The hospitality industry is always changing. With the rise of online travel agents (OTAs) it’s hard to stand out and get those direct bookings.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help!
In this post I’ll show you 10 ways to increase hotel bookings in 2025.
You’ll learn how to drive more direct bookings to your hotel website and grow your hotel revenue.
And the best part: All of these work right now.
So here’s how to increase hotel bookings using proven (and secret) methods.
Hotel Industry Trends
Before we get started let’s take a look at some of the trends in the hotel industry.
This will help you understand the challenges and opportunities.
1. The Mobile Traveler
Did you know 70% of travelers now use their smartphones to research and book travel?
Yes, mobile devices have become the tool of choice for everything from finding a hotel to comparing prices to reading reviews.
This means your hotel website must be mobile optimized.
Think easy navigation, fast load times and a seamless booking process on any screen size. If guests can’t use your site on their phone,
2. Personalization is Key
The days of generic marketing are over. Today’s travelers want personalized experiences and that includes how they interact with hotels.
Actually 80% of customers are more likely to do business with a company that offers personalized experiences.
This means using data to target your marketing campaigns, offering relevant recommendations and remembering guest preferences to create a one-off stay.
Think personalized welcome messages, offers based on past bookings and even pre-stocked mini-bars with their favorite snacks!
3. The Guest Experience is King
In the age of reviews and social media the guest experience is more important than ever.
A single bad review can spread like wildfire and damage your hotel’s reputation and scare off potential guests.
On the other hand, good reviews can be a powerful marketing tool, driving direct bookings and growing your bottom line.
81% of travelers say reviews influence their booking decisions.
So, create a memorable and positive experience for every guest from the moment they step into your lobby to the moment they check out. And use social media to encourage guests to share their experience which will further increase your hotel’s visibility and reputation.
4. Sustainability is Not Optional
Eco travel is on the rise with 76% of global travelers saying they are more likely to choose an accommodation if it has sustainable practices.
This means implementing sustainable practices into your hotel operations from reducing energy consumption to using eco-friendly products.
Showcase your green initiatives on your website and social media to attract eco-conscious guests.
Where to Find Hotel Bookings
Okay, so you know the trends but where do you actually find these travelers and turn them into paying guests?
Here’s the breakdown on the top channels to boost your hotel bookings:
1. Your Hotel Website
Think of your hotel website as your 24/7 online receptionist.
It’s the first impression many potential guests will have of your property and it’s the perfect place to showcase your unique selling points, your amenities and make it super easy for people to book direct with you through your hotel’s website.
Make sure it’s visually appealing, easy to navigate (especially on mobile!) and has a user-friendly booking engine.
Direct hotel bookings mean you avoid those high OTA commission fees and build a direct relationship with your guests.
Don’t forget to optimize it for search engines so people can find you online!
2. Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and even TikTok are your direct line to a huge audience of potential guests.
Use them to share beautiful photos and videos of your property, run competitions and giveaways, engage with your followers and showcase what makes your hotel special.
Don’t just post and ghost – be active, respond to comments and questions and build a community around your brand.
3. Email Marketing
Email marketing is a great way to nurture relationships with past guests, promote special offers and keep your hotel top of mind.
Build your email list by offering incentives like exclusive discounts or freebies in exchange for signing up.
Segment your list to send targeted emails to different guest demographics (families, business travellers etc) and personalise your messages to make them feel special.
4. Metasearch Engines
Metasearch engines like Google Hotel Ads, TripAdvisor and Trivago have become super popular with travelers who want to compare prices from multiple sources in one place.
Make sure your hotel is listed on these platforms and optimise your profiles with accurate information, great photos and competitive rates to get more clicks and drive direct bookings.
5. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
While it’s important to prioritise direct bookings, OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia can still be a good source of bookings especially if you want to reach a wider audience or fill rooms during slower periods.
But be aware of the commission they charge and try to balance OTA bookings with direct reservations.
6. Partnerships
Don’t underestimate the power of partnerships! Collaborate with local businesses, tour operators and even other hotels to cross promote your services and reach new audiences.
This could be package deals, joint marketing campaigns or simply referring guests to each other.
