Guest inquiry option for Direct Booking links

Problem statement

Hosts cannot provide a way for potential guests to contact them or ask questions through Direct Booking links before committing to a reservation. The only option available is for guests to select dates and submit a booking request.

Current workaround

There is no workaround within the Direct Booking flow. Guests who have questions before booking either:

• Must book without getting their questions answered
• Abandon the booking process entirely
• Find the host through other channels (if possible)

Impact

• Lost conversion opportunities: Potential guests who want to ask questions before booking (e.g., "Is there room for a crib?" or "Do you offer beach toys?") cannot do so, which may cause them to abandon the booking
• Reduced guest confidence: Unlike platforms like Airbnb where pre-booking inquiries are standard, Direct Booking links offer no way to build rapport or address guest concerns before they commit
• Limited direct booking growth: Hosts trying to convert returning guests or attract new direct bookings cannot offer the same level of pre-booking interaction that guests expect from other platforms

Proposed solution

Add a "Contact Host" button or inquiry form to the Direct Booking page that allows guests to send questions before booking. Inquiries should be routed to the host via their existing notification channels (email and/or text), consistent with how other guest messages are handled in Hospitable.

Unlock

This feature would enable hosts to:

• Convert more visitors into direct bookings by answering questions and building trust before guests commit
• Provide a booking experience comparable to major platforms like Airbnb
• Successfully market direct bookings to returning guests and new visitors who expect the ability to communicate before booking