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When you search the best hotel booking applications on Google, the results you will get are Airbnb, Agoda, KAYAK and so on. But one popular application that stands out is HotelTonight.

So, if you have a unique idea and want to know the cost to develop an app like HotelTonight, then read this blog. But first you must look at this market statistics. The hotel booking market is anticipated to grow to $526.40 billion by 2031. Isn’t this fascinating? Well, yes!

Hotel booking app development solutions require heavy capital, but it also has the potential to give you a hefty return. To develop a HotelTonight clone app, you first need to know its cost. So, without wasting enough time, let’s start the blog.

What is a HotelTonight App?

HotelTonight is a hotel booking app that offers unsold hotel rooms at a fraction of the price. The HotelTonight app began as a platform for booking hotels on the same day, but it has grown and changed over time. It is the best app to manage hotel bookings.

Users can now use the HotelTonight app to reserve a hotel room as much as 100 days before the arrival date. Firstly, users can login and search the hotels near their destination. After that, they can check and compare the hotel prices and book the hotel.

So, if you are planning to develop an app like HotelTonight, then consult with a hotel booking app development company about your idea.

Future Predictions and Projections of Hotel Booking Industry

Source: Statista

In 2023, the global hospitality industry was valued at over $4.7 trillion and is expected to grow to about $5.5 trillion in 2024.
The revenue for the hotel sector is projected to reach $426.50 billion worldwide by 2024.
The hotel booking market was valued at $14.63 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow to 526.40 billion U.S. dollars by 2031.
Looking ahead, an annual growth rate of 3.72% is expected, leading to a market volume of $511.90 billion by 2029.
By that year, the number of users in this market is predicted to reach 1.81 billion, with user penetration increasing to 22.5% from 16.1% in 2024.

Cost To Develop an App Like HotelTonight

The cost to develop an app like HotelTonight fluctuates as per the different factors. For example, the app’s type, its features, and the location of your mobile app development team can obviously raise the cost.

So, the estimated cost to build an MVP for a basic hotel booking app is between $10,000 – $15,000. The final price may vary based on the chosen technology or platform for the app.

However, if you want to create a complete and flexible hotel booking app with advanced features, it will increase the mobile application development cost. The total cost can range from $15,000 to $25,000. Now let’s have a look at the below table of cost.

App Complexity	Costs
Simple HotelTonight-like App	$10000 – $15000
Medium HotelTonight-like App	$15000 – $20000
Complex HotelTonight-like App	$25000+

Besides, you calculate the hotel booking application development cost by using the below formula:

Total HotelTonight App Development Cost = Developers Rate * Development Time

Now that you are well-versed with the cost to build an app like HotelTonight. It is time to know about the crucial factors that affect the overall hotel booking app development cost.

Factors Affecting the Cost To Build an App Like HotelTonight

If you create a hotel reservation app, it requires careful planning and making choices. The difficulty of a hotel booking app can vary based on key factors. Knowing these factors can help you to check out the time, cost, and resources required to develop a mobile app. Let’s look at the key factors that influence the cost.

1. Features & Functionalities

A simple hotel booking app like OYO Rooms that have basic functions like a calculator or notepad, are easy to create. On the other hand, best booking hotel apps with many features, like social media or online shopping, take more time and effort to develop.

Simple Features: Easy user login, profile creation, basic search.
Complex Features: Real-time messaging, GPS integration, payment processing, custom notifications.

2. UI/UX Design

A good UI and smooth UX can create an app like HotelTonight much more complex. An Android app development company suggests that simple designs with easy navigation are quicker to create. On the other hand, unique designs, animations, and user-friendly flows take more time and skill to develop.

Easy Design: Simple layout, standard buttons, simple navigation.
Complex Design: Personalized animations, interactive elements, custom user journeys.

3. Platform Compatibility

HotelTonight clone app development for different platforms can increase the app complexity. So, as we look, each platform has its own particular app requirements. Just making sure to have consistent performance and design across all platforms demands extra time and cost to develop an app like HotelTonight.

Single Platform: Building for iOS or Android.
Multiple Platforms: Developing an application like HotelTonight cost for both platforms.