10 Ways to Boost Hotel Bookings
Okay, let’s get down to business! Here are 10 proven ways to boost your hotel bookings and leave the competition behind:
1. Book Direct on Your Hotel Website
Your website is your online kingdom. It’s where potential guests come to visit your property, check out your facilities and decide whether to book a stay.
Make sure it’s optimised to get those direct bookings and avoid those pesky OTA commissions!
Increasing direct hotel bookings can boost your profit by driving traffic to your website and converting visitors into direct bookings.
Good Hotel’s website is a prime example of how a hotel website should look.
Here’s the plan:
➨ Book Easy
Your booking engine should be smoother than a freshly made bed. Think simple design, clear CTAs and a seamless process that works on all devices (especially mobile!).
Nobody wants to wrestle with a clunky website to book a room.
➨ Highlight Your USPs
- What sets your hotel apart from the rest?
- Your rooftop infinity pool?
- Your award winning restaurant?
- Your pet friendly policy?
Whatever it is, shout it from the rooftops (or at least, feature it prominently on your website!).
Use great photos and descriptions to show guests the unforgettable experience they’ll have.
➨ Offer Direct Booking Perks
Sweeten the deal for those who book direct through your website.
Think exclusive discounts, free room upgrades, free breakfast, spa credits or even a welcome bottle of champagne.
Make it clear booking direct means best value.
2. Use Social Media to Get Potential Guests
It’s a marketing tool that can help you connect with potential guests, build brand awareness and drive direct bookings.
Get guests to book directly through your social media channels, and you’ll boost customer experiences and loyalty.
Ah, the power of a picture! This Instagram post perfectly demonstrates how to use visuals to transport potential guests to your hotel.
The stunning image of hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia, combined with the inviting caption “Anyone up for a ‘High Tea’ in Cappadocia?”, immediately captures attention and sparks wanderlust.
See how HotelTonight uses Instagram to showcase its diverse hotel offerings? They share eye-catching photos of various properties, from trendy city hotels to luxurious beachfront resorts.
This visual variety caters to different tastes and travel styles, attracting a wider range of potential guests.
Here’s how to do social media:
➨ Share Visuals
People are visual. Flood your social media feeds with great photos and videos of your property, your rooms, your facilities and the surrounding area.
Showcase the experiences guests can have, whether it’s lounging by the pool, enjoying a gourmet meal or exploring local attractions.
➨ Run Contests and Giveaways
Everybody loves free stuff! Run contests and giveaways to create buzz, attract new followers and get people to visit your website.
Offer prizes like free stays, discounted room rates or even experiences like spa treatments or dinner at your restaurant.
➨ Be Social (obviously!)
Social media is about interaction. Reply to comments and questions quickly, engage with your followers and create a community.
Show potential guests you’re not just a faceless corporation but a friendly team ready to make their stay unforgettable.
3. Use Email Marketing
Email marketing might be old school but it’s still one of the most effective ways to stay in touch with past guests, nurture relationships and drive repeat bookings.
Love this email from Suiteness. Using visuals and targeted messaging to get the guest. Hero image of a suite with a great view sets the tone for a staycation.
The copy reinforces that idea and curates suite options for a luxurious experience. Targeted and clear CTAs (“Book Today”) to get the guest to click and book.
Here’s how to make your emails work:
➨ Segment Your List
Don’t just send the same generic email to everyone. Segment your email list by guest demographics, booking history and preferences.
This way you can send targeted emails that will resonate with each individual.
➨ Address Your Guests
Nobody likes to feel like a number. Use the guest’s name, mention their past stays and tailor your offers to their interests. Make them feel like VIPs!
➨ Write Great Subject Lines
Your subject line is the first impression of your email. Make it count! Use strong verbs, create a sense of urgency and personalise it whenever you can.
➨ Include a Clear CTA
Don’t leave guests guessing what you want them to do. Include a clear CTA in every email, whether it’s “Book Your Next Stay”, “Claim Your Exclusive Discount” or “Explore Our New Packages”.
4. Offer Exclusive Deals and Packages
Want to encourage direct bookings? Give potential guests a reason to skip the OTAs and book direct through your website.
