Widgets allow you to add direct booking functionality to your own website. Instead of using a Hospitable-hosted site, you can embed booking features directly into pages you already manage.
This article explains what widgets are, how they work, and when to use them.
What Are Widgets?
Widgets are embeddable components that add booking functionality to your website.
They allow guests to:
Check availability
View pricing
Submit booking requests
Widgets connect directly to your Hospitable account, so all pricing, availability, and booking settings stay in sync.
External website with a booking widget showing calendar, pricing, and booking options
How Widgets Work
Widgets are added to your website using embed code.
Each property has its own:
Booking widget (used on property pages)
Optional search widget (used to browse multiple properties)
Guests interact with the widget directly on your site, and the booking flow is handled by Hospitable.
Code snippet of a booking widget that is used for embeding
When to Use Widgets
Widgets are best if you already have a website and want to keep using it.
Use widgets if you:
Have an existing site (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace, custom build)
Want full control over design and layout
Prefer to manage your own hosting and content
Widgets let you add booking functionality without rebuilding your entire site.
When Not to Use Widgets
You may not need widgets if:
You don’t have an existing website
You want a simpler setup
You prefer everything managed in one place
In these cases, a Hospitable-hosted site is usually the better option.
Also see: Hospitable-Hosted vs Self-Hosted Sites
Key Requirements
To use widgets effectively:
Each property should have its own page on your website
Each page must include the correct widget code
Your properties must be eligible for direct bookings
Also see: Managing Property Eligibility for Direct Bookings
Important Limitations
Widgets only provide booking functionality. They do not control your full website layout or design.
You must manage your own website separately
Styling is limited compared to full site control
Some features (like search widgets) may not be supported on all platforms
For example:
Certain site builders may restrict how widgets function or display
Widgets vs Hosted Sites
Hosted site: Fully managed website created in Hospitable
Widgets: Booking functionality added to your own site
Both use the same booking system, but differ in how your site is built and managed.
Important Things to Know
Widgets sync automatically with your pricing and availability
Each property requires its own widget
You are responsible for your website setup and hosting
Widgets do not replace a full website—they enhance one
Some platforms may require additional setup for widgets to work properly