01
The next stay
A QR card next to the Wi-Fi code.
Guide · Direct bookings
How to get direct bookings for your holiday let
Direct bookings come from guests who already like you and from people they tell. Here is how a one-property owner in the UK can build them up steadily, alongside Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo.
Free previewNo commission on bookingsKeeps platform rules
Ground rule
Do not move a booking that started on a platform. No phone numbers in messages, and no links during a stay. Platforms prohibit it and it puts your listing at risk.
Direct bookings are for the next stay, the friend of a guest, and the person who finds you on Google.
1. Make returning easy
Leave a card by the Wi-Fi code with a QR to your own site: "Coming back? Book with us here." You can make a free QR at mystay.direct/booking-link-qr.
2. One link people can forward
When a guest's friend asks where they stayed, they need a link with photos, dates and a way to ask, not a phone number.
3. Google Business Profile
If your type of property qualifies, a Maps listing linking to your site puts you in front of local searches. Check Google's lodging policies first.
4. Local partners
Pubs, wedding venues, surf schools, walking-holiday companies and golf clubs all get "where can we stay?" questions. Offer them your card.
5. Social, lightly
A Reel of the sunset from your terrace every couple of weeks, with your link in the bio, beats a polished campaign you never post.
6. Off-season and longer stays
Remote workers and contractors often like dealing with you directly. Check your insurance and any local rules on stay length. This is not legal advice.
7. Get the basics right
Calendar synced by iCal with your platforms, so the same night is much less likely to sell twice. A clear total price, house rules and cancellation terms.
In Scotland, show your short-term let licence number. Wherever you are, check your local rules, and use the same details you would show on a platform listing. MyStay shows the number you type. It does not register you and it does not check the number.
Guests pay you directly by card, cash or bank transfer. Card checkout uses your own Stripe account.
8. Measure
Add utm tags to the links on your QR card, Instagram and Google profile, so you know which ones bring enquiries.
For one property
What helps a UK holiday-let owner most.
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People nearby
Pubs, weddings, surf, walking trips and golf.
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The basics in order
Calendar, a clear price, and the licence number where it is required.
FAQ
Do I have to charge less on my own site?
No. Some platforms have rate-parity terms anyway. Guests book direct for the personal contact and the flexibility.
What does MyStay cost?
ÂŁ14.99 a month or ÂŁ149.90 a year for one property, with no commission. The first 50 hosts pay ÂŁ99.00 for the first year. The preview is free and the 14-day trial starts when you publish.
I don't have a listing yet.
Describe your place in a few lines and MyStay drafts the page. You add the photos.
More on direct bookings
Guide · Direct bookings
The link for your holiday let
Paste a listing or describe the place. The preview is free.
Paste the link. Get a site guests can book on.