

A glowing review is your best salesperson.

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Here’s the deal—guests trust guests more than they trust you. So make it easy to leave reviews. Ask. Prompt. Thank them. And display those glowing comments proudly in your listing.

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Even a 4-star review can sell if it sounds genuine.

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📢 Showcase your responses too. Thoughtful replies = credibility.

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💡 Tip of the Section: Use your best review as part of your listing description. It builds trust fast.

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You’re not just managing rooms.

You’re building a business that lasts.

One with stories, not just spreadsheets.

“Your Independent Hotel Blueprint” helps you do just that.

Download it. It’s time.

You can find a link in the show notes.

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What’s the one thing guests always compliment about your property?
Let us know in the comments.

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Here Are Your Key Takeaways

In Conclusion

A great hotel listing does more than inform—it invites. It connects with your ideal guest and makes them feel like your place is exactly where they belong.

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You’ve got charm. You’ve got heart. Now you’ve got the tools.

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🎓 Want deeper support? “The Hotel Owner’s Roadmap: 90 Days to More Bookings, More Time, and Less Stress” course is packed with practical strategies like these. You’ll learn how to set up your property for sustainable, standout success.

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If you liked this episode, you also might like “How Can Independent Hotels Maximise Exposure On OTAs” episode 55.

https://hotelierhelpcast.com/2024/10/how-can-independent-hotels-maximise-exposure-on-otas-055

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📢 Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you like what we’re doing—feel free to buy us a coffee.