Starting Google Ads for your hotel or restaurant can drive more direct bookings and reduce dependency on third-party platforms. This beginner's guide walks you through the setup process.

Pre-Launch Planning

Define your goals (bookings, reservations, events)
Set your budget ($50-200/day recommended)
Identify peak and off-peak seasons
Prepare high-quality photos
Set up booking system integration

Campaign Setup

Create Search campaign
Target local area and tourist destinations
Set daily budget
Choose conversion goals (bookings, calls)
Add location extensions

Keyword Strategy

Start with location + service keywords
Target "near me" searches
Include seasonal keywords
Add event-specific terms (weddings, conferences)

Ad Creation

Example hotel ad:

Headline 1: Luxury Hotel | [City] Downtown

Headline 2: Book Direct & Save 15%

Headline 3: Free WiFi & Parking

Description: 4-star hotel in heart of [City]. Spacious rooms, on-site restaurant, fitness center. Book direct for best rates. Free cancellation.

Conclusion

Starting Google Ads for hospitality businesses requires planning, quality assets, and clear goals. Begin with a modest budget, target high-intent keywords, and optimize based on booking data. With consistent optimization, Google Ads can become a valuable direct booking channel.