Analyse hotel booking trends and understand what influences traveller’s decisions to tailor your offers.
Take a cue from Ginger Surat! This hotel website effectively promotes exclusive deals and packages to incentivize direct bookings.
Notice how they use visually appealing graphics and concise descriptions to highlight each offer, like the “Member Exclusive Offer” with reward points and the “Day Use Rate” for flexible stays.
Here are some ideas:
➨ Room Upgrades
Offer a complimentary room upgrade for direct bookings. Who doesn’t love a little extra space or a better view?
➨ Freebies and Perks
Throw in some freebies like breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking or spa credits. These little extras can make a big difference in a guest’s decision making process.
➨ Packages
Create packages that bundle accommodations with other experiences like spa treatments, meals at your restaurant or tickets to local attractions.
This adds value and gets guests to book longer.
5. Use Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are a great way to reward your best guests and drive repeat business.
An effective loyalty program can increase a hotel’s revenue by maximising financial performance through more bookings and customer retention.
IHG knows how to make loyalty rewarding! This webpage effectively promotes their “IHG One Rewards” program, enticing travelers with the promise of earning points for every stay.
The image of a luxurious poolside setting further reinforces the value of these rewards, suggesting that loyalty can lead to more luxurious travel experiences.
By prominently displaying the program’s benefits and a clear call to action (“Start Earning Now”), IHG encourages visitors to join and book directly through their website to reap the rewards.
Here’s how to create a program that gets guests coming back for more:
➨ Reward Valuables
Give your loyal guests something to aim for. Offer points that can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, discounts on future stays or exclusive perks like early check-in or late check-out.
➨ Make it Easy to Join and Use
Don’t make your loyalty program a pain to join or use. Keep the sign up process simple and the rewards structure easy to understand.
➨ Promote Your Program
Make sure your guests know about your loyalty program! Promote it on your website, social media and in your email marketing.
6. Exceed Guest Expectations
In today’s competitive market, providing great guest experience is no longer a nice to have, it’s a must have.
Here’s how to impress your guests:
➨ Customer Service
Train your staff to be friendly, helpful and responsive to guest needs. Anticipate their needs before they even ask.
➨ Personalised Services
Remember guest preferences, offer customised recommendations and go the extra mile to make their stay special. A little personalisation can go a long way.
➨ Ambiance
Make your hotel a home away from home. Create a comfortable and welcoming space, offer amenities that cater to different needs and create a sense of community.
7. Work with Local Businesses
Partnering with local businesses can be a win-win for everyone.
Here’s how to use local partnerships:
➨ Exclusive Discounts
Partner with local restaurants, shops and attractions to offer your guests exclusive discounts or special offers.
➨ Joint Packages
Bundle your accommodation with experiences offered by local businesses like guided tours, cooking classes or spa treatments.
➨ Promote Each Other
Promote each other’s businesses on your websites, social media and in your marketing.
8. Get Listed on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
While it’s important to prioritise direct bookings, OTAs can still be a good source of bookings especially for reaching a wider audience or filling rooms during off-peak.
Also, how it appears on Trivago:
Here’s how to make the most of OTAs:
➨ Choose the Right OTAs
Not all OTAs are created equal. Do your research and choose the ones that are most popular with your target market.
➨ Complete Your Listings
Make sure your OTA listings are full, accurate and visually appealing. Use high quality photos, write compelling descriptions and highlight your unique selling points.
➨ Manage Your Rates and Availability
Keep your rates and availability up-to-date on all OTAs to avoid overbookings or lost revenue.
9. Run Targeted Ads
Paid ads can be a great way to reach guests who might not otherwise find your hotel.
This eye-catching Facebook ad from the Grand Wailea Maui perfectly targets luxury travelers with its stunning pool image and a tempting offer to “discover an unforgettable experience.”
By using visually appealing content and concise messaging, they effectively promote their brand and encourage bookings.
See how hotels are using Google Hotel Ads to reach potential guests searching for accommodations in New York City?
These targeted ads appear prominently in search results, showcasing hotel images, key information like guest ratings and amenities, and real-time pricing.
