Add a “Book” button to the main menu

Improve the visibility of the booking engine and increase conversions

Key points: ● Place a Book button in the main menu for increased visibility ● Connect the button directly to the booking engine ● Optimize the design for mobile and desktop ● Ensure a clear and effective display to maximize bookings

Integrating a "Book Now" button into the main menu is one of the most effective ways to increase direct bookings on a hotel website. Visible on every page, it naturally guides visitors toward the essential action: checking dates and booking a room.

This simple improvement optimizes the user journey and strengthens your conversion strategy.

Why add a Book button to the main menu?

A Book button in the header allows you to: ● offer immediate access to the search engine, regardless of the page viewed ● reduce the clicks required to initiate a booking ● improve the readability of the customer journey ● increase the proportion of direct bookings

💡 The more visible the button, the stronger the conversion: focus on simplicity and clarity.

How to add a "Book" button to the main menu

Depending on the structure of your site, several approaches are possible.

1. Add a new link to the navigation

In your main menu, add a new item and name it “Book”. Then: ● associate the URL provided by your booking engine ● verify the necessary settings (empty or pre-filled dates as you prefer) ● place this link at the end of the menu for greater visibility

Advantage: quick to set up, without major modifications.

2. Transform the link into a real visual button

To increase visibility, style this link like a button: ● contrasting color (e.g., gold, deep red, midnight blue, according to your brand guidelines) ● slightly rounded corners ● larger, more legible size ● comfortable internal margin

💡 This visual treatment clearly distinguishes the call to action from the rest of the menu.

3. Add the button only on desktop or mobile

Depending on your needs, you can customize the display: ● on desktop: full button in the main menu ● on mobile: button in the hamburger menu or in the sticky bar

The goal is to maintain access at all times, even in confined spaces.

4. Connect the button to the booking engine

The button link must point to your search engine with the correct parameters. Depending on your provider, the URL may include: ● checkin ● checkout ● number of people ● promo code ● language

💡 Ask your search engine for the correct URL structure to avoid redirection errors.

5. Test systematically after going live

Once added, test: ● display on desktop and mobile ● behavior in private browsing mode ● redirects to the search engine ● style consistency across various resolutions

A Book button must be flawless to inspire confidence.

Best practices for an effective button

• Use simple text: “Book Now” or “Book Now”. ● Ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility. ● Prioritize mobile testing. ● Position the button with slight spacing to prevent accidental clicks. ● Avoid overly dramatic animations: a gentle transition is sufficient.

💡 Tip: If your site has a date selector, you can connect the button to the action that directly opens this calendar.

Conclusion

Adding a "Book Now" button to the main menu is an essential optimization for any hotel website looking to improve its conversion rate. Visible, clear, and always accessible, it naturally guides visitors toward the key action. Once properly integrated and tested, this button becomes a central element of your direct booking strategy.