The Hotels Winning Direct Bookings from Google All Use the Same Playbook
Every guide, checklist, and framework we've built for hotel SEO — organized by where you are right now and what you need next.
Browse every deep-dive in this cluster
Quick answer
What is hotel SEO and where do I start?
Hotel SEO is the process of improving your property's visibility in Google search and Maps so travelers find and book you directly — reducing OTA commissions. Start with the The audit guide is the best starting point if you're unsure where your hotel's SEO stands to diagnose your current gaps, then work through local SEO and content strategy based on what you find.
Key Takeaways
1This hub connects every hotel SEO resource — use it to navigate by goal, not just topic
2The audit guide is the best starting point if you're unsure where your hotel's SEO stands
3Local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization drive Map Pack visibility, which is often the fastest win for independent hotels
4The ROI analysis frames SEO investment against OTA commission costs — a critical comparison for ownership decisions
5The cost guide and FAQ hub answer commercial questions before you're ready to engage an agency
6The case study and statistics pages provide industry context and real-world benchmarks for setting expectations
Start with the Audit Guide if you're unsure where your hotel stands — it gives you a diagnostic baseline before you invest in any specific area. If you already know you want to reduce OTA costs, go to the ROI Analysis first. If you have specific questions about pricing or process, the FAQ Hub routes you to the right page.
Most resources in this cluster apply to both, but the Local SEO for Hotels page specifically addresses multi-property and multi-location considerations relevant to hotel groups and brands. Independent hotels will find the GBP Optimization guide and the Cost Guide especially relevant, since budget constraints and local visibility typically define their competitive strategy.
The ROI Analysis page is designed for this. It frames SEO spend against OTA commission costs, includes a payback framework, and links to the Case Study for real-world context. Many hotel ownership groups find the OTA commission comparison more persuasive than abstract traffic or ranking metrics.
The Hiring Guide covers evaluation criteria, contract red flags, and specific questions to ask before signing with any agency. Read it alongside the Cost Guide so you can match pricing expectations to scope. The FAQ Hub also covers common vendor evaluation questions with routing to deeper resources.
Yes — the GBP Optimization for Hotels guide covers category selection, photo strategy, post frequency, Q&A management, and review response practices specific to hospitality properties. It works best read after the Local SEO for Hotels page, which provides the broader strategic context for why each GBP element matters.
The Hotel SEO Statistics page compiles hospitality-specific benchmarks from sources including STR, Phocuswright, and Google Travel research. It includes methodology notes and variance context so you can interpret the data relative to your property type and market. The Case Study page adds qualitative depth to those numbers.