Here are some ad channels:
➨ Google Ads
Target guests searching for hotels in your area or with specific amenities.
➨ Social Media Ads
Use Facebook, Instagram and other social media to target users based on their interests, demographics and travel behaviour.
➨ Metasearch Engines
Run ads on metasearch engines like Google Hotel Ads and TripAdvisor to show up at the top of search results.
10. Ask for Guest Reviews
Positive online reviews are a powerful marketing tool, influencing potential guests and driving direct bookings.
Using social media to create shareable content and ‘Instagrammable’ spots can encourage guests to post photos and promote their experience.
Arnold World Hotel uses a concise email to gather guest feedback.
The clear call to action and expression of gratitude encourage responses, showing guests that their opinions are valued.
Here’s how to get more reviews:
➨ Make it Easy to Review
Add review links to your website and email communications.
➨ Respond to Reviews
Take the time to respond to both positive and negative reviews. Thank guests for their feedback and address any concerns promptly and professionally.
➨ Monitor Your Online Reputation
Keep an eye on your online reputation across all platforms and address negative feedback proactively.
How WiserNotify Can Help You Get More Bookings
In the digital world, getting the attention of potential guests and guiding them to a booking can be tough.
That’s where WiserNotify comes in. This tool uses social proof and personalized notifications to nudge website visitors in the right direction and get more hotel bookings.
Here’s how WiserNotify can do it:
1. Build Trust with Social Proof
WiserNotify uses social proof by showing real-time notifications of recent bookings, positive reviews and other activity on your website.
Seeing other people booking at your hotel can create a sense of FOMO and encourage procrastinating visitors to book.
Related read: Boost Conversion in Travel & Hospitality with Social Proof & FOMO
2. Create Targeted Pop-Ups and Notifications
Goodbye generic pop-ups that annoy your visitors! WiserNotify lets you create targeted pop-ups and notifications based on user behaviour, location and other factors.
This means you can deliver the right message to the right person at the right time and increase conversions.
3. Personalise Your Messages
WiserNotify lets you personalise your messages to make them more relevant and engaging.
This could be using the visitor’s name, mentioning their location or recommending offers based on their browsing history.
4. Promote Special Offers and Deals
Use WiserNotify to showcase your latest offers, packages and promotions. Highlight limited time offers or exclusive discounts to create a sense of urgency and get bookings now.
5. Reduce Cart Abandonment
WiserNotify can help you recover abandoned bookings by sending targeted notifications to visitors who have started the booking process but haven’t finished it.
This could be a gentle reminder of their selected dates or a special offer to get them to complete the booking.
6. Monitor Your Results
WiserNotify gives you detailed analytics so you can track your notifications and see how they’re impacting your booking rates.
So you can optimise your campaigns for maximum ROI.
You can find more details here: What More Does WiserNotify Offer?
Increase Your Average Order Value Per Hotel Guest
You’ve got guests and you’ve got bookings.
Now it’s time to turn those guests into revenue generators!
Increasing your average order value (AOV) is all about maximising the spend of each guest and it can make a BIG difference to your hotel’s profitability.
Here’s the strategy:
1. Upsell Like a Pro (Not a Sleazy One!)
Think of upselling as offering your guests an even better experience, not just more money.
Train your staff to identify opportunities to upsell naturally and honestly. For example:
➨ Room Upgrades: “Would you like to upgrade to a deluxe room with a balcony and ocean views for just a little extra per night?”
➨ Early Check-in/Late Check-out: “We can offer you an early check-in so you can get into your holiday sooner or a late check-out so you can relax a bit longer before your flight.”
➨ Special Amenities: “Would you like to add a bottle of champagne and a fruit basket to your room for a romantic touch?”
2. Promote Your On-Site Amenities (Guilt Free!)
Don’t be afraid to show off all the cool amenities your hotel has to offer! Make sure guests know about your spa and fitness centre, restaurants and bars.
➨ In-Room Materials: Include nice brochures or information cards in the rooms about your on-site amenities and pricing.
➨ Website and Social Media: Showcase your amenities on your website and social media with beautiful photos and copy.
