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![Adriaan de Jager](https://www.bookingmood.com/images/adriaan.gif?dpl=dpl_Gszg7SdQ6zf1HiKN399ZJyRkvd2a)

**Adriaan de Jager**

28. окт 2026. • 3 мин читања

[Blogpost](https://www.bookingmood.com/sr-Cyrl/blog?category=blogpost)

# Customer story: Silk & Oak

## How a boutique countryside retreat in Australia is working towards more direct bookings and lower booking fees.

Nestled in the beautiful Scenic Rim region of Queensland, Australia, [Silk & Oak](https://www.silkandoak.com.au/)offers guests a peaceful countryside escape surrounded by rolling hills and spectacular mountain views.

With its thoughtfully designed interiors, outdoor bath, and opportunities to explore the surrounding nature, this boutique retreat provides a place for guests to slow down and reconnect.

But creating a memorable guest experience is only part of running a successful holiday rental business. Managing bookings cost-effectively is equally important. That's why Silk & Oak turned to Bookingmood to help encourage direct bookings and reduce its reliance on third-party booking platforms.

## The challenge: reducing booking fees

Like many holiday rental owners, Silk & Oak faced rising commission costs associated with platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Stayz.

While these platforms offer valuable exposure, their fees can significantly affect the profitability of a booking. They can also increase the total price guests pay for their stay.

For Silk & Oak, the goal was to find a reliable booking system that would allow guests to book directly while maintaining a secure and convenient booking experience.

The idea is simple: when hosts pay less in commission and guests benefit from lower booking fees, everyone wins.

## Why Silk & Oak chose Bookingmood

Finding the right booking system required careful research. The owner searched online and evaluated different options to identify a booking platform suitable for the Australian market.

After conducting this research, Bookingmood emerged as the preferred choice.

The aim was to find a practical solution that would support direct bookings and help Silk & Oak build a more independent business, with less reliance on expensive third-party platforms.

## The first booking brought encouraging results

As a relatively new business, Silk & Oak is still building its presence and attracting more direct bookings. However, its first booking through Bookingmood was already a rewarding milestone.

The booking resulted in significant savings on booking fees, and the guests decided to extend their stay by an additional night.

For Silk & Oak, this was an encouraging first result. It demonstrated the potential benefits of direct bookings for both the accommodation provider and its guests.

Although there is still room to grow, this initial experience reinforced the value of offering guests a direct way to book their stay.

## A straightforward booking platform

Silk & Oak has found that Bookingmood works well for its needs.

As someone who doesn't consider themselves particularly tech-savvy, the owner used AI tools to help set up the new listings. While this required some initial assistance, the overall experience with the platform has been positive.

The owner has not yet needed to contact Bookingmood's support team but appreciates knowing that help is available if needed.

This combination of a practical booking solution and accessible support provides a solid foundation as Silk & Oak continues to grow.

## Looking ahead: more direct bookings, fewer fees

Silk & Oak would recommend Bookingmood to other holiday rental owners, particularly those who want to reduce their dependence on third-party booking platforms.

One area where the owner sees room for improvement is mobile usability. Making the platform even more user-friendly on mobile devices would make the experience more convenient.

Ultimately, the objective remains clear: encourage more direct bookings and reduce unnecessary booking fees for both hosts and guests.

As Silk & Oak puts it:

> "The more direct bookings and less overpriced booking platforms the better, both for the host and the guest!"

## Build your own direct booking business with Bookingmood

Just like Silk & Oak, you can give your guests an alternative to traditional booking platforms.

With Bookingmood, you can manage availability, accept direct bookings through your own website, and take greater control of your booking process.

Whether you run a boutique countryside retreat, a holiday home, or a collection of vacation rentals, Bookingmood helps you work towards a more independent rental business.

Ready to encourage more direct bookings? [Discover how Bookingmood can help your accommodation business](https://www.bookingmood.com/en-US/auth/sign-up).