Surprise your travelers with unique and local recommendations
When you welcome a guest, you’re not just offering a place to stay — you’re creating experiences. One of the most effective ways to do this is by sharing maps with personalized recommendations of nearby places of interest. This way, your guests won’t waste time searching online and will feel that they’re receiving thoughtful, tailored attention.
What is Google My Maps and why use it?
Google My Maps is a free tool from Google that allows you to design custom maps. It’s not just about pinning a few spots — you can add restaurants, hiking routes, cafés, monuments, or any special place you’d like to recommend. You can also organize them into layers to make the map clearer and easier to navigate.
Step by step: how to create a custom map
Access the tool
Go to Google My Maps and click “Get started.”
Click “+ Create a new map.”
The Google Maps view will open.
Customize the map
At the top left, click “Untitled map.”
Rename it with an identifiable title and add a description if desired.
Save your changes.
Organize by layers
Layers act as categories, helping you organize information. Examples include:
“Hiking routes”
“Recommended restaurants”
“Museums and culture”
You can rename the default “Untitled layer” or add new ones using the “Add layer” button.
Add places
From the search bar: Type the place name, select it on the map, and click “Add to map.” The system will assign it to the appropriate layer.
With a custom marker: Go to the desired location, click the “Add marker” icon (below the search bar), and set the name, description, and optionally a photo. This allows you to display the place clearly and include all relevant information.
Share the map
Click the “Share” button.
Keep the default sharing settings.
Copy the link and paste it into the Guest Area content settings in your VRMS so that travelers can access it directly.
Example of a link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=example
Common mistakes
Leaving the map unnamed: this makes identification difficult if you manage several.
Not organizing by layers: a map without categories can be confusing.
Forgetting to share the link properly: make sure it’s accessible to your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a place doesn’t appear on Google Maps?
What if a place doesn’t appear on Google Maps?
You can create it manually with a custom marker, assigning it a name and description.
Can I edit the map after sharing it?
Can I edit the map after sharing it?
Yes. Changes are saved in real time, and the same link will continue to work.
Is it possible to have multiple maps for the same accommodation?
Is it possible to have multiple maps for the same accommodation?
Yes. It’s recommended to use clear names (for example, “Cultural Map Madrid,” “Gastronomic Map Madrid”) to differentiate them.