Industrie
Websites and direct bookings for guest houses and lodges
Peak Software builds websites for South African guest houses, B&Bs and lodges that rank on Google, show up in AI travel answers and take direct bookings and WhatsApp enquiries. Every direct booking is one that doesn't pay a booking-site commission. You own the site and the guest list.
Direct bookings vs commission sites
Online booking sites bring guests, and most guest houses should stay on them. But every booking through them pays a commission, and the guest's details belong to the platform as much as to you.
Many guests find you on a booking site, then search your name to look for a better deal or a direct contact. If your own site is slow, out of date or can't take a booking, they go back and book through the platform. A good website catches them.
What the site needs
- Each room or unit on its own, with photos, beds, sleeping numbers and what's included.
- Rates and seasons, or a clear way to ask for a quote.
- Live availability and online booking, with a deposit if you want one.
- The area: what's nearby, how far it is from places guests know, and how to get there.
- Your policies: check-in times, children, pets, cancellations and load-shedding backup.
- Real questions and answers, written the way guests ask them.
- Fast pages that work on a phone, because that's where most guests look.
WhatsApp enquiries
Many South African guests would rather WhatsApp than fill in a form. Your site can open a WhatsApp chat with one tap. If you want it, a WhatsApp assistant can answer common questions, check dates and send a booking link, even at 23:00 when you're asleep. It hands the chat to you when a guest needs a person.
Being found in AI travel answers
Travellers now ask AI assistants things like "a quiet guest house near the beach that takes dogs". The assistant reads websites, reviews and listings, then names a few places.
It can only name you if it finds clear facts: your area, your rooms, your policies and your reviews. We write those as plain text on your site, add structured data that matches it, and get the site indexed by Google and Bing. Your name, area and phone number should also match on your booking-site profiles and listings.
Looked after
Seasons, rates and photos change. On the optional care plan, from R800 a month, we look after the site, the hosting and your business email, make small updates, and you get the redesign free when you join.
We work remotely with guest houses and lodges across South Africa.
Questions
Do I need a website if I'm already on booking sites?
Yes, if you want direct bookings. Many guests look up your name before they book. Your own site is where they book without a commission, and it's a key source AI assistants read when they recommend places.
Can guests book and pay a deposit on my site?
Yes. Guests can see open dates, book a room and pay a deposit by secure link. Bookings can sync with your calendar so you don't double-book.
Will my guest house show on Google Maps?
Google Maps listings come from a Google Business Profile, which you claim and verify yourself. We make sure your website and your profile use the same name, address and phone number, which helps both.
How much does a guest house website cost?
It depends mostly on whether you need live booking and payments, how many rooms and pages there are, and whether you want a WhatsApp assistant. We quote one fixed price on your spec before work starts.