Guide to producing a virtual tour for a hotel

Production of a virtual tour for a hotel – how does the virtual tour camera work?

The production of a virtual tour for a hotel is created using a specialist camera which is controlled remotely and captures 360-degree images and measurements. The images uploaded to the cloud and processed using AI to produce the finished virtual tour.  

When an image capture has started, the camera slowly turns 360-degrees on its tripod over about 30 seconds. We then move the camera a couple of metres and capture the next image.  

As the images are captured, the sensors also capture measurements to build a 3D model. The software compares the new image against the previous images to align it and place it within the 3D map it produces. Therefore, (besides the first image) all images must have a previous reference image with which to align.

When joining different floors together within the same virtual tour, stairways need to be used to allow the camera to understand where it is.

Other types of 360-degree images within the virtual tour – what is a ‘standalone’ image?

When we produce a virtual tour for a hotel we will also often include ‘standalone’ images. A ‘standalone image’ is one that is not directly connected to or placed within an area of the virtual tour. For example, in the case of a hotel, some bedrooms are often included as standalone images to provide examples of the different types of room, but they aren’t part of the core virtual tour. As they are ‘standalone images’, they don’t need to ‘join’ to a previous image and can be captured at any time.

Other common standalone images for hotels include alternative setups of conference rooms or event spaces, and exterior views. Villas and holiday lets will often include standalone images of the local area or of outside spaces. These images are included within the finished virtual tour using the ‘highlight reel’

Can we have people walking about whilst the images are being captured?

For the best virtual tour, it’s better to have areas as empty of people as possible. However, it is still possible to create a virtual tour in areas where people are.

For public areas such as the lobby in a hotel, the best thing to do is aim for a quiet time such as early morning before breakfast. In the case where it is impossible to have an area empty of people we can blur faces in the post-processing or editing stages.

Does it matter where the virtual tour capture starts within a building?

The virtual tour capture can begin anywhere within a building as this doesn’t affect the finished virtual tour’s start point. However, the availability of spaces needs to be taken into consideration. With the example of a hotel, it’s most common to start with the lobby and reception as these are the most difficult places to capture due to hotel guests

What are the normal order of capture and timings for a hotel?

This is a real world example of the timings for the production of a virtual tour for a large hotel in Lyon, France:

  • Day 0 (in the hotel)
    • Meeting in person to create a plan
  • Day 1 (in the hotel)
    • 4.30am to 6.30am – virtual tour capture of reception, lobby, breakfast area and stairs leading down to the lower ground floor (breakfast begins at 7am).
    • 8am onwards – virtual tour capture of lower ground floor including gym and conference rooms.
    • Midday onwards – capture outdoor areas and bedrooms when they are available
  • Day 2 (in the hotel)
    • 9am onwards – finish the capture of the standalone images of bedrooms.
    • Midday onwards – capture meeting rooms in their alternative setups
  • Day 3 (in the hotel)
    • Processing the virtual tour and
    • Meeting in person to discuss editing options and check all images and the tour is correct
  • Day 4 and 5 (off-site)
    • Editing and delivery of draft tour

What does the finished virtual tour look like?

How do I navigate the tour?

The controls are different depending on whether you are on mobile or a computer (click to enlarge):

What do the symbols within the virtual tour mean?

Not all the symbols will be available on all virtual tours as some are disabled. Generally, they mean the following (click to enlarge):

What are the virtual tour editing options?

In the above example you will see:

  • The start point for for virtual tour has been specified. In this case we decided to use the lobby looking towards the bar
  • Information pop-ups have been added. This example shows two information points – the menu and breakfast information. Click the red information points to view
  • There is a ‘highlight reel’ at the bottom of the virtual tour. This takes the viewer on a virtual guided tour to show the highlights of the hotel, the bedrooms, and the conference rooms. Press the ‘play’ icon to start the tour or click on an individual image to jump straight to it
  • Occasionally if needed we have an option to ‘blur’ certain things within the tour. This is most common for faces or prices which have been unavoidably captured
  • Some of the images – or scan points – can be disabled meaning viewers can view them. This is handy if you need to join two areas but would prefer people not see the part in between.

Ready to discuss the production of a virtual tour for your hotel, villa or holiday let?

