Setting Up Stripe for Your Property
Step 1. Create a Stripe Account
Go to Stripe.com and sign up for a free account. Use your business email and the legal name of your hotel or property management company.
Step 2. Complete Stripe Identity Verification
Stripe will ask you to verify your identity and business details. You'll need:
Legal business name and address
EIN or tax ID (for US businesses)
A bank account for payouts
Personal identification (owner/representative)
This is required before you can accept live payments.
Step 3. Get Your Stripe API Keys
Once verified, go to the Stripe Dashboard → Developers → API Keys:
To locate the Stripe API Keys, go to your Stripe dashboard, click on Developer Mode, then API Keys.
Copy your Secret Key (starts with sk_live_...)
Copy your Publishable Key (starts with pk_live_...)
⚠️ Never share your Secret Key publicly. It gives full access to your Stripe account.
Step 4. Enter Your Keys in Hotelia
In your Hotelia dashboard, go to Settings → Integrations → Stripe and paste:
Your Publishable Key into the publishable key field
Your Secret Key into the secret key field
Hotelia encrypts and stores these securely. They're used server-side only to process guest charges.
Step 5. Configure Your Payment Preferences
In Settings → Integrations → Stripe →Payment Configuration, set up:
Base rate pricing (nightly rates per room type)
Tax rates (occupancy tax, resort fees)
Security deposit amount (if applicable)
Step 6. Test with a Booking
Before going live, create a test booking through your booking widget to confirm:
The payment form renders correctly
Charges appear in your Stripe Dashboard → Payments
The guest receives a confirmation email with payment details
Step 7. Go Live
Once you've confirmed everything works, your property is ready to accept real guest payments.
All charges, refunds, and deposits will flow through your Stripe account with payouts deposited directly to your linked bank account.