Fuel Hotel Marketing Podcast: Episode 55 – Set Your Hotel Apart With Unique Amenities

In a world of increased competition. Domination by the OTAs and the threat of disruption from DIY hoteliers, hotels have to learn to stand out from the crowd and offer unique value. At Fuel Travel, we believe that investing in the property is the best form of marketing you can do. A better guest experience leads to better online reputation and better word of mouth. This ultimately leads to more bookings and the ability to increase your ADR.

In this episode of the Fuel Hotel Marketing Podcast, we look at some unique or fun things that properties are doing to stand out from the crowd.

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Show Notes:

Music Lovers

Choice of 20 Fender guitars  – Chicago’s Hard Rock Hotel

You can check out one of the twenty guitars and keep it until you check out. You do need to provide a credit card in case you do break the $1,600 instrument.

Wake-up calls from celebrities – Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort

Guests can opt for a “Rise and Shine” wake-up call from a Who’s Who of country music stars, including Trace Adkins, Kellie Pickler and Wynonna Judd.

Animal Lovers

Pet psychologist – Seattle’s Hotel Max

Offers guests’ dogs acupuncture and even Reiki treatments, and has an in-house pet psychologist for guests to connect with their pets better.

Borrow a dog – Greenville’s Aloft

Guests can borrow a canine companion from the local animal shelter and can  take it to their room or for a walk. If you accidentally fall in love with the perfect pooch, you can adopt it and take it home with you.

Pet goldfish  – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Scientific studies show that fish can calm nerves, reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. And if that doesn’t work, Kimpton also offers in-room yoga lessons.

Health & Wellness

Fitness Classes and Guest Chefs Series – Rancho Pescadero

The daily yoga classes at this barefoot luxury hotel are fun and invigorating. You can follow them up with a bite to eat from an ever-changing roster of world-famous chefs, who make their delicious delicacies be using fresh produce from the on-property gardens.

Mindfulness and Exercise – Morgans Hotel Group

This collection of boutique hotels offers adult coloring books, a free mindfulness meditation app and also partners with local running clubs to for group exercise offerings.

Complementary Massage – Alive and Well Resorts

This group of resorts in the Turks & Caicos Islands offers all guests a welcome “Hand to Head” massage upon arrival, yoga classes, organic foods and more. Guests also have a private butler who checks guests in in-room.

Kid-Friendly

Fire-side stories and sing-a-longs – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Vacation are about making memories, what better way than to snuggle up under a blanket with your parents and listen to some great storytelling?
The Candyman –  Ritz Carlton

Hopefully, this isn’t like the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Band. This person goes around and gives out candy and chocolate to the well-behaved. Also, for the parents, there’s a cocktail man as well.

Other Ideas:

• Jungle Jim
• Bouncies
• Lego Area
• American Girl Dolls
• Pirate and Princess Dress Up
• Kids Karaoke
• Movie Nights
• Tree House
• Ball Pit
• Cookie classes

Unique Rooms

By offering a limited inventory of specialty rooms, your property can create demand and drive up RevPAR.

The Pink Room – InterContinental Milwaukee

$25 of each night’s stay in this room is donated to ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

The Treehouse Suite – dventure Suites, North Conway, NH

This unique room successfully recreates the feeling of staying in a treehouse in your backyard. Complete with stolen stop signs and a jukebox.

Pirate-Themed Room – Legoland Hotel, Carlsbad, California

Argh, Mateys! Have a swashbuckling adventure when you stay in this red and white striped room adorned with skull and crossbones and a treasure map rug.

Other Ideas:

• Animal theme
• Movie theme
• Music theme
• Fairy theme
• Unicorn theme
• Futuristic theme
• Science theme
• Historical theme
• American Girl Doll theme
• Sports team theme
• Military theme

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More information on wellness travel trends:
https://www.travelboommarketing.com/blog/wellness-tourism-fueling-hotels-bottom-lines/

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In The News

Venetian Las Vegas Offers Direct Bookings Via Facebook Messenger (Pete)
http://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Insights/Booking-beyond-the-browser

Airbnb Dabbles With Destination Marketing
https://skift.com/2017/05/23/airbnbs-latest-role-is-destination-marketing-for-sweden/

Study Uncovers the Power of Kids’ Opinions on Vacation Planning
http://www.htrends.com/trends-detail-sid-94774.html

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