We’re available throughout the year and often at short notice. Get in touch:

FAQs – producing a virtual tour for a hotel

Here is a list of some the most common questions people have when producing a virtual tour for a hotel. If you still have questions or are ready to book your virtual tour, get in touch using the contact details above

Click on the ‘+’ to expand the answers

Yes! Your virtual tour can be embedded on your website. Within the virtual tour we can include links and other information such as to your booking engine. This allows potential guests to easily book once they have made their decisions.

Yes! Your virtual tour can be embedded on your website. Within the virtual tour we can include links and other information such as to your booking engine. This allows potential guests to easily book once they have made their decisions.

We can also produce a version of your virtual tour within Google allowing Google Maps users to also ‘step inside’ and view your hotel or villa using Google Street View. This often boosts your local SEO.

No special equipment is needed on your part.

No special equipment is needed on your part. All areas should be tidy and presentable and where possible we recommend ensuring good lighting, and removing clutter. We bring all the equipment and professional gear required for high-quality results.

The production of a virtual tour for a hotel involves several key steps to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience that reflects your property accurately and professionally.

The production of a virtual tour for a hotel involves several key steps to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience that reflects your property accurately and professionally.

  1. Professional 360° Photography or Videography
    We start by capturing your hotel’s spaces using specialized cameras that produce high-resolution, 360-degree images or immersive video. This technology allows guests to look around in every direction, creating a realistic sense of being there.
  2. Image Stitching and Post-Processing
    Once the images are captured, they are stitched together using advanced software to create seamless panoramic views. We also enhance lighting, color balance, and clarity to ensure your property looks its best.
  3. Adding Interactive Features
    To make the tour engaging and user-friendly, we integrate interactive elements such as:
    • Navigation hotspots for moving between rooms and areas.
    • Clickable floor plans for easy orientation.
    • Booking links that connect directly to your reservation system.
    • Optional information pop-ups highlighting amenities or special offers.
  4. Branding and Mobile Optimization
    At GoCasa, we deliver a fully branded virtual tour that matches your hotel’s identity. Every tour is optimized for mobile devices, tablets, and desktops, ensuring a smooth experience for all users.
  5. Integration and Hosting
    Finally, we provide easy integration with your website, booking engine, and platforms like Google Street View. Hosting is included, so your tour remains fast, secure, and accessible.

By handling everything—from planning the shoot to delivering a polished, interactive tour—GoCasa ensures your hotel stands out online and converts more visitors into bookings.

A virtual tour for a large hotel typically takes 2 days on-site capturing the images along with extra time for meetings, planning, production, processing and editing. and The timeline for creating a virtual tour for a hotel depends on the size and complexity of your property, but most projects are completed within 5–10 business days in total.

A virtual tour for a large hotel typically takes 2 days on-site capturing the images along with extra time for meetings, planning, production, processing and editing. and The timeline for creating a virtual tour for a hotel depends on the size and complexity of your property, but most projects are completed within 5–10 business days in total.

For smaller hotels or boutique properties, the process is typically on the shorter end of the scale. Larger hotels with multiple room types, extensive amenities, or event spaces may require additional time for shooting and editing. At GoCasa, we always provide a clear, detailed timeline upfront, so you know exactly when your virtual tour will be ready to publish.

We also offer priority turnaround options for hotels that need their tour live quickly—ideal for seasonal campaigns or upcoming events. Regardless of size, our goal is to deliver a polished, mobile-friendly, and fully branded virtual tour without compromising quality.

Pricing depends on the size of your property and the number of spaces included. At GoCasa, virtual tour packages start from £350 upwards. The price depends on the time it will take to produce your virtual tour. Holiday villas can often take a day to capture whereas large hotels may take 2 days or more. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Pricing depends on the size of your property and the number of spaces included. At GoCasa, virtual tour packages start from £350 upwards. The price depends on the time it will take to produce your virtual tour. Holiday villas can often take a day to capture whereas large hotels may take 2 days or more. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Yes, re-doing certain areas – even years later – if usually possible

Updates to your virtual tour are certainly possible. It is often possible to reshoot specific areas – even many years later – and integrate them into your existing virtual tour.

This keeps your tour up-to-date without the expense of having to re-shoot the entire tour.

Increased bookings, improved trust, provides advantage over your competitors, provides contents for social media, increases engagement, improves search engine rankings, and much more

Category: Virtual tours FAQs

The summary of the main benefits of getting a virtual tour for your hotel or holiday let are:

  • Improved search engine rankings
  • Increased online visibility
  • Higher guest engagement
  • Better social media engagement
  • Improved guest and customer trust
  • More bookings

A virtual tour is one of the most effective ways to showcase your hotel or event space to potential guests and clients. It gives people the ability to explore your venue from anywhere in the world, offering a realistic and immersive experience that builds trust and encourages bookings.

