Call me old-fashioned, but in the days of screens taking the place of faces, it is nice to have a little bit of a personal touch when you are traveling. Most of us travel to find humanity in the world, not to isolate ourselves from it. Creating special moments for your hotel guests is not only just a smart thing to do, but it creates a space for conversation, as well as an opportunity for a hotelier to turn a customer into a brand ambassador.
When was the last time you heard someone raving about a recent hotel stay? I am willing to bet that they weren’t singing those praises because check-in went smoothly, the minibar was fully stocked, and the linens were clean. Guests expect those things.
Let’s get beyond what’s expected to what is exceptional.
We live in the days of instant gratification, two-day Amazon Prime shipping, and cell phones that do more than a computer could a mere 10 years ago. It seems like it takes a lot to impress people, but we think it just takes the right amount of the “right” thing.
Throughout the year, we will be sharing ideas that allow you to create special moments for your guests; those personal touches that build brand loyalty, and that will do more for your marketing plan than money ever could.
This month, the luck o’ the Irish gives hoteliers ample opportunities to make green. Americans love a holiday, even if it isn’t one that originated here, and if you aren’t capitalizing on St. Patrick’s Day marketing ideas, then you are missing out. In the spirit of good luck, here are 7 ways to turn the holiday into your hotel’s lucky charm:
1. Create a Seasonal Menu
Whether corned beef and cabbage or green eggs and ham, St. Paddy’s Day offers a wealth of culinary options to explore. Choose a dish that best fits the guests at your hotel and give it a signature spin or name.
2. Shake Up a Signature St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail
There are a wealth of drink recipes that involve the use of Guinness or the color green. Find one you love, make your own, or we recommend the Magically Delicious Martini (recipe here) to really leave an impression. Looking to knock it out of the park? Set up your hotel’s very own beer garden; a touch that most guests won’t forget.
3. Partner with Uber, Lyft, or a Local Cab Company to Offer Discounted Rides
Not only is this a great perk for guests, but you are also showing a personal concern for their safety and the safety of your community.
4. Offer a St. Patrick’s Day Special
Put together a “best rate guaranteed” package for discounted lodging and free Irish breakfast or Irish coffee upon arrival. Make it for only a night, or for the entire weekend, but just make sure it is different, not just the usual special dressed up in green clothing.
5. Dress Up for the Occasion
Does your hotel property have water features? Take a cue from the city of Chicago and dye them green. Or, you could put on a light show like Jumeirah Etihad Towers hotel in Abu Dhabi who is planning on lighting up their entire building the color green. If that all sounds like a bit much, then keep it simple with green accents throughout the lobby and common areas.
6. Provide Inspired Entertainment
Irish step dancers in the lobby? Bagpipes during cocktail hour? Check and check. Anything that creates a festive atmosphere is a must for celebrating special occasions in hospitality.
7. Take Chocolate on Their Pillow to the Next Level
Yes, this is one of the oldest tricks in the book when speaking about personal touches, and yes, it might seem a bit tired at this point. But what if a small piece of chocolate before bedtime was actually a bag of chocolate golden coins with a handwritten note from the hotel’s resident leprechaun? If that isn’t personal touch “gold”, then I don’t know what is.
At Screen Pilot, we bank on our high-touch approach setting us apart from other digital agencies. We believe that this level of service translates across industries, and in an industry like hospitality, it is absolutely vital.
So tell us, how is your property going the extra mile to create special moments for your guests? What are some great St. Patrick's Day marketing ideas that you have seen?
Call me old-fashioned, but in the days of screens taking the place of faces, it is nice to have a little bit of a personal touch when you are traveling. Most of us travel to find humanity in the world, not to isolate ourselves from it. Creating special moments for your hotel guests is not only just a smart thing to do, but it creates a space for conversation, as well as an opportunity for a hotelier to turn a customer into a brand ambassador.
When was the last time you heard someone raving about a recent hotel stay? I am willing to bet that they weren’t singing those praises because check-in went smoothly, the minibar was fully stocked, and the linens were clean. Guests expect those things.
Let’s get beyond what’s expected to what is exceptional.
We live in the days of instant gratification, two-day Amazon Prime shipping, and cell phones that do more than a computer could a mere 10 years ago. It seems like it takes a lot to impress people, but we think it just takes the right amount of the “right” thing.
Throughout the year, we will be sharing ideas that allow you to create special moments for your guests; those personal touches that build brand loyalty, and that will do more for your marketing plan than money ever could.
This month, the luck o’ the Irish gives hoteliers ample opportunities to make green. Americans love a holiday, even if it isn’t one that originated here, and if you aren’t capitalizing on St. Patrick’s Day marketing ideas, then you are missing out. In the spirit of good luck, here are 7 ways to turn the holiday into your hotel’s lucky charm:
1. Create a Seasonal Menu
Whether corned beef and cabbage or green eggs and ham, St. Paddy’s Day offers a wealth of culinary options to explore. Choose a dish that best fits the guests at your hotel and give it a signature spin or name.
2. Shake Up a Signature St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail
There are a wealth of drink recipes that involve the use of Guinness or the color green. Find one you love, make your own, or we recommend the Magically Delicious Martini (recipe here) to really leave an impression. Looking to knock it out of the park? Set up your hotel’s very own beer garden; a touch that most guests won’t forget.
3. Partner with Uber, Lyft, or a Local Cab Company to Offer Discounted Rides
Not only is this a great perk for guests, but you are also showing a personal concern for their safety and the safety of your community.
4. Offer a St. Patrick’s Day Special
Put together a “best rate guaranteed” package for discounted lodging and free Irish breakfast or Irish coffee upon arrival. Make it for only a night, or for the entire weekend, but just make sure it is different, not just the usual special dressed up in green clothing.
5. Dress Up for the Occasion
Does your hotel property have water features? Take a cue from the city of Chicago and dye them green. Or, you could put on a light show like Jumeirah Etihad Towers hotel in Abu Dhabi who is planning on lighting up their entire building the color green. If that all sounds like a bit much, then keep it simple with green accents throughout the lobby and common areas.
6. Provide Inspired Entertainment
Irish step dancers in the lobby? Bagpipes during cocktail hour? Check and check. Anything that creates a festive atmosphere is a must for celebrating special occasions in hospitality.
7. Take Chocolate on Their Pillow to the Next Level
Yes, this is one of the oldest tricks in the book when speaking about personal touches, and yes, it might seem a bit tired at this point. But what if a small piece of chocolate before bedtime was actually a bag of chocolate golden coins with a handwritten note from the hotel’s resident leprechaun? If that isn’t personal touch “gold”, then I don’t know what is.
At Screen Pilot, we bank on our high-touch approach setting us apart from other digital agencies. We believe that this level of service translates across industries, and in an industry like hospitality, it is absolutely vital.
So tell us, how is your property going the extra mile to create special moments for your guests? What are some great St. Patrick's Day marketing ideas that you have seen?
