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Increasing bookings post COVID-2019

17 June 2020 - Author: Nick Hill


Encouraging your guests to book directly has always been our mission in order to reduce the impact of OTA commission fees on your bottom line and maximise your profits.

As hotels across the UK plan to reopen in early July, hotel owners are looking to staycationers for a much-needed financial boost this summer, and with UK bookings increasing week on week, now is the time to review your direct booking strategy.

In the wake of Covid19, many guests will want reassurance that the hotel they book is following the government guidelines for Coronavirus precautions as well as checking which services are still being offered. Guests would only be able gain this information by visiting your hotel website, and if you are offering best prices and exclusive special offers, your guests will be encouraged to complete their booking directly with you.

Why not offer a discount for booking direct or for longer stays? Entice your guests with a complimentary drink on arrival or afternoon tea? Make the offer attractive and appealing to grab their attention and ensure that they complete their booking with the knowledge that they are getting a fantastic deal.

With no guarantee of when international travel restrictions will be lifted, domestic demand is currently on the rise, which means that there is no better time to take advantage of direct bookings and reduce commission fees paid to OTA’s.


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Who are freeonlinebooking?

We are freeonlinebooking - the reservation system experts.

Our multi award winning cloud-based reservation system is designed to be really easy to use and is packed with all of the features you need to run a successful accommodation business. The system is suitable for all property types, including B&Bs, motels, hotels, backpackers and holiday parks.

Choose from our totally FREE online booking system or upgrade to our Premium all-in-one property management system with channel manager and online booking system.

Join thousands of properties across the World that have already joined our online booking revolution!

Welcome to free online booking

Book direct experts

We are book direct champions

Here at freeonlinebooking, we have always been champions of zero commission and direct bookings and we fully embrace the #BookDirect movement.

The benefits of direct bookings for your accommodation business are significant. Not only are you avoiding the high commissions charged by the Online Travel Agents (OTAs), you also have much more control of your business and will enjoy a much more direct relationship with your customers.

Our mission is to help your accommodation business maximise profits by adopting a book direct strategy.


Why switch to freeonlinebooking?


  • All our services are really easy to use
  • This means that it is easy for you to learn and easy to train your staff.
  • Our innovative rate and commission management features
  • We make it very easy to manage your rates and commission to maximise your profitability. In most cases our system pays for itself in just a matter of weeks.
  • Our fabulous round the clock support
  • As we are global, we can offer round the clock support from our friendly team, with 24/7 support for all urgent issues.
  • No commission or additional fees on bookings
  • We do not charge any additional fees or commission on bookings made through websites such as Booking.com.
  • Wide range of flexible functionality
  • Our services are a step up from the basic booking diaries that limit what you can do and constrain your business. Our system includes many features available on bigger more expensive systems.
  • We can help you get setup quickly and without fuss
  • Our team can quickly and efficiently help you move from your current reservation system vendor. We can even automatically import data from your old system if required.
  • We help you maximise bookings through your website
  • As we do not earn any additional fees or commission on bookings through websites such as booking.com, we will encourage you to maximise bookings through your own website rather than the big expensive websites.
  • All our services are very affordable
  • We offer excellent value for money. You may find cheaper, however you will probably find that you may not be able to get the system functionality and support you need.
  • We have been servicing the accommodation and tourism sectors since 2001
  • In short, we have lots of experience in this industry and we know our onions. That's why we are the reservation system experts.
  • No risk
  • We offer a FREE 30 day trial and FREE setup & training if you decide to use our services.

What our customers say about us


direct booking experts
Tried and tested.  We've tried several other platforms, but this is the best for our needs as a busy holiday park.  Staff are always helpful and also listen to recommendations for new features.  Recommend for anyone looking for a booking platform.
Hendre Coed Isaf Holiday Park, Bournemouth
A great tool to drive direct bookings, any problems dealt with quickly. Reasonably priced and easy to use system.
Kelston Guest House, Weymouth

Freeonlinebooking, the platform to choose. Always been amazing for us, and easy to use. 
Four Rooms, Blackpool
Best user-friendly booking calendar for our guests - compact and concise. Driving direct bookings to the next level.
Beach Pacific Apartments
direct booking experts

bed and breakfast
I was a novice, and still am, to this BnB hosting and freeonlinebooking were extremely helpful.  Videos online for set up were great and easy to follow.  Staff were quick to answer and help with my sometimes stupid questions.  I have recommended them to lots of other BnB hosts.  Thanks.
Broadwater Farm Accomodation
We have worked in a number of places from Holiday Parks, a BnB, a motel and a resort. We have used 3 other databases which were much more expensive.  Nothing compares to the ease of use, great support and value for money as Freeonlinebooking.  Highly Recommended.
Awatuna Sunset Lodge

I have been using freeonlinebooking for about 8 years and I find their systems to be accurate. I especially appreciate the prompt, friendly assistance that is delivered when I need it. I have already recommended them to other hosts and will continue to do so.
Kauri Apartment and Catlins Lake Sanctuary
We have been users for over 11 years and nothing is ever to much for the team when need them. They are a great team
Ace High Motor Inn, Napier
holiday park


Free online booking