4. Backend Infrastructure

The backend of an app like Trivago or a HotelTonight works like its engine. It manages data storage, server operations, and user logins. Basic apps can function well with a simple backend, but more complex apps require a strong and scalable backend system.

Easy Backend: Simple data storage, simple user authentication.
Hard Backend: Real-time data processing, cloud storage, multiple user roles, data synchronization across devices.

5. Third-Party Integrations

Integrating outside services can make alternatives to HotelTonight more complicated. These services can be payment systems, social media logins, GPS features, or analytics tools. Each integration needs extra coding and testing to make sure it functions smoothly with the app that can increase the cost to develop an app like Airbnb or HotelTonight.

Few Integrations: Simple social media login.
Many Integrations: Easy payment gateway, social media sharing, location services, analytics, and marketing tools.

6. Security Requirements

Security is very important for any application, especially those that deal with sensitive information like financial data or personal details. If you add strong security measures, like data encryption, safe payment systems, and following regulations, you can make the app more complex. It automatically increases the cost.

Basic Security: Easy data protection and simple user authentication.
Advanced Security: Data encryption, secure transactions, compliance with regulations like GDPR.

7. Maintenance and Updates

After you deploy the app, it is important to do timely maintenance and updates of your app. This helps you know that your app works well and stays up-to-date. But if you have complex apps, it will require frequent updates, bug fixes, and new features. This will definitely increase their overall complexity. So, it is best to avail the best mobile app maintenance services to update your app.

Minimal Maintenance: Simple Error fixes and occasional updates.
Regular Maintenance: Daily updates, feature enhancement, and continuous support.

Hidden Costs of HotelTonight Clone App Development

When you develop a mobile app, there are certain expenses that can add up as time goes on. These are hidden costs. So, let’s take a closer look at the hidden cost to develop an app like HotelTonight in simple terms.

1. Third-party Integrations

Some hotel booking apps need third-party services like payment systems, notification tools, and data analysis platforms. These services usually have their own fees or charges, which can increase over time.

2. Backend Infrastructure and Servers

If your hotel booking app needs real-time data updates, user login, or large data storage, you will require strong backend support. This can lead to continuous costs for cloud hosting services. Additionally, if you expand the app to support more users, it will increase these online hotel booking app development costs.

3. App Store Fees

The Apple App Store and Google Play Store both have fees for mobile app developers. They also take a cut of in-app purchases or subscriptions, typically between 15% – 30%, which can reduce the cost to develop an app like HotelTonight.

4. Marketing and User Acquisition

Developing an app is just the beginning. To draw in and keep users, you need a marketing plan. This could involve social media advertising, working with influencers, or focusing on SEO. Marketing costs can differ a lot based on who you want to reach and what type of app you have.

5. Security and Compliance

It’s crucial to ensure your app like Expedia or HotelTonight follows data protection rules and is safe from security threats. To achieve this, you should invest in encryption, conduct security audits, and perform compliance testing, which may increase the cost to create an app like HotelTonight.

Key Features To Create an App Like HotelTonight

To create a hotel booking website or application, it’s important to know which features to include. Let’s look at some essential features that can make your app similar to HotelTonight more appealing.

1. User Panel

Feature	Description
Last-Minute Deals	It offers users significantly reduced rates for bookings made on the same day or the following day.
Mobile-First Experience	You can design specifically for mobile devices that provide a seamless booking experience.
Curated Selection	This collection includes a thoughtfully chosen range of hotels, catering to both economical and high-end preferences.
Geo-Targeted Recommendations	It offers tailored suggestions that are informed by the user’s present geographical position.
Easy Booking Process	The booking process is streamlined, requiring only a few taps on the screen.
Secure Payment	It offers secure payment options for hassle-free transactions.
24/7 Customer Support	It provides round-the-clock customer support to assist with any issues.
Flexible Cancellation Policies	When you build a hotel booking mobile app like HotelTonight, just give flexible cancellation policies for peace of mind.
Loyalty Program	Your app must allow users to get rewards frequently with exclusive perks and discounts.
Push Notifications	Users can easily send prompt alerts about offers, reservation confirmations, and additional updates.

