BreezInn: Streamlining Direct Bookings for Backpacker Hostels
Devang Bhomia
Like this project
Posted Jul 31, 2025
A mobile app that lets small Backpacker hostels and Lodges skip OTA commission fees by connecting with guests directly through WhatsApp.
Likes
0
Views
1
Product design case study — Streamlining Backpacker hostels and Lodges’ direct bookings
Have you been backpacking or planned a backpacking trip and noticed how hostel owners have both their own websites and listings on Online Travel Agencies(OTAs)?
Why do they offer two booking options?
Problem context
Backpacker hostels accept bookings via OTAs or their own websites.
Platforms like Booking.com and Hostelworld charge high commissions per booking.
Still, many hostels depend on these OTAs to fill beds.
Research
Problem statement
Increase Direct bookings for backpacker hostel owners and those who own small lodges.
Solution — A mobile app leveraging WhatsApp Business Platform(API)
Based on the research, the best solution to increase direct bookings would be bookings through WhatsApp.
By integrating with the WhatsApp Business Platform, the app’s chatbot would act as a virtual concierge.
With over 2 billion monthly users, WhatsApp would give hostel owners a familiar, trusted channel to engage guests, answer questions, and secure direct bookings.
Additionally, Targeted Facebook & Instagram ads would drive guests straight into WhatsApp, avoiding unfamiliar booking sites.
This would improve guest convenience and help hostels increase direct bookings.
It would also enable pre and post-stay chats, fostering better guest relationships and repeat stays.
Plus, the app would function as a complete management tool for hostel owners.
Onboarding
Simple Onboarding flow with clear pricing options.
Setup
Setup has 2 main divisions, 1st- registering with Meta and 2nd- Setting up the Hostel for Chatbot to answer guest queries.
Dashboard and Navigation drawer
Clean Dashboard and Navigation drawer are easy on eyes and functional.
Chats - Chatbot
Bookings via chatbot is a breeze.
Chats - Manual/Booking Wizard
Manual option aids in situations where the owner might have to take on the chat to book the stay.
Calendar - Occupancy
The Occupancy screen uses a familiar calendar layout, with a sticky “Grid View” button for detailed, per-bed reservations.
Calendar - Guests & Bookings
The Guests screen is split into three sections—In-house, Check-in, and Check-out—each displaying guest lists by room category.
The Bookings screen allows filtering by owner preferences, letting them easily view either new or cancelled bookings.
Calendar - Events
The Events screen prioritizes convenience with quick filters to view events by date.
Tapping an event card reveals detailed information instantly.
⬆︎ Link to the detailed case study.
Thanks for reading! You can reach out to me for collaboration.