Guests compare hotels on their phones, often from another city or country, and they've learned not to trust a single flattering photo. A virtual tour lets them stand in the room, look out of the window and walk to the restaurant before they commit. For event planners booking a hall or a wedding, it can replace the first site visit entirely.
Which spaces to include
Every room type, not just the suite
Guests want to see the room they're actually booking. Capture one of each room category: standard, deluxe, suite. Include the bathroom; it's one of the first things people check.
The arrival
The entrance, lobby and reception set the first impression and help guests find their way when they arrive.
The spaces that sell the stay
Pool, gym, spa, restaurant, bar and rooftop. These are often what tips a guest from "maybe" to "book".
Meeting and event spaces
Halls, boardrooms and banquet rooms, ideally set up the way you'd host an event. Add hotspots with capacity, layouts and a link to your events contact.
Try a sample hotel room
Where to put your tour
- Your website: on the homepage and on each room page, right next to the "Book now" button.
- Google Maps: indoor 360° imagery on your Google Business Profile, where most people first find you.
- Booking and travel listings: many accept a tour link or 360° images. Check each platform's options.
- Sales and events: send the link to corporate clients and wedding planners on WhatsApp or by email.
- Social media and QR codes: on brochures, at travel fairs and in your email signature.
Hotspots that help guests decide
- Room size, bed type and what's included
- A "Book this room" link on each room scene
- Restaurant opening hours and menu
- Event hall capacity and seating layouts
- Short video clips, for example the pool at sunset
Planning the shoot around your guests
- Pick rooms that are free on the shoot day and have them made up to your standard.
- Shoot public areas when they're quiet, usually early morning or mid-afternoon.
- Agree the room list with housekeeping and front desk in advance.
- Think about the view. Rooms with the best outlook are worth shooting in good daylight.
- Plan for events. If you want the hall dressed for a wedding or conference, schedule the shoot around a real set-up.
Our shoot preparation checklist covers the details room by room.
What we've done for hotels
We built a room-by-room tour for Boulevard Hotel in Nairobi, using several exposures per scene so rooms and window views both look true to life.