You’ve heard the phrase, “First impressions are everything.” This applies to hotels as well. Whether you are a business traveller or someone on vacation with their family, your experience at a hotel will be largely influenced by your first impressions of it. As soon as you step foot into the lobby, a receptionist greets you with a smile and takes care of all the details before directing you to the elevator, every detail matters in telling the story of what awaits inside those doors.

Storytelling is a critical part of hotel marketing. Consumers are becoming increasingly design-savvy, many of them want to be enticed by an engaging narrative that stands out from the crowd. Many want authenticity, to believe they are getting a unique experience, this is where the storytelling aspect comes in.

Hotels have many ways to tell their story: from the decorations and artwork that line the corridors, amenities like coffee makers in the rooms through to key characters such as chefs or housekeepers. The story that your hotel narrative creates depends on how the guest perceives the hotel’s brand, prices, and location in relation with surrounding businesses.

A boutique hotel may be story-driven through a specific time period or culture, whereas a luxury hotel should be more luxurious and tell the story of indulgence. In any case, hotels must create an engaging narrative that invites guests in as participants. The end result will be customers who feel like they are a part of the hotel’s story.

What is storytelling and why is it important for hotel marketing

Storytelling has been around for centuries, and it is an important part of human culture. It is the way we share information and connect with each other. In business, storytelling is essential for marketing. Hotel guests want to feel like they are a part of the story, and hotels must create a narrative that engages their guests. From the moment they arrive, hotels should be telling their guests a story through their decor, amenities, and service. By creating an authentic and cohesive story, hotels can create a lasting impression on their guests and set themselves apart from the competition.

How do hotels create a story for their guests

The first step is to outline the narrative of your hotel: the theme, the tone, the unique standpoint - who is your target audience? Getting an idea of what guests enjoy most when they visit your hotel can give you a great idea on what to base your narrative off. Does your hotel have any interesting history behind it? These are all aspects that you can shape to set your business apart from others. Finding your brand's voice is essential, as it allows you to create a story using your strengths, one that your audience can connect with. Stories are meant to stir emotions, you want your audience to buy your services because of how it makes them feel, they should resonate with the experience you have created.

What are some ways that hotels can use storytelling in their marketing

Hoteliers can use storytelling in a variety of ways to set themselves apart from the competition. For example, they can use storytelling in their advertising, website, and social media presence. They can also create immersive experiences for their guests, such as themed rooms or elaborate dinners. By using storytelling, hotels can create an unforgettable experience for their guests that will make them want to come back again and again. Storytelling relies on both a visual and interactive experience, one that is told from the very first moment to the last. For example, how does the location of your hotel contribute to the story? What is the area like? Say you are surrounded by historic buildings and cobbled streets, incorporating this into your hotel's story would create a narrative that will draw customers in.

How can hotels use storytelling to stand out from the competition

By telling a story that is relevant to their guests, hotels can create an emotional connection that will make them want to return. Hotels can also use storytelling to create a sense of community among their guests. By sharing stories about the local area, hotels can help guests connect with each other and feel like they are a part of something larger. This can be especially beneficial for solo travellers or groups who are looking to meet new people. Storytelling is also a great way for hotels to build brand loyalty. When guests feel like they are a part of the story, they are more likely to stay with that particular hotel chain in the future.

What are some tips for telling a good story

Understanding the importance of your brand and identity is crucial in setting yourself apart from other hotels. Finding your personality is what makes your hotel unique, audiences are far more likely to resonate with a business that is passionate about its identity. Hotels should make sure their stories are relevant to their business and the services they provide. The story should be something that the guests can connect with and feel invested in. One point would be to use guests themselves to help tell the story, using their experiences and positive reviews to help shape the narrative and entice future guests. Finally, hotels should make sure their stories are well-told. The story should flow naturally, using visuals such as videos and images will keep audiences engaged. Remember, most people have a short attention span, so sticking to quick videos will most likely help you get good results.

Hopefully by now you get the gist of using storytelling for hotel marketing and understand how important it is to create an authentic narrative that isn't just about selling your business, but getting audiences to invest in something that they can connect with on a deeper level. If you can let your hotel's personality shine through in this exciting and engaging strategy, you're already one step ahead. If you feel like there is more you want to know about this insight, don't hesitate to get in touch and we'll give you some more tips.