2. Hotel Vendor Panel

Feature	Description
Inventory Management	Hotels should be able to control their room inventory, manage availability, set prices, and apply restrictions through your app.
Real-Time Booking Updates	It offers live updates on bookings, cancellations, and changes. This ensures that the information is correct.
Payment Processing	The hotel owners can manage safe payment processing and account balancing. This helps users in making financial transactions easier.
Performance Analytics	It provides details about how hotels are doing. For example, booking patterns, income, and customer reviews.
Communication Tools	You can create a mobile application that can connect with HotelTonight-like app’s customer support and guests.
Guest Reviews and Ratings	Hotels can simply track guest reviews and ratings, respond to feedback, and boost the guest experience.
Customization Options	This feature helps hotel vendors to customize their profile and offerings to match their brand identity.
Security and Privacy	The hotel owners can protect important hotel and guest information with strong security measures.

3. Admin Panel

Feature	Description
Inventory Management	You can just simply manage room availability, pricing, and restrictions.
Booking Management	This feature helps you view, edit, and cancel bookings within the hotels booking application.
User Management	User management feature helps you manage user accounts and permissions.
Analytics and Reporting	You can easily track key performance indicators and simply generate reports.
Payment Processing	The payment gateway processing feature helps you manage the process payments and reconcile transactions.
Customer Support	With customer support, you can manage different customer inquiries and resolve issues.
Marketing and Promotions	You can create and manage marketing campaigns and promotions.
Security and Compliance	You should also add safety measures and adhere to the guidelines.
Integration Management	You can connect the travel app like HotelTonight with other systems like property management systems.

5 Best HotelTonight Alternatives

We selected the top hotel booking applications similar to HotelTonight for you to explore their features and services. Here they are:

Best Applications for Booking Hotel	Available Platform	Downloads	Ratings
Booking.com	Android \| iOS	500M+	4.4
Expedia	Android \| iOS	50M+	4.7
Kayak	Android \| iOS	10M+	4.7
Airbnb	Android \| iOS	100M+	4.3
Agoda	Android \| iOS	50M+	4.6

How To Monetize Your Hotel Booking App Like HotelTonight?

You know about popular hotel booking apps. Now, let’s think about the future and find the best way to make money from them. There are three monetization models that work great for hotel booking apps like HotelTonight. Let’s explore them.

1. Commission-based Model

A common strategy in the hotel booking industry is to partner with hotels and receive a commission for every reservation made through your app. This allows you to earn a portion of the hotel’s revenue while assisting them in gaining greater visibility and bookings. An app like Booking.com is the best example of a service that uses this model.

2. Advertising Model

In-app advertising is a popular method to earn money from apps like hotel booking apps. If you partner with suitable advertisers, you can show targeted ads in your app.

These ads can appear as banners, interstitials, or native ads. So, it’s important to maintain a balance between effective advertising and a good user experience. Also, users should still enjoy your app while seeing ads.

3. Subscription Fees

One way to make money from the best hotel booking applications is by offering special features that users can buy or subscribe to. The Android app development services provider can add this monetization model in your app with special features.

These features might include special discounts, tailored suggestions, or better customer service. By giving extra benefits to users who are ready to pay, you can create a steady income while still allowing free access for those who want it.

Final Thoughts

You must create a hotel booking app similar to HotelTonight if you wish to make each trip of your clients unique. It’s the most effective strategy to grow your travel company internationally. With the advent of technology, you may assist your clients in real-time.

Thus, to turn your hotel booking app idea into reality, it is best to consult with an iPhone app development company like Dev Technosys. We are one of the leading hotel booking app developers who can develop any type of mobile app within your budget. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us right away for an amazing hotel booking app development solution!

FAQs

Q1. How Long Does It Take To Create An App Like HotelTonight?

The estimated development time of hotel booking apps similar to HotelTonight varies. It totally depends on different factors like app complexity, features and so on. The rough time estimation of HotelTonight app development solution can be between 2-7 months.

Q2. How Much Does Hotel Booking Website Development Cost?

The hotel booking website development cost may rely on various factors like website complexity, features, tech stack and so on. Generally, it can cost you around $10000 – $23000.

Q3. How Much Does It Cost To Make An App Like HotelTonight?

The HotelTonight app development cost can range between $10000 – $25000. However, the online hotel booking app development cost can vary depending on your project requirements.