It’s the most wonderful (and hectic!) time of the year if you work in a hotel - the wine is mulling, the Christmas menu is planned to perfection, and you’re preparing for a festive season helping your guests have a magical, memorable time.
When it comes to the question of how to market a hotel at Christmas, there’s a lot to think about. Your guests’ experience and comfort is top of mind, but you’re also conscious of enriching their stay by communicating what’s going on in the area and drumming up excitement for what you have on offer.
Not only does Christmastime marketing for your hotel help your existing bookings have a merry time, but it can also stir up interest among new guests who discover your place and put it on their wishlist for next year.
Luckily for you I’m in the festive spirit, so I’ve got a stocking full of easy marketing ideas to help you sleigh the Christmas content game, spark winter wanderlust, and ho-ho-hone in on that flurry of bookings.
Contents:
How to market a hotel at Christmas: ideas and inspiration
Get in the festive spirit
One of the easiest ways to market a hotel at Christmas is by showing the festivities you have on offer - is your lobby boasting a floor-to-ceiling decorated tree, or have you tastefully added tinsel to the reception desk? Perhaps your staff are doing ‘Christmas jumper day’ or a reindeer has appeared in the kids’ playground. Show it off on socials and let people enjoy it with you!
Branded Christmas cards for guests
Why not get some branded cards made and pop one in each guest's room to let them know you’re thinking of them? Something simple like this can really make someone’s day, help them get into the celebratory mood when they arrive, and put your brand front and centre of their mind.
Christmas themed events
Consider hosting and promoting Christmas themed brunches, lunches and dinners that appeal to customers who aren’t necessarily hotel guests as well as those staying with you. It’s a great way to increase festive footfall and spend even when your rooms are fully booked, and you can run these for a few weeks before and after the day itself.
Dial in on your hotel’s USPs
Everyone’s feeling a little more jolly at this time of year, so it’s the perfect opportunity to really highlight and talk about the things that make your hotel unique. What makes you different from everything else on offer in your area? Why should guests choose to stay with you specifically?
Create local festive guides
Chances are there are some lovely Christmassy things happening in your area that your guests might want to get involved with. Put together a little festive guide for your customers, helping them make the most of their stay. Whether they head out to see the Christmas lights switch on, visit the winter markets or take their kids to meet Santa, guiding their experience this way will go down a treat. Try to make your guides available in both digital and print format if possible!
Contests and giveaways on socials
‘Tis the season for giving, and it’s the perfect time of year to host contests and giveaways on your social media channels. Not only does this help drum up organic interest and reach new audiences for your hotel, it lets your guests and fans know you’re appreciative of them and want to give a little something back. Who doesn’t love a little extra prezzie under the tree?
Create a festive Spotify playlist
Instead of choosing from the many ready-made Christmas playlists on offer, why not put one together that’s specific to your brand and play it throughout your hotel in communal spaces. Let people know they can listen too if they love it, and create a sense of community with the jingling of bells.
Local events
Why not add an extra tab to your website as a handy resource for local events, guiding people to where they can book festive tours, wreath making workshops or mulled wine tastings, for example. It’s super helpful for your guests and also allows you to collaborate with other local businesses, which may turn into a longer term or recurring partnership that can benefit you both.
How to market a hotel at Christmas: communication channels
You can let your guests know about all of the above with fun, festive newsletters and on your social media channels to help spread the word. These are just a few ideas to make the most of this joyful season, whether you’re a self-owned B&B or large hotel chain - your guests are all alike in looking for a magical experience and somewhere they can love returning to!
Tips and Resources
Other things you might find useful:
Come and say aloha if you’re looking for some help with your hotel’s marketing - I’m here to help you spark wanderlust and fill those rooms!
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