If your self-catering holiday let is already listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, or Sykes, it's fair to ask: does my holiday cottage need its own website?
The answer depends on your goals. For some Lake District holiday let owners, a website isn't essential. For others, it becomes one of the most valuable assets in their marketing toolkit.
When You Probably Don't Need a Website
We're going to go against the grain here and say that not every holiday let needs its own website. If you only have a single Lake District holiday cottage and it's booked solid, a dedicated website may not be a priority.
If you're running a business with multiple cottages, either on a single site or spread across several, it can be a good idea to present them all from one portfolio website.
This lets you showcase your properties together and offer alternatives when one cottage is unavailable, keeping potential guests within your portfolio rather than sending them back to Google.
The Downsides of Relying on Booking Platforms
Booking platforms are great, but as we all know, they take their fee. Commission fees on Airbnb, Booking.com and Sykes can add up quickly over a busy Cumbria season.
With your own holiday let website and a booking system integration (for example, InnStyle), you can take direct bookings and rely less on the major OTAs.
Taking direct bookings isn't new, but platforms like InnStyle make the process much easier. By embedding a booking calendar directly into your website, guests can check availability and book online without needing to pick up the phone.
Why More Holiday Let Owners Are Investing in Their Own Websites
A website gives you something that Airbnb, Booking.com and Sykes don't: ownership.
When guests search for your Lake District cottage by name, a website lets you control what they find. It also gives previous guests somewhere to return to when they're ready to book again.
For many owners, the biggest benefit is repeat business. A guest who has already stayed with you is far more likely to book directly next time if there's a simple, professional website they can visit.
A website doesn't need to replace booking platforms entirely. It can work alongside the OTAs, helping you build direct bookings over time while you still benefit from the exposure the larger platforms provide.
What a Good Holiday Let Website Actually Needs
Thankfully, most holiday let websites don't need to be complicated. In most cases, a website should focus on helping guests find the information they need and making it as easy as possible to book.
A good holiday let website should include:
- Professional photography
- Clear information about the property and facilities
- Up-to-date pricing and availability
- Online booking integration
- Guest reviews and testimonials
- Information about the local area, such as Lake District walks, attractions and places to eat in Windermere, Keswick or Ambleside
- A mobile-friendly design
The goal isn't to create dozens of pages or fill the site with unnecessary content. Instead, it's about building trust, showcasing the property and providing a straightforward route to booking.
So, Do You Need a Website?
If you're happy relying entirely on Airbnb, Booking.com or Sykes and your calendar is consistently full, a website may not be a priority.
If you'd like to encourage more direct bookings, reduce commission fees and give previous guests a place to book with confidence, then a website can become a valuable long-term asset for your Lake District holiday let business.
The best holiday cottage websites don't replace booking platforms. They complement them, helping you build a stronger brand, encourage repeat bookings and gain more control over how guests discover and book your properties.