By allowing potential guests to see the layout, décor, and atmosphere in detail before they arrive, virtual tours help eliminate uncertainty, improve trust, and make your space more appealing.

Virtual tours also enhance your online presence, keeping visitors engaged longer and improving visibility across search engines and social media.

With a virtual tour, your venue is always open for viewing—day or night—saving time on physical showings and helping guests plan with confidence. It’s a modern, professional way to present your space, highlight its unique features, and stand out in a competitive market. At Go Casa, we specialise in creating high-quality virtual tours that help businesses attract more guests, promote their facilities, and convert interest into bookings.

For a hotel virtual tour we recommend showcasing the areas that guests would like to see such as rooms, dining areas, the lobby, the area outside the hotel, the gym, and event facilities, etc.

For a hotel virtual tour we recommend showcasing the areas that guests would like to see such as rooms, dining areas, the lobby, the area outside the hotel, the gym, and event facilities, etc. Typical hotels include the following:

  • Guest rooms and suites
  • Reception and lobby
  • Restaurant and bar
  • Spa, gym, or pool
  • Event spaces including in alternative setups
  • Outdoor areas

The goal is to highlight spaces that influence booking decisions.

The areas we don’t normally include are areas like toilets, unnecessary corridors, kitchens, etc.

A virtual tour for a hotel is an interactive, digital experience that allows potential guests to explore your property online as if they were physically there. Unlike static photos, a virtual tour uses 360-degree panoramic images or immersive video to create a realistic view of your hotel’s spaces. Guests can navigate through rooms, common areas, and amenities at their own pace, giving them a clear sense of layout, design, and atmosphere.

A virtual tour for a hotel is an interactive, digital experience that allows potential guests to explore your property online as if they were physically there. Unlike static photos, a virtual tour uses 360-degree panoramic images or immersive video to create a realistic view of your hotel’s spaces. Guests can navigate through rooms, common areas, and amenities at their own pace, giving them a clear sense of layout, design, and atmosphere.

This technology is designed to replicate the feeling of walking through your hotel, offering a transparent and engaging way to showcase what makes your property unique. Virtual tours are accessible on any device that has an internet connection—desktop, tablet, or smartphone—and can be integrated into your website.

For hotel owners, a virtual tour is more than just a marketing tool; it’s a trust-building asset. By providing an authentic preview of your rooms and facilities, you reduce uncertainty for guests, increase booking confidence, and stand out from competitors who rely solely on traditional photography.

Investing in a virtual tour for your hotel is one of the most effective ways to attract and convert potential guests in today’s digital-first travel market. Travelers increasingly rely on online research before booking, and a virtual tour provides an immersive, transparent experience that static photos simply cannot match.

Investing in a virtual tour for your hotel is one of the most effective ways to attract and convert potential guests in today’s digital-first travel market. Travelers increasingly rely on online research before booking, and a virtual tour provides an immersive, transparent experience that static photos simply cannot match.

A virtual tour allows guests to explore your property in detail, from guest rooms and suites to amenities like the spa, pool, or restaurant. This level of interactivity builds trust and confidence, reducing uncertainty and increasing the likelihood of direct bookings. Hotels that offer virtual tours often see higher engagement rates, longer time spent on their website, and improved conversion compared to those using only traditional photography.

Beyond guest experience, virtual tours deliver measurable marketing benefits. They:

  • Differentiate your hotel from competitors by showcasing your unique features.
  • Boost SEO performance by increasing on-site engagement and providing rich, interactive content optimized for keywords like “virtual tour for a hotel.”
  • Integrate seamlessly with booking systems, social media, and Google Street View, expanding your reach and visibility.

In short, a virtual tour is not just a visual upgrade—it’s a strategic investment that enhances your online presence, builds trust, and drives revenue.

Yes, a virtual tour will almost certainly improve you hotel’s SEO.

Yes, a virtual tour will almost certainly improve you hotel’s SEO. Virtual tours increase time-on-site and engagement, which are positive ranking signals for search engines. Add to this the new contents you can share with social media which is also a positive ranking signal used by the major search engines.

Many hotels decide to create a new page for their virtual tour which can be optimised for phrases like ‘hotel virtual tour’ meaning that when indexed in the search engines it will almost certainly help your hotel or holiday let appear higher in search results.

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