Design applications for short-term apartment and hotel rentals
The Importance of Providing a Smooth and Instant Booking Experience
The first step in designing an effective booking experience is to provide a quick search feature. This allows the user to enter their destination and stay dates, and the relevant results are displayed directly without additional cumbersome steps. This simplicity of design ensures users stay in the app longer.
Options should also be presented in an organized and attractive manner, including clear images, the nightly rate, and the property's location on a map, along with basic information such as the number of rooms and available services.
The easier the booking process is, without the need to navigate to external websites or make phone calls, the greater the chances of completing the request. Therefore, it's preferable to integrate the payment system within the app itself, so booking confirmation is instant.
Also, transparency is essential for the user. Additional fees or cancellation terms should be clearly displayed before booking confirmation, which builds trust and reduces hesitation.
The "Instant Booking" feature is one of the most attractive features, as it enables users to book without the host's approval, saving significant time and ensuring immediate convenience.
The Importance of Displaying Property Photos and Videos
One of the most important factors influencing a user's decision when renting a short-term apartment or hotel is photos and videos. They enable the customer to visualize the property before visiting, providing a decisive first impression for decision-making.
The app should provide a distinct space for displaying high-quality photos of the property, including all rooms, the bathroom, the kitchen, the balcony (if any), and even outdoor facilities such as the pool or parking area.
It is preferable for the photos to be realistic, clear, and taken from professional angles, free of any manipulation or excessive editing, as the credibility of the presentation directly translates to trust in the app.
Adding photos alone is no longer sufficient; explanatory videos have become a very attractive element. A short video showing an interior tour of the property gives the user a deeper insight and eliminates many questions.
A 360-degree "virtual tour" option can also be offered for some distinguished properties, enhancing the user experience and making them feel as if they are actually inside the property.
For download speed reasons, it's important to intelligently compress images and videos so they don't impact app performance, especially for users with slow internet connections.
The Importance of Displaying Property Photos and Videos
One of the most important factors influencing a user's decision when renting a short-term apartment or hotel is photos and videos. They enable the customer to visualize the property before visiting, providing a decisive first impression for decision-making.
The app should provide a distinct space for displaying high-quality photos of the property, including all rooms, the bathroom, the kitchen, the balcony (if any), and even outdoor facilities such as the pool or parking area.
It is preferable for the photos to be realistic, clear, and taken from professional angles, free of any manipulation or excessive editing, as the credibility of the presentation directly translates to trust in the app.
Adding photos alone is no longer sufficient; explanatory videos have become a very attractive element. A short video showing an interior tour of the property gives the user a deeper insight and eliminates many questions.
A 360-degree "virtual tour" option can also be offered for some distinguished properties, enhancing the user experience and making them feel as if they are actually inside the property.
The Importance of Supporting Multiple Payment Options
When using an app to book an apartment or hotel for a short period, the payment stage is the crucial moment when the booking process is completed. Therefore, it is essential that the app supports multiple payment methods to meet the needs of different customers and facilitate the process without complications.
Some users prefer to pay via credit cards, while others rely on digital wallets, bank transfers, or even cash on arrival. Therefore, the more diverse the payment methods, the greater the chances of a successful booking.
When designing the app, it is best to integrate it with reliable and secure payment services such as Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, STC Pay, and other systems popular in the target market. These transactions should be secured using strong encryption protocols to protect user data.
Another useful feature is the ability to save the customer's preferred payment method to expedite the process in the future, while ensuring privacy and security.
Instalment payments or partial prepayment can also be offered, especially when booking longer periods or high-priced apartments. This feature may encourage hesitant users to complete the booking without hesitation.
The Importance of Including a Free Cancellation Option
One of the most important features users look for when booking short-term apartments or hotels is free cancellation. This feature gives them a sense of security and flexibility, increasing their chances of making a booking decision without worrying about long-term commitments.
When designing apartment and hotel rental apps, a cancellation policy should be clearly and clearly included in the app interface. It is also preferable to specify the time period within which the user can cancel the reservation for free (such as 24 hours before arrival) to ensure transparency.
A free cancellation policy in the app provides great flexibility, allowing users to modify their plans without incurring additional fees. This policy enhances user confidence in the app, as they know they have the option to change their mind if any unforeseen circumstances arise.
Furthermore, a partial free cancellation feature can be added, such as canceling a reservation with a partial deduction, which is a convenient option for those who want to modify their plans without paying the full fee.
Another important aspect is that the app should be able to send automatic notifications to users when the free cancellation deadline approaches. This reminder gives users the opportunity to easily cancel their reservation if their circumstances change, reducing frustration or anger.
