Five Tips to Optimize Your Independent Hotel’s Holiday Bookings

By
Andrew
11 Jan 2022
5 min read
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5 Hotel Marketing Tips to Boost Holiday Bookings

When the holidays arrive, so does the opportunity for hoteliers to increase bookings and revenue. Families traveling to see loved ones often need accommodations, and small to medium-sized hotels are in high demand. To stand out during this competitive season, hoteliers must combine festive marketing with strategic pricing.

Here are five proven strategies to make your property the go-to destination this holiday season.

1. Appeal to the Five Senses

Holiday décor does more than please the eye. Create a multi-sensory experience for your guests:

  • Sight: Lights, trees, menorahs, or festive decorations
  • Sound: Holiday music in lobbies or lounges
  • Smell & Taste: Complimentary cookies, mulled cider, or cocoa
  • Touch: Small wrapped gifts or branded keepsakes

By engaging every sense, you’ll elevate the holiday atmosphere and make your hotel memorable.

2. Offer Holiday-Exclusive Deals

Create promotions that only run during the holiday season. Guests are more likely to book when they see limited-time offers tied to the festive period. Examples include:

  • Discounted extra nights for extended stays
  • Holiday raffles or giveaways
  • Seasonal activity packages (e.g., ice skating, local markets, winter wonderlands)

Branding these incentives as “holiday specials” makes them feel more unique and desirable.

3. Transform Underused Spaces into Festive Zones

Conference rooms or business centers often sit idle during the holidays. Repurpose them into celebration spaces:

  • A decorated Christmas corner or Hanukkah menorah
  • Holiday crafts and games for children
  • Family photo areas with seasonal backdrops

These touches enhance guest satisfaction while differentiating your hotel from competitors.

4. Personalize Guest Communication

Generic “Dear Guest” emails won’t cut it during the holidays. Add warmth by personalizing offers and greetings:

  • Address families by name (e.g., “Hello to the Smith Family”)
  • Reference preferences from past stays
  • Include festive well-wishes in marketing campaigns

Personalization builds emotional connections and can turn one-time stays into annual traditions.

5. Turn Guests into Influencers

Your guests are your best marketers. Encourage them to share their holiday experiences by:

  • Creating a festive photo booth or backdrop
  • Promoting a branded hashtag
  • Offering small rewards for sharing posts online

This user-generated content boosts your hotel’s visibility and credibility without additional ad spend.

Don’t Forget Dynamic Pricing

The holiday rush means fluctuating demand. While marketing fills the pipeline, smart pricing ensures you don’t leave money on the table.

With Pricepoint’s AI-driven revenue management system (RMS), hoteliers can:

  • Adjust room prices in real time, 24/7
  • Balance occupancy and ADR automatically
  • Save hours each week while maximizing revenue

Hotels using Pricepoint typically see up to 19% more revenue and 13% higher occupancy—all on autopilot.

👉 Make this holiday season your most profitable yet. Book a free demo at Pricepoint.co and see how dynamic pricing transforms your hotel performance.