Click, Book, Smile: 5 Guest-Winning Strategies
Looking for simple ways to keep guests happier and boost bookings? These five digital strategies are easy to implement and can make a big impact on guest experience—without adding to your workload.
I just read an article I thought was too good not to share—especially if you're looking for simple, effective ways to improve your guest experience and drive more bookings to your vacaton rental or hotel.
Here’s a quick summary of the five strategies:
- Respond to feedback with heart – When a guest leaves a review or shares a concern, don’t just reply—respond in a way that feels personal. Offer something thoughtful, like a small discount for their next stay or even just a genuine note of appreciation.
- Add surprise-and-delight moments – Use what you already know about repeat guests to offer unexpected perks. Maybe it’s a late check-out, a welcome drink, or a room upgrade they weren’t expecting. These touches build loyalty without breaking the bank.
- Let a digital assistant help out – AI chat tools and automated responses can help answer guest questions quickly, even before they ask. It’s a great way to improve communication and ease the load on your team.
- Create digital itineraries with local flavor – Share a few curated local recommendations or even a sample itinerary that guests can access from their phone. This adds value to their stay and sets you apart.
- Send proactive pre-arrival messages – A simple message before check-in can go a long way—whether it’s sharing check-in details, offering upgrades, or answering FAQs. It helps reduce friction and sets a positive tone.
"True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests." — Eleanor Roosevelt
Want the full article? It’s a quick, insightful read:
👉 Read it here
Have you already tried any of these ideas—or is there one you’re excited to test? Let me know. I’d love to hear what’s working for you right now.
Latest posts
Independent hotels and vacation rentals should run a 10-minute AI audit to see how tools like ChatGPT, Google summaries, and OTAs are publicly describing their property without their input. When AI-generated descriptions don’t match reality, expectation gaps erode reviews, ratings, and direct bookings, making proactive source updates a critical part of modern hospitality marketing.
Most independent operators market their property at its best and never see the gap that forms on normal days. The Tuesday Test is a framework for closing the distance between what your listing promises and what midweek guests actually find.
Guests don't return to "fine." They return to specific. This post shows how to find or create one memorable moment that earns direct bookings and referrals instead of handing repeat guest revenue back to OTAs.
