The other day, someone on Reddit asked:
Let's start with a real world example with one of one of my clients, who recently bought a small motel.
First, they compared PMS options (CloudBeds vs. Mews) and chose Mews, which doesn’t offer a built-in website builder.
Then, we evaluated website platforms and landed on Webflow, a visual CMS that’s easy to maintain, highly customizable, great for SEO, and integrates well with most PMS systems.
We started with a template based on their key features, customized it to support on-page booking, and optimized the site for foundational SEO. Within weeks, search performance had already improved.
Whether you use CloudBeds, Mews, or another PMS, the process is similar. Let’s break down your options and how to make the best decisions for your hotel.
Step 1: Get clear on what you need to build a custom website
Before choosing specific platforms, you need to get clear on which tool you need in the first place.
👉 A Website (PMS websites, a Builder or a CMS)
👉 a PMS (booking engine) like Cloudbeds or MEWs
👉 an Email Tool
Once you’re clear on what you need, but also your budget and future of your business, it’s time to choose platforms.
Step 2: Choose your tools 🛠️
This is the process I went through helping a client make this decision. Just like you, she was overwhelmed with options. However, she was clear on what she needed:
👉 On-page booking (without a different/external URL opening up like in 1999)
👉 Website intwo languages (french & english)
👉 SEO-first to become 70%+ direct–booking and not reliant on OTAs
👉 Visual-first
👉 easy to maintain
👉 future proof (she knows her biz will grow and she wants a website to grow with it).
With that “list” of needs in mind, I listed out website builder's options, which came down to three.
Step 3: Why I Recommend Webflow (Underrated but Powerful)
If you want an integrated solution, where your booking engine feels like it is part of your website, Webflow is uniquely suited for integrating with booking platforms to launch powerful yet easy to maintain sites.
- The CMS allows hoteliers like you to independently manage on site content after launch.
- You can combine multiple integrations & booking flows into a single site to meet unique users needs (email marketing, PMS etc).
- Visual first, key for hospitality businesses who rely on visuals and videos a lot.
- You can create reservation components that are fully adapted to your PMS.
- The Localization feature is perfect to easily translate your website.
Step 4: Pick a Template that Works for You
Webflow has dozens of templates tailored to travel and hospitality brands. Choosing your template needs to be a carefully planned decision. Not only is the design important, but the website pagination/infrastructure too!
For example, you want to make sure it includes a CMS to add rooms/properties. Be clear on your criterias before choosing.
Here are a few examples of beautiful websites built in Webflow:
Step 5: Integrate Your PMS for On-Page Booking
Once your site structure is ready, it’s time to connect your PMS.
If you're using MEWS with Webflow:
- Learn how to integrate your MEWs booking engine on Webflow
- Add booking widgets directly on your homepage and room pages
- Customize checkout flows to reflect your room types, city, and language
If you're using CloudBeds:
- The same logic applies! You can embed booking forms and improve the design/customization vs. using their default widget (an article to help you out).
Step 6: Add Your Content
Upload your room photos, write your copy, and connect your custom domain.
Make sure each page includes:
- A compelling call-to-action (Book Now!)
- Room details and photos
- Amenities and nearby attractions
Step 7: Optimize for SEO & Launch 🚀
Custom websites give you complete control over page structure, keywords, and content, making it easier to rank on Google and reduce reliance on OTAs. So make sure your pages to convert well.
Suggested reading: How to Appear in Google Searches as Soon as Your Website Goes Live