Learn how EntlebuchFerien.ch was developed for RotHus Guest-house using free WordPress resources to create a budget-friendly, functional, and visually appealing booking system.
Building EntlebuchFerien.ch: A Budget-Friendly Online Booking System
EntlebuchFerien.ch was the online presence for the RotHus Guest-house in Marbach, Switzerland. Designed as both a booking system and a room showcase, this project aimed to deliver functionality and aesthetics within a minimal budget and timeframe.
(Website unavailable meanwhile as the Guest-House has terminated operations)
Project Overview
The website was constructed using free resources available in the WordPress ecosystem. The main plugin used was MetaBox, and the theme was sourced from the WordPress Theme Repository. This approach allowed us to maintain a low cost, which was crucial for the guesthouse owner during the early stages of their business.
Custom Booking System
One of the standout features of EntlebuchFerien.ch was the custom booking form implemented on the front end. This form enabled guests to book rooms based on availability, which was crucial for the guesthouse’s operations. The backend featured a calendar view for the admin to monitor and control room availability efficiently.
The booking system was developed using a combination of JavaScript and PHP for functionality, while HTML and CSS were employed for styling. The calendar, a particularly challenging aspect, was entirely custom-coded using transients, MetaBox custom fields, and other tools to ensure reliability and ease of use.
Unique Design Elements
The website boasted a sleek design with a unique feature: the logo changed color depending on which room was being viewed. This dynamic visual element added a personalized touch and enhanced the user experience.
Ease of Maintenance
A significant advantage of the site was its low maintenance requirement. The admin’s primary responsibility was to manage room availability through a user-friendly backend interface. This setup minimized the time and effort needed to keep the site up-to-date and functional.
Project Timeline and Challenges
The entire project was completed within a week. The most significant challenge was developing the calendar functionality, which required extensive custom coding. Leveraging transients and MetaBox custom fields, we created a robust solution that met the client’s needs without recurring costs.
Ideal Solution for Hospitality Businesses
EntlebuchFerien.ch serves as an excellent example for homestays, hotels, or any bookable service that requires an easily managed, self-hosted online presence and booking system. By utilizing free plugins and themes, coupled with custom development, we delivered a cost-effective solution that did not compromise on functionality or design.
This project underscores the potential of leveraging WordPress’s flexibility and the power of custom development to create tailored solutions that meet specific client needs without incurring high costs.