Offering the right payment solutions in your booking system has become an increasingly important part of the guest experience. A variety of payment options - from card and invoice to mobile payments - can make the difference between customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. At the same time, the right solutions protect the hotel against financial risks such as non-payment or fraud. In this article, we look at the most common payment options (card payments, invoicing and digital wallets) and how they can be integrated with your booking system to make things easier for both guests and staff. We'll look at how Lyra can be used to bring all payment methods together in one platform.
Card payments - an obvious standard
Credit and debit cards remain the most popular payment methods among guests in the hospitality industry, thanks to their simplicity and speed. Therefore, being able to accept card payments online is a given for modern reservation systems. The integration of card payment into the booking flow means that the guest can pay directly at the time of booking, which not only provides a smooth experience but also speeds up the check-in process as the payment is already done. A modern solution also stores the card details securely (through tokenisation) so that you can automatically charge the guest's card at the right time if necessary - for example, in case of no-show or cancellation conditions.
Security is paramount when making card payments online. Of course, our payment and reservation systems the strict security standards and regulations in place, which increases security and reduces the risk of fraud. For you as a hotelier, this means that both you and your guests can be confident that transactions are encrypted and that unauthorised persons cannot access sensitive data. An integrated payment flow also eliminates the need to manually administer card payments; the system can automatically check cards, make charges and send receipts. In short, managing card payments is both easier and safer for everyone involved.
Mobile payments and digital wallets
Mobile-friendly payment methods have exploded in popularity in recent years, especially among younger travellers. In Sweden Swish a great example - a mobile payment app linked directly to your bank account. Swish is currently used by almost 9 out of 10 Swedes, so chances are your guests expect it as a payment option. By integrating Swish into the booking system, the guest can pay with a few taps on their mobile phone, after which the payment is registered directly in the system. It's fast, the money comes in immediately and both guest and hotel receive a confirmation that the payment is complete.
Also digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay have become common in payment flows, especially among international guests. These solutions allow guests to pay contactlessly via their smartphone or smartwatch, often with biometric verification for added security. The advantage is that the guest does not need to enter card details - they just need to confirm the payment on their device - saving time and reducing the risk of errors. A booking system that supports these digital wallets makes the payment process even smoother, especially for mobile bookings.
Invoice and instalment payment - flexibility for the guest
Although direct payments are becoming more common, there are situations where invoicing or paying later may be preferable. Business travellers may need an invoice sent to the company, or a guest may want to book now but pay close to arrival. By offering invoice payment, you increase flexibility for the customer. At the same time, with a modern system, you can still automate the process - for example, by sending the invoice automatically by email upon booking and then managing reminders.
A more convenient way to offer "pay later" without taking risks yourself is to use a payment solution like Klarna. Guests can then choose invoice or instalment payment, while the hotel gets paid by Klarna directly. This lowers the threshold for booking, without you as a hotel having to take any credit risks. Linking to the booking system makes the flow fully automatic.
Prepayment reduces no-shows
No-shows - guests who have booked but never turn up - are a major problem for many hotels and campsites. One of the most effective measures to reduce no-shows is to require advance payment or deposit when booking. When guests have already paid for all or part of their stay, the likelihood of no-shows is dramatically reduced. It's a model that guests are increasingly used to, not least thanks to the airline and travel industries.
By having prepayment as standard, you avoid compensating with risky overbooking and ensure revenue even if a guest does not show up. For the guest, it means clarity and peace of mind - they know everything is paid and ready.
Automate the payment flow - save time and avoid errors
The administration of payments can be both time-consuming and prone to errors. Therefore, the payment flow is one of the areas where automation has the greatest impact. A modern booking system can automate the entire chain: checking cards, charging at the right time, handling refunds and sending receipts - all without manual intervention. This reduces the risk of errors and frees up staff time.
If you want to learn more about how automation can streamline your entire business, read our article on automation in reservation systems.
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Lyra - all payment options in one platform
Lyra is designed to meet the payment expectations of modern guests. The platform supports card payments, Swish, Klarna and invoicing - and everything is built in from the start. This means that you as a hotel or campsite owner avoid external solutions, complicated integrations or manual steps. Everything ends up on the right booking, without you having to do anything.
It is also easy to control how and when payments should be made. You can choose prepayment in high season, payment on the spot in low season, or fully automated flows where the system handles everything for you. Whatever the model, you have full control and total transparency. Guests enjoy a smooth, professional and secure payment experience - and you enjoy a simpler everyday life with fewer mistakes and better cash flow.
With the right payment solutions in place - and all in Lyra - you can focus on what really matters: giving your guests a great experience from first click to checkout.
