The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re a hotelier, you know what that means—tinsel, tourists, and terrific opportunities to fill those rooms! Whether you’re running a charming boutique hotel, a sunny vacation rental, or a cozy motel, the holiday rush can be both thrilling and overwhelming.
But fear not! With some strategic tweaks and a touch of tech, you can get your property holiday-ready faster than you can say, “Merry Christmas!”
Here are five last-minute tips to help you maximize bookings, delight guests, and keep things festive without losing your holiday spirit—or your mind.
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1. Deck the Halls (and Your Website!)
Guests are drawn to the magic of the holidays, so make sure your property shines both in person and online. Start with simple decorations in your lobby or rooms—think twinkling lights, a small tree, or even a festive scent wafting through the air. But don’t stop there! Your website and booking platform should also reflect the holiday cheer.
Update your imagery with cozy, seasonal visuals, and add festive offers like “Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free!”
Not a tech whiz? That’s where a cloud PMS like Yanolja Cloud Solution’s eZee Absolute can make life easier. You can tweak your online offers and automate bookings without any tech-induced headaches.
2. Revamp Your Pricing (Think Naughty and Nice Deals)
Before the holiday rush kicks in, it’s time to evaluate your pricing strategy. The holiday season is all about giving, but don’t give away your revenue! Instead, craft dynamic pricing strategies that align with demand. Offer early-bird discounts, last-minute deals, or family packages that scream, “Spend the holidays with us!”
With eZee Centrix Channel Manager, you can easily manage pricing across multiple OTAs, ensuring that all your listings are updated in real time.
Bonus: Avoid the dreaded overbookings that could turn your holidays into a nightmare before Christmas!
3. Feast for the Festive Spirits
What’s the quickest way to a guest’s heart? Through their stomach! If your property offers dining, consider creating a limited-time holiday menu that captures the magic of the season. Think indulgent hot chocolate bars, classic roast dinners, or festive-themed cocktails that guests can’t resist posting on social media. Add some local flair to your menu for a unique touch that makes your offerings stand out.
For vacation rentals or smaller properties, partner with nearby restaurants or food delivery services to offer curated meal packages, complete with holiday cheer. Bonus points if you include options for guests with dietary preferences—everyone deserves to celebrate.
If you’re managing a restaurant alongside your hotel, you can check out eZee Optimus POS which ensures smooth operations, whether it’s tracking those pumpkin pie orders or managing Christmas Eve dinner reservations seamlessly. Keep the food flowing and the guests glowing!
4. Woo Your Locals
Sometimes, your best customers are right in your backyard. Many locals are looking for a “staycation” or a place to host out-of-town family during the holidays. Create offers like “Holiday Host Helpers”—discounts for locals booking multiple rooms or suites for family gatherings.
Promote these deals effectively through social media platforms or by collaborating with local community groups and businesses. Personalized emails or SMS campaigns can also help spread the word, making it easy to reach your neighborhood audience and fill those rooms.
5. Wrap It All Up with Personal Touches
The secret to standing out during the holidays? Personalization! Small gestures like handwritten welcome notes, complimentary hot cider at check-in, or holiday-themed room decor can leave a lasting impression and add a warm, festive touch.
Take it a step further by tailoring experiences based on what you know about your guests. For instance, if a returning guest loves skiing, offer discounted lift tickets or suggest nearby slopes. Simple yet thoughtful gestures like these can turn one-time visitors into lifelong fans while creating memorable holiday moments.
Bonus: Don’t Forget Your Team
The holidays can be tough on your staff. Show your appreciation with small tokens of gratitude, flexible schedules, or even a holiday party. A happy team translates to happy guests, after all!
Holiday Ready? Let’s Make It Happen!
With these five tips, your hotel will be ready to welcome the holiday rush with open arms—and open booking calendars. Whether you’re managing a cozy inn or a bustling vacation rental, the key is to plan smart, stay flexible, and let technology do the heavy lifting.
This season, let’s turn your hotel into the go-to holiday destination where every guest feels like family. After all, there’s no place like your hotel for the holidays!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that eggnog, fire up those tools from Yanolja Cloud Solution, and let’s make this holiday season your most successful yet!
Cheers to full rooms and festive vibes!