➨ Front Desk Promotion: Train your front desk staff to promote your amenities and make recommendations to guests.
3. Partner with Local Businesses to Offer Experiences
Give your guests unforgettable experiences by partnering with local businesses to offer activities, tours and other cool stuff.
➨ Curated Experiences: Partner with local tour operators to offer curated experiences, like wine tasting tours, cooking classes or guided hikes.
➨ Exclusive Discounts: Negotiate with local restaurants, shops and attractions to offer your guests exclusive discounts.
➨ Package Deals: Bundle your accommodation with local experiences to create package deals that increase your AOV.
4. Use Dynamic Pricing
Dynamic pricing allows you to change your room rates in real-time based on demand, seasonality and other factors.
This will help you make more money during peak periods and still offer competitive rates during quieter times.
5. Offer Add-Ons During The Booking Process
Make it easy for guests to add extras to their stay during the booking process. This could be:
- Breakfast packages
- Spa treatments
- Airport transfers
Remember: The key is to offer real value and enhance the guest experience. Provide personalized recommendations and create moments of magic that will leave your guests wanting more.
4 Things You’re Doing That Are Reducing Your Hotel Bookings
You’re doing all the right things, implementing all the strategies, but your bookings are still…meh.
Well, sometimes it’s not what you’re doing, it’s what you’re not doing.
Here are 3 common mistakes that could be killing your hotel bookings (and how to fix them FAST!)
1. Not Mobile-First
It’s 2025, people! If your website isn’t mobile optimised, you’re literally giving bookings to your competitors.
Think about it: travellers are always on the go, using their phones to research hotels, compare prices and book.
If your website is slow, clunky or hard to navigate on a mobile device, potential guests will bounce faster than a ping pong ball.
The Fix:
➨ Responsive Design
Make sure your website is built with a responsive design that adapts to any screen size.
➨ Mobile-First Indexing
Google prioritises mobile friendly websites in its search results. Make sure your site is mobile-first indexed.
➨ Fast Loading Speed
Nobody wants to wait around for a slow website to load. Optimise your images and code for fast loading on mobile.
2. Not Using High Quality Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in the hotel industry.
Your website photos are your first impression and can make or break a potential guest’s decision to book.
If your photos are blurry, poorly lit or uninspiring, you’re not doing your property justice.
The Fix:
➨ Professional Photography
Invest in professional photography to showcase your hotel’s best bits. Show your rooms, amenities and surrounding area in their best light.
➨ Multiple Images
Include multiple images, wide shots, close-ups and detail shots. Show potential guests what to expect from their stay.
➨ 360° Virtual Tours
Take it to the next level with 360° virtual tours so guests can explore your property from the comfort of their own home.
3. Not Competitive Rates
Let’s face it, price is a major factor in most travellers’ booking decisions.
If your rates are higher than your competitors’ you’ll lose bookings, even if your hotel is amazing.
The Fix:
➨ Market Research
Keep an eye on your competitors’ rates and adjust your pricing accordingly.
➨ Dynamic Pricing
Implement dynamic pricing to adjust your rates in real-time based on demand, seasonality and other factors.
➨ Value Added Packages
Offer packages that bundle your accommodation with other amenities or experiences to increase the perceived value of what you’re offering.
4. Not Managing Online Reviews
Online reviews are like digital word-of-mouth and can have a big impact on your hotel’s reputation and booking rates.
Ignoring your online reviews or not responding to negative feedback will damage your credibility and scare off potential guests.
The Fix:
➨ Monitor Reviews
Monitor your reviews across multiple platforms, Google, TripAdvisor and social media.
➨ Respond to Feedback
Take the time to respond to both positive and negative reviews. Thank guests for their feedback and address any issues promptly and professionally.
➨ Ask for Reviews
Make it easy for guests to leave reviews by having links to review sites on your website and in your email communications.
Don’t make these mistakes and be proactive and your hotel will be ready to attract guests and book more.
Conclusion
There you have it! 10 ways to increase hotel bookings in 2025.
Which one will you try first?
Will you optimise your website or social media?
Or maybe you’ll focus on guest experience or partner with local businesses?
Either way, I hope this post helps you get more hotel bookings!
