Creating Custom Hotel Websites: Step By Step Guide

Your website is often the first interaction guests have with your hotel — and first impressions matter. Whether you operate a boutique inn, a lakeside resort, or a charming vacation rental in a quaint town, your site should reflect the experience your guests can expect. Building a custom hotel website doesn’t have to be complicated. With a thoughtful approach to design, clear and compelling content, and a platform that supports your goals, your website can become your hardest-working employee — drawing in new guests, improving your search visibility, and converting browsing into booking.

Your domain name is the foundation of your hotel’s online identity. A strong domain should be easy to remember, true to your brand, and, when possible, optimized with keywords that help search engines (and guests) find you.

Think about what your ideal guest might type into Google when planning their trip. They’re likely searching by location, accommodation type, or a specific amenity — so your domain should reflect those key elements. If your property doesn’t have an official name yet, this is a great chance to align your name and domain with your destination.

To get started, the formula [location] + [rental type or unique feature] can create a clear and effective domain name. Here are a few examples:

Each of these domains is simple, descriptive, and packed with searchable keywords to make it easier for guests to find exactly what they are looking for. When you’re ready to lock in your name, we recommend using GoDaddy or Squarespace Domains.

Choosing the right platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building a custom hotel website. It affects everything from how your site looks and functions to how easily you can manage updates or grow your business over time.

At LaLa Projects, we typically recommend two of the most trusted and powerful platforms available: WordPress and Squarespace. Each offers its own strengths, depending on your property’s size, your goals, and your budget.

WordPress powers nearly half the internet — and with good reason. It’s an open-source platform that offers unmatched flexibility, allowing for custom design, unique functionality, and seamless integrations.

At LaLa Projects, we specialize in creating custom WordPress themes and plugins for hospitality clients. That means we can tailor your site to reflect your brand, showcase your property, and support features like online booking systems, interactive maps, event calendars, SEO tools, and more. If you’re planning to grow your business or want a branded look and feel, WordPress gives you the freedom to build something truly unique.

Because it’s a self-hosted platform, WordPress does require ongoing maintenance — including hosting, updates, and security. We help manage those technical details, but it’s something to keep in mind as you budget for a more robust website experience.

Best for: Hotels, resorts, or rental properties looking to scale with a custom, high-performing website.

If you’re just getting started or managing a smaller rental, Squarespace might be the perfect fit. It’s an all-in-one platform that includes hosting, design templates, and an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that makes updating your content a breeze.

While it doesn’t offer the same level of customization as WordPress, Squarespace makes it easy to launch a beautiful, mobile-friendly website quickly. It’s a great option if you’re focused on budget, simplicity, and speed.

That said, it has some limitations in terms of long-term scalability. If your business grows, you may eventually outgrow the platform.

Best for: Solo vacation rental owners or small inns looking for an affordable and easy-to-maintain website.

Still not sure which platform is right for you? Read our in-depth guide on choosing between WordPress and Squarespace for a full comparison. Or reach out — we’d be happy to help you find the best fit for your goals.

Now that you have your domain and website platform selected, it’s time to work on creating a seamless booking experience. Your website should integrate with vacation rental or hotel management software so you can manage reservations, sync calendars, automate communication, and track performance. Some of our top recommendations include:

Each of these tools can integrate with your website to improve efficiency and enhance the guest experience from the moment they land on your homepage. Read this article for more information about how to choose the best vacation rental software for your property. 

Creating a custom hotel website isn’t just about choosing the right digital tools — it’s about telling your story in a way that sparks connection and inspires bookings. That’s where we come in.

At LaLa Projects, we specialize in developing custom hotel website designs that truly reflect the spirit of your property. Whether you’re running a small lakeside cottage or a big hotel chain, we’ll help you craft a digital experience that mirrors the one you offer in real life.

We’re proudly based in Northern Michigan, but we work with clients from coast to coast. Our team is fully equipped to collaborate remotely, meet onsite in the Northern Michigan area, or — for the right project — stay at your property to fully immerse ourselves in your space. When we say custom, we mean it.

Here’s how we help you bring your vision to life:

From private hot tubs to cozy fireplaces, we offer professional on-site photography that highlights the details guests fall in love with. We’re not just snapping pics — we’re telling the story of their future stay.

Content doesn’t just describe your amenities — it paints a picture of what it feels like to be there. We approach copywriting with your ideal guest in mind, helping them plan for their stay before they even pack a bag.

Your website should feel like your property: intentional, welcoming, and unforgettable. From your logo and color palette to your layout and booking flow, we design with strategy and soul — making sure your site is both stunning and easy to navigate.