How much does a website cost in 2026 – and what are you actually paying for?
Why quotes for the "same" website can differ tenfold – and how to work out what you really need, without overpaying or making expensive mistakes.
Read articleThe Adriatic coast, Dalmatia, Herzegovina, Mostar and Međugorje attract visitors from all over the world every year – from families from Germany and Austria to pilgrims from Italy, Poland and Ireland. Most property owners get these guests through the big platforms. That's fine – with one big "but".
The problem: commission on every booking
Booking platforms charge commission on every reservation, often 15% or more. Over a season of a few dozen bookings that adds up to a serious sum – money leaving your pocket for guests who, with a little effort, could have found you directly.
The goal isn't to abandon the platforms. It's to reduce your dependence on them: use them for new guests, and build direct bookings from returning guests, referrals and people who find you on Google.
What a holiday rental website must have
1. Photos that sell
Guests decide with their eyes. Professional photos of every unit, bathroom, view, surroundings and breakfast – shot in daylight – are the single most important investment in the whole project.
2. Your guests' languages
Look at where your guests come from and offer the site in their language. For the Adriatic that's often German, English, Italian, Polish and Czech. Guests reading in their own language feel more confident – and book more readily.
3. Visible availability and prices
An availability calendar, seasonal price guides and precise house rules (check-in, check-out, cancellation, pets, parking). The fewer questions a guest has to ask, the more likely they are to book.
4. Easy enquiry or booking
Depending on the size of the property: an enquiry form, a WhatsApp button or a full online booking system with payment. For smaller properties, a fast reply on WhatsApp is often the most effective channel.
5. Location and experience
A map, distances to key places (beach, old town, airport, excursions), restaurant and activity tips. Guests aren't just buying a bed – they're buying a holiday.
6. Reviews and trust
Show ratings and real guest reviews (with their source), contact details and the host's face. People book from people.
How to avoid double bookings
If you take bookings in several places, your calendars must stay in sync. Most platforms support iCal syncing, and for multiple units a channel manager that updates availability everywhere automatically is worth it. Your website should be part of that system.
How to bring guests to your own site
- Google Business Profile – with photos, reviews and a link to your site. For many searches like "apartments Split" it's the first thing a guest sees.
- SEO in your guests' languages – pages optimised for searches such as "Ferienwohnung Split" or "appartamenti Dalmazia".
- Seasonal campaigns – Google and Meta ads targeting your guests' home countries in the months when they plan trips.
- Returning guests – with consent, keep in touch and send an offer for next season. The cheapest guest is one who already loves you.
- A card in the room – a QR code linking to your site and a reward for the next direct booking.
Give guests a reason to book direct
Guests have habits – they book where they always book. Give them a reason to change: best price guaranteed on your site, free late check-out, a transfer, breakfast or a returning-guest discount. Just make sure you respect the terms of your platform contracts.
The legal minimum
A privacy policy, precise booking and cancellation terms, secure handling of guest data and GDPR compliance. It's not just an obligation – it builds trust.
How we can help
We build multilingual websites for holiday apartments, villas and hotels, set up Google Business Profiles and run seasonal campaigns for international markets. See also our solutions for tourism and accommodation.
