How much a guesthouse pays booking platforms (and how to lower it)
Platforms bring guests, but take a commission on every booking. Booking.com's base commission is often
around 15% (check your contract; visibility programmes can raise it).
Do the maths
With 60 nights a month at €90 and a 16% commission, that's about €10,400 a year in commission.
If 20% of those bookings came direct, you'd keep around €2,000 a year. Try your own numbers in the
calculator.
How to win direct bookings (without leaving the platforms)
- A fast mobile website with direct booking at the same or a better price.
- A Google profile with your website button and current photos.
- Returning guests: invite them to book direct next time (a card in the room, a thank-you email).
- Instagram with the direct booking link in your bio.