According to Gina LaBarre, director of online and relationship marketing, online bookings increased 226 percent representing a conversion rate increase of 93 percent during the first week of site operation. �Our goal was to streamline the online booking process and improve the overall experience for guests visiting our site. Booking a hotel, or checking availability should be accomplished with the same ease whether you are a return guest, or a first time visitor to our site,� said Gary A. DeLapp, managing director.

As part of the initiative, Homestead lessened the steps required to book online by adding an express reservation section directly on the homepage, as well as placing a button on the navigation bar where visitors can check availability by market or individual hotel and make a reservation. Further speeding the reservation process, visitors may also select a particular hotel and check availability from any reservation page. In order to establish an ongoing dialog with guests, an email registration section has been added easing the job of providing meaningful offers and receiving guest feedback said LaBarre. 

Great attention was also given in the design of individual hotel �mini-sites�, which feature detailed information that pertains to a specific location. �Being corporate owned and operated, we strive to maintain a consistent product across the board, although some amenities are strictly particular to a single location or may be market driven. This type of information provides our guest the information necessary to select the location best suited to their needs, � said DeLapp. 

The mini-sites feature photographs of the hotel interiors and exteriors where available, as well as 3D room schematics, virtual room tours, driving directions from interstates and airports, interactive maps with door to door directions, listings of nearby companies, attractions and restaurants, and local weather. For  added convenience, an email address is provided to reach the general manager of the hotel with any questions, or special requests.

Homestead Village Incorporated, based in Atlanta, is an owner and operator of more than 100 extended-stay hotels in 28 states under the Homestead Studio Suites brand. Homestead provides a quality lodging experience for the growing ranks of travelers needing lodging for three nights or more.  Each studio suite features a fully equipped kitchen, work area with computer dataport, free local calls and voicemail that can be personalized.