How do I set up a simple website for my holiday home?

General
1

Hey everyone, I need some advice. I’m trying to create a simple website for my holiday home that I rent out through this forum and another rental site. I’ve already got hosting and a domain, but I’m struggling to figure out how to set it up using a free template and plugins. I’ve done some WordPress stuff years ago, but I’m a bit lost now.

I’m hoping to use free options only. Can anyone recommend a simple website template and plugins that will cover all the basics? I want it to be easy to set up and safe from spammers and hackers.

Also, what’s a good free plugin to show calendar availability from the rental site? I don’t want to take bookings directly through the site, just show availability.

Thanks in advance!

2

Wait, are you letting your holiday home for free?

3

Nope, I do charge for people staying. Just meant I want free tools for the website.

4

So, if a plugin developer wanted to stay, do they still need to pay? :laughing:

5

Haha, developers get a discount. They can stay as long as they promise to fix my plugins and annoy the neighbors! :joy:

6

You know, at some point you’ll have to spend something. Not everything is free.

7

Yeah, I get that. What do you think is worth paying for?

8

Maybe this plugin could help you limit searches to your property:

https://wordpress.org/plugins/bookingcom-official-searchbox/

If it doesn’t work, there are other options here:

https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/booking-com/

You mentioned a lot of things, but it would help if you listed specific pages and features you want. For example, besides showing calendar availability, do you need pages with photos or text? A theme like Neve is simple and works well, and FooGallery could help show pictures in a nice way.

It’s easier to help once you know what specific pages and features you want on your site.

9

Thanks, I’ll check those out. I haven’t used Neve yet. Also, any suggestions for free security plugins or other must-have tools?

10

Just looked at the official booking plugin. It’s outdated and only for affiliates with an ID. I’m just a host, not an affiliate. What I really need is a simple calendar plugin that syncs with booking.com.