On the west coast of Sweden, in the historic fishing village of Fiskebäckskil, sits Slipens Hotell, a 12-room boutique hotel where every room tells its own story. Each space is inspired by a real local resident from Skaftö island, complete with personal memorabilia. Room 1, for instance, honours Anna-Stina, the grandmother of Therese Kalentun, Hotel Manager at Slipens Hotell. Anna-Stina drove a Volvo ‘droska’ taxi in the 1960s, and her original driver’s uniform still hangs in a display case on the wall.
“Every room is unique,” says Therese. “We want guests to feel a real connection to this place and its people.”
Just steps from the sea, Slipens Hotell offers guests a genuine west coast experience, blending cozy accommodations with local adventures, from lobster and crayfish fishing to kayaking, hiking, golf, and guided tours. The hotel is also closely linked with Brygghuset, its renowned restaurant next door, known for its incredible seafood, famous herring and salad buffet, and one of Europe’s largest whisky collections, with over 3,600 bottles.
From a handwritten journal to a complete digital flow
When the hotel opened in 2016, bookings were written by hand in a journal. “The restaurant staff were helping with hotel bookings, but we quickly realized we needed someone to take full ownership of the role,” explains Therese.
When she joined in early 2017, Slipens Hotell turned to VisBook and BookVisit almost immediately. “We needed a proper system to manage everything, so I contacted them right away, and we’ve used them ever since.”
A seamless guest journey from booking to check-out
Today, the entire guest journey runs smoothly thanks to the integration between VisBook and BookVisit.
“Guests book easily through our website via BookVisit,” Therese explains. “It’s synced with VisBook, so it always knows when we have rooms available. The booking page is easy to customise with photos and colours, giving guests the right feeling from the start.”
The team uses the platform to display packages, activities, and add-ons, and everything flows automatically into VisBook. “The guest receives a confirmation email right away, and I get notified without having to lift a finger. Then, three days before arrival, an automated email goes out with more information. By the time they arrive, I already have everything I need.”
The same integration also makes it easier for the hotel to stay personal, even when guests book online. “If I need to reach out to a guest, their contact details are right there in VisBook. That saves a lot of time compared to other booking channels.”
Smarter operations, happier guests
For Slipens Hotell, the VisBook and BookVisit combination means more than just efficiency, it’s become a way to offer a more tailored experience.
“We often have wedding parties who book the entire hotel,” says Therese. “With BookVisit we can create a private booking page just for their guests, with photos of the couple and a personal greeting. It’s very appreciated.”
The systems are also easy to use for seasonal staff. “Both are so intuitive that it’s quick to train new team members during summer.”
Managing availability and rates has become effortless too. “It’s fast and reliable, and even when I’m out and about I can check everything through the app.”
Automation has freed up valuable hours each week. “When guests call in the evening and we don’t have staff on site, it’s easy to guide them to the website to see availability and book directly. That saves a lot of time for everyone.”
Growing direct bookings and higher value per stay
Slipens Hotell has worked with BookVisit since the very beginning, but the share of direct bookings keeps rising year on year. Today, around 36% of bookings come directly through the hotel’s website, and Therese notes how people are increasingly willing and prefer to book through the website as opposed to through OTAs.
Guests are also spending more. “The average booking value has increased by 11% compared to last year,” says Therese. “Next year, this will likely increase as we plan to add even more packages and add-on products to the booking journey.”
Award-winning hospitality
Slipens Hotell’s genuine hospitality hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, they won ‘Best Stay’ at Visit Awards, celebrating their warm, personal service and memorable guest experiences.
“We were so happy to win,” says Therese. “A guest recently told me that staying with us felt like coming home, and that’s exactly what we want.” They’re not sitting on their laurels though, with Therese mentioning that their goal is to become even better when it comes to online reviews.
While the team focuses most on the on-site experience, BookVisit plays a key role in shaping guests’ first impressions. “The booking page is their first contact with us, and it works perfectly. It’s clear, inspiring, and helps guests see what we offer right away. That’s often what leads to a booking.”
For Slipens Hotell, the combination of VisBook and BookVisit has become essential to running an intimate, story-driven hotel efficiently without losing its personal touch.
“BookVisit and VisBook are gold to work with,” Therese concludes, “they make everything smooth, from booking to check-out, so we can spend more time on what really matters – taking care of our guests.”
