A hotel website is more than just a digital room directory. It is often the first point of contact between a guest and the hotel – and should therefore convey online what makes a stay there so special.
Guests see a website long before they see the reception, their room or the breakfast room. Colours, typography, images, text and animations create a first impression of what awaits them at the hotel.
A hotel’s own identity plays a particularly important role in Tyrol. A hotel steeped in tradition tells a different story to a modern boutique hotel, an aparthotel or a family-run hotel in the mountains.
Good web design translates this identity into the digital realm without making the hotel seem contrived. The design draws inspiration from the architecture, the atmosphere, the hosts and the surroundings.
In this context, different elements should work together seamlessly:
Rooms & Suites – Presenting rooms in a clear and atmospheric way
Wellness & Cuisine – Presenting offers with appropriate images and content
Region & Activities – showcasing what guests can experience in the area around the hotel
Enquiries & Bookings – making the next step simple and straightforward
It creates a sense of atmosphere, helps visitors find their way round and builds anticipation for the house.
Different hotels need different digital presences – ranging from minimalist and modern to warm, personal and steeped in tradition.
A hotel’s website should not look like any other hotel’s. The website can incorporate elements from the architecture, interior design and local surroundings to create a unique digital design.
It’s not about cramming in as many effects as possible. Large images, clear typography, good content and a logical structure can create a far greater sense of atmosphere than a cluttered interface.
The technical aspects are also part of the design. A website must work on both smartphones and desktops, be easy to understand and guide visitors directly to the relevant information.
A good hotel website doesn’t just think in terms of individual sub-pages. It takes into account the guest’s entire journey – from their first visit to the homepage, through to choosing a room, right up to making an enquiry or booking.
Content relating to the region can also be an important part of this. Hiking, skiing, wellness, cuisine or special events, together with the hotel, tell a story and give guests a reason to stay on the website for longer.
The website thus becomes a digital extension of the hotel. You can find out more about designing digital projects under ‘Web Design & Shops’. LYOR offers an insight into the studio and other projects.
Are you planning a new hotel website or looking to revamp your existing one? Then let’s talk about the hotel, its history and its digital strategy.
