Subdomain Setup for Reservation Widget
Here is some basic information and important notes regarding subdomain setup for the reservation widget.
What Is a Subdomain?
A subdomain is used to divide a single domain into multiple segments for different purposes.
As the number of websites you manage increases, so do the costs and effort involved in acquiring and maintaining separate domains.
Using subdomains allows you to split one custom domain into purpose-specific sections, helping reduce both cost and administrative overhead.
While a custom domain (such as the one used for your official website) is obtained through a domain registration service, subdomains are configured from the control panel of the server where the main domain is hosted.
Difference Between Reservation Widget via iframe and Subdomain
Standard Reservation Widget (iframe)
The standard reservation widget provided by tripla uses the iframe method.
In this approach, the widget is embedded as a part of the hotel's homepage, allowing guests to complete their reservation without navigating away to another domain. This results in a smoother user experience, as the widget appears as a popup within the same page—no page transition occurs.
However, there are some limitations:
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Tracking issues with analytics tools: Since session data cannot be passed between the parent page and the iframe, tools like Google Analytics cannot accurately track the source (referrer) of the user before they accessed the reservation widget.
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Browser restrictions: Some modern browsers may block tracking scripts (such as Google Analytics tags) within iframes, preventing full visibility into user behavior within the reservation widget.
As a result, traffic data for users accessing the reservation widget may not be fully visible in Google Analytics.
Reservation Widget with Subdomain Configuration
In contrast, when the reservation widget is configured using a subdomain, it opens in a separate browser tab.
This setup allows tools like Google Analytics to accurately track the referral source (i.e., where the user came from before accessing the widget).
As a result, you gain access to more precise and comprehensive analytics data, improving your ability to analyze user behavior and traffic sources.
iframe Version of tripla Book
Furthermore, when you set up first-party cookies and configure the reservation widget under a subdomain, you can enable a feature called the iframe version of tripla Book.
This allows the reservation widget to be displayed in an iframe format while still retaining tracking capabilities—bridging the benefits of both iframe integration and subdomain-based tracking.
We recommend setting up **first-party cookies** **before** configuring the subdomain.
If the subdomain is set up **before** the first-party cookie configuration is completed, a **popup blocker** may prevent the reservation widget from opening properly.
By using the iframe version of tripla Book, you can maintain the necessary tracking required for Google Analytics and tripla Connect targeting.
Item | Standard Reservation Widget（iframe） | Subdomain Reservation Widget | iframe ver. tripla Book |
| Reservation Widget Page Transition | None | Opens in a separate browser tab | None |
| Referral Tracking in Google Analytics | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access Tracking in Google Analytics | △ (Limited) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Use with tripla Connect | ✕ | △（※Note 1） | ✓ |
| First-Party Cookie Setup | Not required | Optional | Required |
When Subdomain Configuration Is Required
When Measuring Referral Sources in Google Analytics
The standard reservation widget (iframe) does not support referral tracking.
If you want to measure where users are coming from in Google Analytics, setting up the reservation widget under a subdomain is mandatory.
When Using tripla Connect
tripla Connect is a feature that allows you to promote targeted campaigns based on customer segments.
For example, you can send exclusive discount offers to members only.
To ensure accurate tracking and targeting of customer data, both subdomain configuration and first-party cookie setup are required when using tripla Connect.
A separate contract is required to use tripla Connect.
If you are considering implementation, please contact your tripla sales representative.
When Subdomain Configuration Is Recommended
Improving Reservation Widget Loading Speed
If your homepage includes many images or auto-playing videos, the standard reservation widget (iframe) may be affected by the homepage’s loading performance since it is embedded within the page.
By using a subdomain-based widget, the widget loads independently and is not affected by the homepage’s loading speed.
Avoiding Popup Blockers
Some users have browser settings that block popups, which can prevent the standard (iframe) widget from launching properly.
To avoid this issue, users would need to manually change their browser settings to allow popups — or alternatively, you can prevent the issue altogether by configuring the reservation widget as a subdomain, which does not rely on popups.
Subdomain Usage Restrictions
Subdomain configuration is set at the brand level.
If multiple properties share the same brand account, the **reservation widget URL will use a common subdomain** across all properties under that brand.
URL Parameters for Subdomain-Based Reservation Widgets
For properties with subdomain configuration enabled, the URL parameter format differs from that of the standard (iframe-based) reservation widget.
For details, please refer to the following help page:
Post-Configuration Tasks After Subdomain Setup
Updating Links on Your Website
If your website includes direct links to the reservation widget—for example, links that display search results for specific plans—those links are typically hardcoded into the HTML.
When switching to a subdomain-based reservation widget, you will need to update these links accordingly.
We recommend coordinating in advance with your website administrator or web development agency to ensure a smooth transition.
Updating Links in the Chatbot (for tripla Bot Users)
If you are using **tripla Bot (chatbot)**, you will also need to **update the reservation widget links** registered in your FAQ to the new subdomain-based URLs.
Once your reservation widget’s subdomain is confirmed, please notify our **AI team** and provide the **new subdomain URL** so we can assist with updating the links accordingly.
How To contact Us :https://tripla.zohodesk.jp/portal/ja/kb/articles/web-form-manual
Canceling or Resetting Subdomain Configuration
If any of the following situations occur, please contact us via the chatbot at the bottom right corner of the tripla management screen:
You have completed subdomain setup for the reservation widget but, for any reason, need to revert back to the standard (iframe) version.
You encounter an issue during the subdomain setup process and need to reset the configuration.
Difference Based on Availability of SSL Certificate File
There are two methods for configuring a subdomain for the reservation widget, depending on whether or not you have an SSL server certificate file:
With an SSL Certificate File:
If you have an SSL certificate for your subdomain, you can proceed with a standard secure configuration using your own certificate.
Without an SSL Certificate File:
If you do not have an SSL certificate, tripla can assist with alternative secure setup options. Please contact us for guidance based on your case.
An SSL server certificate is a digital certificate used to:
・Verify the authenticity of the website operator, and
・Encrypt communication data between the user's browser and the web server.
It ensures secure and trusted connections for users accessing your website or reservation widget.
Differences Based on SSL Certificate File Availability
| Item | If You Have an SSL Certificate File | If You Do Not Have an SSL Certificate File |
| Subdomain Setup | Requires preparation of the following 3 files: ・SSL Certificate ・SSL Private Key ・SSLChain File (Intermediate Certificate) | Requires setting a verification CNAME record in your DNS settings. |
| SSL Certificate Renewal | Required (must be renewed by the user) | Not required (tripla handles automatic renewal) |
You can find the step-by-step setup instructions based on whether you have an SSL certificate file from the links below:
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