Hotel Website Design: A Case Study Review

Belmore Court & Motel

motel.co.uk

  • Website Strategy
  • Website Design
  • Website Development

In an era where digital presence is synonymous with a brand’s identity, the importance of a well-designed website cannot be overstated enough, especially within the hospitality industry. 

This case study presents an insightful journey of transforming our client’s hotel website design, into a cutting-edge, customer-centric experience.

However, this transformation was not just about aesthetic enhancement; it delved deeper into improving user experience, streamlining navigation, and aligning the digital presence with contemporary trends.
The lessons learned from this case study review extend beyond the realm of hospitality marketing, offering valuable insights into the impact of digital design in today’s business world.

The Client 

Belmore Court & Motel, located in Enniskillen, is a unique accommodation choice distinct from conventional hotels. Celebrated for its exceptional service, this establishment has been recognized as a top accommodation option in Enniskillen and Fermanagh by TripAdvisor for over seventeen years​​. 

What sets Belmore Court & Motel apart is its commitment to exceptional customer service and genuine hospitality. The motto “Arrive a guest, leave as a friend” encapsulates their approach to guest relations, aiming to create meaningful connections and a welcoming atmosphere that turns guests into extended family members​.

The Challenge

Our client, a local hotel in Enniskillen, primarily needed a new website. Their existing digital presence was lacking in modern functionality, which ultimately had an impact on their direct bookings. Our job was to deliver a hotel marketing strategy and create a digital home that put our client’s website in front of their potential guests – at the right time. 

Outdated Design

Our client’s existing hotel website was no longer meeting modern standards. Its dated appearance and lack of contemporary features were evident, signalling a pressing need for a revamped hotel website design.

Difficult Navigation

Users also found the website hard to navigate. The previous layout and user interface were not intuitive, leading to confusion and inefficiency when trying to view available bookings or find out more information about a potential stay. 

Negative User Experience

The combination of an outdated design and difficult navigation culminated in a negative user experience. This affected the website’s ability to both attract and retain potential guests, impacting our client’s digital performance and online success. 

Our Approach 

Considering the needs of our client at Belmore Court and Motel, we strategically began to create a hotel website design that would land them on the first page of search engine results. 

This increase in SEO position led to more website traffic, and with our clever web design and embedded calls to action, we ensured that those website visitors were encouraged to become guests. 

Integrated with Net Affinity Booking System

A key step in our approach was integrating the Net Affinity booking system. This system streamlined the reservation process, making it more user-friendly and efficient for guests. It allowed for a smoother booking experience, reducing barriers to conversion.

Improved Layout and Mega Menu

Recognizing the need for easier navigation, we completely overhauled the website’s layout. The introduction of a mega menu was a strategic move to enhance accessibility. 

This new layout made it easier for users to find what they were looking for, whether it was room descriptions, rates, or special offers. Our focus was on ensuring that every visitor could navigate the site with ease, mirroring the welcoming and accommodating spirit of Belmore Court & Motel.

Responsive Design for Mobile Users

In an industry where mobile usage is prevalent, we also emphasised creating a responsive hotel website design. This ensured that the website was easily accessible and functional across various devices, catering to the growing number of users who prefer mobile browsing when booking trips. 

These initiatives were essential in transforming the website into a more effective and engaging platform, directly reflecting the hotel’s commitment to providing an exceptional online experience for its guests.

The Results

With a revamped digital presence and sleek, functionable website design, we were able to take our client’s website and bring it to a new level. Check out the results of this amazing project below. 

Faster site speeds lead to higher conversions

Our approach to this hotel website design was focused on building faster site speeds to enhance the User Experience. This functionality also led to higher conversion rates as users were more likely to complete desired actions like making a reservation or booking enquiry, when the website functioned fast and efficiently. 

Improved SEO

The faster site speeds and improved user experience also helped with search engine optimization, meaning the website ranked in higher positions and for more targeted keywords. This also increase the website traffic to over 1000 organic visitors per month, providing real and measurable value to our approach of hotel website design. 

Reduced the use of 3rd party booking

By improving the website experience directly, reliance and costs associated with third party booking sites were also reduced. We created an appealing and conversion-focused website that allowed for more direct bookings and reduced the need for third party services and their additional fees/commissions.

Why Is Hotel Website Design Important? 

In the world of digital branding, a well-designed website is pivotal, particularly in the hospitality sector. It affects several aspects of your business’ reputation and digital performance including; 

  • First Impressions: Your hotel’s website is often the first interaction potential guests have with your brand. A well-designed website creates a positive first impression and can help build trust and credibility.
  • Visual Appeal: Attractive visuals, including high-quality images and videos of your hotel and its amenities, can inspire potential guests and make them more likely to book a stay. High-resolution images showcase your property in the best light.
  • Branding and Identity: Your website is a reflection of your hotel’s brand and identity. Consistent branding elements, such as logo, colour schemes, and fonts, help reinforce your brand and make it memorable to visitors.
  • SEO and Search Ranking: Proper hotel web design can positively impact your hotel’s SEO efforts. Search engines like Google favour websites that are well-structured, fast-loading, and user-friendly. A well-designed website can help improve your search engine ranking, making it easier for potential guests to find you online.
  • Booking Conversion: The ultimate goal of your hotel website is to convert visitors into guests. An effective web design should include clear and prominent calls to action (CTAs), such as “Book Now” buttons, to encourage visitors to make reservations.
  • Information Accessibility: Your website should provide comprehensive information about your hotel, including room types, rates, amenities, location, and local attractions. Clear and organised information helps potential guests make informed decisions.
  • Feedback and Interaction: A well-designed website can facilitate guest feedback and interaction. Features like online reviews, chat support, and contact forms allow guests to provide feedback and ask questions, fostering engagement and trust.
  • Adaptability: As consumer preferences and technology evolve, your website needs to adapt. Regularly updating and refining your web design ensures that it remains relevant and effective in reaching your target audience.

Hotel web design plays a crucial role in attracting, engaging, and converting potential guests. It directly influences user experience, branding, search visibility, and ultimately, the success of your hotel business in the digital age.

This case study review illustrates the journey of revamping a local Enniskillen hotel’s website, showcasing how design goes beyond aesthetics to enhance user experience and align with modern trends for future success. 

More projects

If you enjoyed this case study, be sure to check out some of our other project reviews; Hotel Marketing Strategy | Training Website Design | Web Design for Charity Events | Retail Software Website Design | Educational Platform Learning Mole.

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