Summary
Host Tools supports direct booking as part of our Pro subscription. Take control of your bookings, eliminate platform fees, and build your brand with your own direct booking website. Direct booking lets you accept reservations directly from guests while maintaining the same seamless automation you enjoy with channel bookings.
Benefits of Direct Booking
With Host Tools Direct Booking, you can:
Save money: Avoid platform fees by accepting reservations directly from guests
Build your brand: Create a professional, branded website with your own logo and custom domain
Maintain control: Set your own terms, require contracts, and verify guest identities
Stay automated: Direct reservations integrate seamlessly with your existing message rules, smart locks, and calendar sync
Flexible payments: Accept automated payments through Stripe or collect payments manually
What You Can Do with Direct Booking
Host Tools offers multiple ways to handle direct bookings:
Create a branded direct booking website for a single listing, a group of listings, or all your properties
Enable checkout-only mode to create a booking page you can link from your own website
Enter reservations manually into the Host Tools calendar or import them using iCal links
Getting Started
Create your direct booking website in minutes. Set up a branded site for a single listing, a group of listings, or all your properties. Your site includes availability calendars, pricing, and a booking form—everything guests need to reserve their stay.
How to Create a Direct Booking Site With Host Tools — Step-by-step guide to creating your branded booking website
Customization and Branding
Make your direct booking site truly yours by using your own domain name. A custom domain builds trust with guests, improves your search engine visibility, and creates a more professional booking experience that matches your brand.
How do I set up a custom domain for my direct booking site? — Use your own domain for professional branding and better SEO
Security and Trust
Protect your property and ensure peace of mind by verifying who is booking your space. Host Tools lets you require guests to verify their identity and sign your rental agreement before their booking is confirmed, reducing fraud and setting clear expectations.
How do I require ID verification for direct bookings? — Protect your property by verifying guest identities before they book
How do I require contract signing for direct bookings? — Have guests acknowledge your house rules and sign your rental agreement
Payments and Integration
Choose how you want to receive payments from guests. Connect Stripe for automated, secure payment processing at the time of booking, or collect payments manually with full control over timing and payment methods. You can also integrate with your existing website using checkout-only mode.
How do I receive payments from my direct booking site? — Set up Stripe for automated payments or collect payments manually
How do I set up checkout-only mode for my direct booking site? — Create a checkout page to embed on your own website
Additional Resources
You can also manage direct reservations using these features:
How do I add a reservation to my calendar? — Enter reservations manually
How can I import reservations from other channels or my personal calendar? — Import reservations using iCal links
How do I send messages to reservations imported via iCal links? — Automate messaging for imported reservations
FAQ
Is Direct Booking included in my subscription?
Yes, Direct Booking is included in your Host Tools Pro subscription. We do not charge any extra fees to you or your guests.
Do I need a Stripe account?
No, Stripe is optional. You can connect Stripe for automated payment processing, or choose to collect payments manually from guests.
Will my direct bookings sync with my other channels?
Yes! Direct reservations are handled just like reservations from Airbnb, VRBO, or any other channel. They'll appear on your calendar, trigger your message rules, and sync availability across all connected channels.
Can I create a site for multiple listings?
Yes! You can create a direct booking site for a single listing, a listing group, or all your listings on one page.