Comparing Compact and Expanded Booking Calendar LayoutsComparing Compact and Expanded Booking Calendar Layouts
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Booking Calendar: Compact or Expanded?
I’m testing two calendar layouts for booking a spa hotel stay.
Version A - Compact. The calendar, selected dates, number of nights, and button remain inside one card.
Version B - Expanded. After the check-in date is selected, a separate booking summary card appears below the calendar.
The functionality is the same - only the presentation and visual hierarchy are different.
Which version feels clearer and easier to use?

17 voted

49%

18 voted

51%

35 votes

Closed

Muhammad's avatar
How do you create videos like these?
Nicolette's avatar
my guess is a screen record?
Muhammad's avatar
but yeah which screen recorder?
Chondromollika's avatar
I choose Compact because it shows starts and end date with the number of nights. I did not choose Expanded because when another card appeared I thought it is for different thing.
Sahil's avatar
expanded
Tomiwa's avatar
These are great!
Expanded for me. Shows the selected dates clearly. Also I think a smooth slide-out transition would make this look even more sleek. What do you think? 🤔
Tabish's avatar
I'd go compact. Keeping everything in one card makes it easier to see the dates and nights at a glance.
Mark's avatar
I go to compact
Olena's avatar
I think keeping the block from jumping is better for the overall UX because it keeps the layout stable and prevents unexpected shifts that can distract or confuse the user
Noel Dario's avatar
Compact. Once check-in is chosen, the nights and the button should update in the same card. The second card in Expanded reads like a new task, not a summary of the same stay. A transition is nice, but it should happen inside the calendar card so the eye never leaves the dates.
MD Robin 's avatar
I like the presentation; it's a creative one
Rafee 's avatar
Expanded for me. A separate summary card makes the dates and total easier to check before booking.
AliThemes logo
For a booking flow, I would test whether guests can quickly verify their dates, number of nights and total price before continuing. A compact layout may reduce scrolling on mobile, while a separate summary gives the confirmation step more emphasis. Have you tested both versions on small screens, especially with longer stays?
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