I changed a URL, will that cause a problem for Google?

Why URL changes need to be carefully managed

Key points • Changing a URL can impact your SEO if a redirect isn't configured • A 301 redirect preserves page authority • Google needs a few days to update its index

Changing a URL on your hotel website isn't a problem in itself… if you configure the transition correctly. Google is very sensitive to slug changes, as they influence the structure, discoverability, and consistency of your pages. Here's what you need to know to avoid any loss of visibility.

When you change a URL—for example, /spa-offer → /offers/wellness—the old URL no longer exists. Without action on your part, visitors and Google will encounter a 404 error, which can negatively impact both user experience and search engine ranking.

The solution is simple: add a 301 redirect. This redirect tells Google that the new URL permanently replaces the old one and that it should transfer the SEO authority from one to the other. This is the best practice to adopt whenever you change a slug.

💡 Tip: A well-configured 301 redirect allows you to retain 90 to 99% of the SEO juice accumulated by the original page.

Next, remember to update your internal links. Even though the redirect will make the old URL functional, it's always best to replace your old links with the new address to ensure a clean structure and avoid unnecessary strings.

Google then takes a few days to update its index. During this period, both URLs may temporarily appear in Search Console. This is normal. This delay varies depending on: • the crawl frequency of your site • the quality of the new content • the number of links pointing to the page • your updated sitemap

Don't forget to republish your site after changing the URL and redirection.

Conclusion

Changing a URL isn't a problem for Google as long as you add a 301 redirect and update your internal links. With a clean transition and a few days' wait, your hotel website will retain all its visibility and SEO effectiveness.