You’ve got clean rooms, competitive rates and your guests seem happy. So why aren’t more people booking your motel? It might not be your service. It might be your website. Because in today’s world, your website is your first impression. It’s the front desk before the front desk. And if it looks dated, slow, or unclear, travelers won’t stick around long enough to click “Book Now.”

Unfortunately, many motel websites are stuck in time. They were built years ago. They were never updated and now sabotage the very business they’re meant to support. Here are 7 of the most common website mistakes we see motel owners make and how to fix them quickly without rebuilding from scratch.

Before We Dive In, Optimize Your Strategy

The key to a successful motel website is helping people solve real problems. They want to know three things when coming across your site:

Is it clean? Is it safe? Can I book easily?

If your site answers all three, you’re already ahead of most of the market. Below, we’ll share you the exact steps to stand out and be seen as a trusted brand that travelers trust time and time again.

1. No Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

What’s the most important action a website visitor can take? Book a room. So why are so many motels hiding their CTA in the footer or blending it into their navigation?

Big mistake. If your site says “Contact Us” instead of “Book Now,” you’re creating friction. In today’s digital environment, customers run away from anything resembling friction.

How to fix it:

• Use a clear “Book Now” button in the corner of every page

• Include the same button at the bottom of your homepage and service pages

• Make it sticky on mobile so it’s always visible and scrolls as the visitor does

A well-placed button that stands out doesn’t feel pushy. It helps busy people make a quick decision and book your motel for their next getaway.

2. Not Mobile Friendly

More than half of all travelers book their rooms from a mobile device. If your motel website isn’t designed for phones, that’s a glaring issue. Often, this translates into buttons that are hard to click, tiny text or uneven layouts that send guests running for the hills.

How to fix it:

• Check your site on your phone. If it’s hard to use, it’s time to update.

• Use a mobile-first layout that loads fast, displays images clearly and allows quick booking

• Ensure phone numbers are “click-to-call” so last-minute travelers can reach you fast.

Mobile is no longer optional. It’s your main storefront. Make sure to constantly test and optimize it as new digital trends take over.

3. Outdated or Low-Quality Photos

Nothing kills trust faster than dark, blurry or outdated photos. Your images tell a story before your words do. In the hospitality business, people are buying based on visual cues. If your site shows a dim room with mismatched furniture or no exterior photos, it raises doubts, no matter how clean the room actually is.

How to fix it:

• Add a “Photo Gallery” page to showcase your motel

• Use real images of your property, not stock photos

• Hire a photographer to capture well-lit shots of your rooms

Great photos close the gap between interest and confidence.

4. Lack Of Social Proof or 5-Star Reviews

Travelers rely on reviews to feel safe and confident in their choice. But many motel websites include zero guest feedback—and leave it up to third-party platforms to shape their reputation.

How to fix it:

• Feature at least 2 or 3 short quotes from happy guests on your homepage or booking page.

• Include star ratings or badges from Google, TripAdvisor, or Booking.com.

• Respond to reviews on your Google Business Profile and link to it from your site.

Guests trust other guests. Show them they’re not the first to take a chance on you.

5. Hidden or Hard-to-Find Contact Info

Imagine someone is driving into town and wants to call and confirm availability. If your phone number is buried on a separate page or not clickable, they’ll likely move on.

How to fix it:

• Make your phone number visible in the header and footer of every page.

• Include a clickable map with your address on your Contact page.

• Add a simple booking question form for guests who prefer not to call.

Don’t make them hunt for information. Remove every barrier.

6. Generic Homepage Copy That Doesn’t Build Trust

Your homepage headline is the first line of your pitch. If it says something vague like “Welcome to Our Motel,” you’re missing the chance to stand out.

Most travelers don’t just want a room. They want a safe, affordable, clean and well-located experience that doesn’t come with surprise fees or bad service.

How to fix it:

• Use a headline that highlights the experience or benefit

“Family-Owned Comfort Just Minutes From Downtown Phoenix”

“Affordable, Clean & Convenient. Book Your Stay in Memphis.”

“Experience The Real Denver With a $120 Weekend Hotel Credit.”

Reinforce trust by naming top benefits: free parking, pet-friendly, no resort fees, flexible check-in times and any specific amenities or local landmarks.

7. No Sense of Local Experience

Many motels serve people who are new to town: road-trippers, event attendees, parents visiting college kids or workers in for a temporary job. If your website doesn’t show what’s nearby, you’re missing a major opportunity to make your location feel valuable.

How to fix it:

• Add a “Things to Do Nearby” section or page with recommendations.

• Include walking or driving distances to attractions, event venues or restaurants.

• Mention proximity to highways, hospitals, or colleges if relevant.

This builds local credibility and reassures guests they’ll have easy access to what they need.

Reach More Travelers. Drive More Bookings.

The old days of relying on a clunky website and generating bookings are long gone in a world of competitive hotels, rentals and Airbnbs. Today, more than ever, your motel website can make or break your growth.

That’s where Slamdot can help set you apart. Our team brings 20+ years of helping independent motels turn outdated websites into clean, modern and mobile-friendly booking engines. We’ve helped hospitality businesses increase direct bookings, reduce OTA fees, and build trust with local travelers without breaking the bank.

Want to see how we can help your motel? Contact us today!

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