A look at what works, what could be improved, and key takeaways for your own hotel website design.
I’m excited to share a hotel website design that’s worth checking out. I break down what’s good, what could be improved, and what we can learn from it. Of course, this is all based on my own knowledge and opinion—so if you’ve got thoughts, I’d love to hear them!
Today, we’re taking a look at the Tradewinds Hotel in Australia. Their website does a lot of things right—especially when it comes to direct bookings—but there’s always room for improvement. Let’s dive in.
📖 Table of Contents
- The Tradewinds Hotel – A Website Worth Noting
- A Subtle Yet Effective Call-to-Action
- Bonus Points: A Smart Pop-Up Strategy
- Playful Yet Organized: The Overall Design
- What Could Be Improved?
- Key Takeaways
- Three Things You Can Do Right Now
🏨 The Tradewinds Hotel – A Website Worth Noting
If you run a hotel, your website has one main goal: get direct bookings. That means your call-to-action (CTA)—the “Book Now” button—needs to be clear, functional, and easy to find.
The Tradewinds Hotel does this really well. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about having a “Book Now” button. Plenty of hotel websites do that. The magic lies in how they do it.
🎯 A Subtle Yet Effective Call-to-Action
Many hotel websites take an aggressive approach: the second you land on the homepage, you’re hit with a giant “BOOK NOW” button screaming for attention. While that might work for some, it can also feel pushy and off-putting.
The Tradewinds Hotel takes a different approach—and it works. Their CTA is clear, but friendly. It’s there when you need it, but it doesn’t demand an immediate booking. Instead, their website is structured in a way that invites exploration. You can navigate easily, check out the rooms, and when you’re ready, the booking option is exactly where you’d expect it—in the top right corner of the menu. No confusion, no pressure.
🎟 Bonus Points: A Smart Pop-Up Strategy
One clever addition? A pop-up offering 10% off for first-time bookers who sign up for their newsletter. But it’s not just about the discount.
This pop-up also highlights how booking directly is cheaper than using platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. It’s a smart move because it educates potential guests while also capturing their email for future marketing. Win-win. Smart hotel website design at play.
🎨 Playful Yet Organized: The Overall Design
One of the best things about this hotel website design is its ability to feel playful without being chaotic.
🌿 How do they achieve this?
- Color Palette – A rustic, warm color scheme that aligns with the hotel’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
- Typography – A combination of Brandon Grotesque Regular (for body text) and Kort Bold (for headings). The result? A sophisticated but approachable vibe.
- Photography – Well-lit, wide-angle shots of the rooms. Everything looks clean, inviting, and well-presented—just as a hotel website should be.
That said, one thing is missing…
🤔 What Could Be Improved?
Even great hotel website design can be improved. Here’s what I think could take the Tradewinds Hotel’s site to the next level:
📹 Video Content – A short promo video showcasing the hotel would add depth and emotion to the website.
🍽 Better Bar & Bistro Photos – The hotel’s website mentions its “sensational Swan River views,” but there’s no standout photo that captures this. A missed opportunity!
🏊 More Pool & Fitness Images – Travelers love seeing amenities before they book. Having more high-quality images of the pool and gym would keep visitors on the site longer (instead of searching for them on TripAdvisor).
Why does this matter? Because if potential guests can’t find what they need, they’ll leave—and possibly book through another platform instead.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
- Your CTA doesn’t have to be aggressive—a clear, structured website naturally guides visitors toward booking.
- A well-placed pop-up can boost direct bookings—especially if it educates guests on why it’s the best option.
- Consistent branding makes a difference. Typography, color choices, and imagery should align with the hotel’s vibe.
- More visual content = fewer lost bookings. If guests can’t find the info they need, they’ll search elsewhere—sometimes booking through a third party instead of directly on your site.
✅ Three Things You Can Do Right Now
1️⃣ Check your CTA. Is it clear but not pushy? Does your site structure naturally guide visitors toward booking?
2️⃣ Evaluate your imagery. Are you missing key shots, like your best room views, restaurant, or amenities?
3️⃣ Consider adding a video. Even a short 30-second clip can make a big impact on engagement and conversions.
Is your hotel website already designed to convert visitors into bookings? Great! Then maybe it’s time to focus on social media. Learn how The Local St. Augustine nails Instagram marketing and how Claridge’s Hotel crafts a luxury brand strategy that keeps guests coming back!
Want to see more of Tradewinds Hotel? Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates and inspiration.
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