Every hotelier should maximise their sales channels. The trouble is that managing multiple channels can be complex, especially when you’re trying to find the right ones for your boutique or small hotel. But with the right property management system—like Preno—and a channel manager designed for independent accommodation providers, you can list your property in all the right places, attract your ideal guests, and increase bookings without increasing workload.
In this article, we’ll go beyond the big-name OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia to explore booking websites tailored to New Zealand’s small hotels. Whether you’re focused on hotel booking in New Zealand, want to appear on the best hotel booking site in New Zealand, or are simply trying to improve your visibility for New Zealand hotel booking, these platforms are an ideal starting point.
What Makes a Booking Site Right for Kiwi Small Hotels?
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand what makes a booking platform suitable for small hotels. You want:
- High visibility without excessive commission fees
- Control over guest communication and booking terms
- A good brand fit – luxury, boutique, or eco-conscious
- Direct booking or low-friction guest enquiry models
By strategically listing your property on the right platforms, and connecting them through a channel manager, you can improve your occupancy rate, reduce admin work, and maintain rate parity across channels.
1. 100% Pure New Zealand
New Zealand’s official tourism website is more than just a travel guide. It provides detailed destination information, travel tips, and a directory of accommodation options—including a dedicated section for boutique and small hotels.
Why it works for small hotels:
- It’s completely free to list your accommodation.
- Guests are directed to book directly with you via your website or preferred contact method—making it a great direct booking channel.
- You can also contribute to their blog and marketing content, increasing visibility for your property across a trusted tourism platform.
💡 Tip: Use a property management system that makes it easy to manage direct bookings and guest communication.
2. Luxury Lodges of New Zealand
This platform showcases New Zealand’s most unique and high-end accommodation providers. From remote eco-lodges to stunning alpine retreats, each property is handpicked for its exclusivity and personal touch.
Why it works for boutique hoteliers:
- Targets travellers specifically seeking luxury and boutique experiences.
- Doesn’t act as a third-party booking site—guests contact properties directly.
- Filters out unsuitable enquiries, saving time for small hotel owners.
Luxury Lodges is a great fit for small hoteliers offering a premium experience that sets them apart from traditional hotels.
3. Tablet Hotels
Tablet Hotels is an international booking platform that curates boutique and luxury properties with a focus on design, quality, and service. Its members are often seeking unique, high-end stays, making it a great fit for New Zealand boutique hotels.
Why it works for small hotels:
- Only features handpicked, design-forward hotels.
- Offers exclusive rates and member benefits to attract high-value guests.
- Helps boutique properties stand out to a global audience.
- Syncs well with PMS and channel manager systems, making listing and rate updates easier.
If you’re looking to appeal to design-savvy and experience-focused travellers, Tablet Hotels is a solid choice.
4. Mr & Mrs Smith
Mr & Mrs Smith is a well-known booking site that specialises in boutique and luxury hotels around the world. With a dedicated audience seeking style, comfort, and a unique story, it’s perfect for New Zealand hoteliers who want to appeal to experience-driven travellers.
Why it works for boutique hoteliers:
- Features only vetted, independently reviewed hotels.
- Offers booking perks like late checkout or welcome drinks to encourage direct bookings.
- Aligns your brand with a global standard of boutique quality.
- Partners with larger platforms (e.g. IHG One Rewards) to boost reach.
The platform supports hotels with editorial content, partnerships, and loyalty integrations that help build long-term guest relationships.
5. Touch of Spice
Touch of Spice curates a collection of luxury accommodation across New Zealand—from boutique lodges to private villas. They focus on quality over quantity and deliver a highly personalised service.
Why it works for boutique hotels:
- Hand-selects properties for promotion.
- Offers targeted marketing to a high-end clientele.
- Guests can book directly through the Touch of Spice platform.
- Works best for hotels that provide tailored experiences, private dining, or exclusive-use stays.
If your property offers a unique, luxury experience, Touch of Spice provides access to a niche yet lucrative audience.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right booking sites for your boutique hotel is about more than just exposure—it’s about connecting with the right type of guest. Whether you focus on luxury, adventure, or local charm, there’s a platform out there that fits your brand.
A multi-channel strategy ensures your property is discoverable in more places without the stress of manual updates. The key is to use hotel booking software and a channel manager to manage listings efficiently.
These platforms can complement your listings on larger OTAs while giving you greater control over your New Zealand hotel booking strategy. For hoteliers focused on boutique service, luxury stays, or local charm, choosing the best hotel booking site in New Zealand comes down to aligning your brand with the right audience.
With a strong channel manager, like the one built into Preno’s hotel management software, you can list your property on multiple platforms without the hassle of managing each one manually. It keeps your calendar updated, avoids double bookings, and helps you spend more time delivering a great guest experience.
Start your 7-day free trial with Preno and take the stress out of bookings.
