What is a hotel blog?
A hotel blog is a section on a hotel’s website where the hotel shares useful and interesting content for its guests and potential visitors. It can include posts about travel tips, local attractions, upcoming events, and special offers the hotel is running. The goal of a hotel blog is to engage with guests by providing helpful information that enhances their stay or inspires them to visit.
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Why are blogs important for the hotel industry?
For the hotel, a blog helps boost its online visibility, improving search engine rankings by using relevant keywords and regularly updated content. It also allows the hotel to show off its unique features, connect more personally with guests, and establish itself as a trusted source of travel information. Ultimately, a well-maintained hotel blog helps drive more traffic to the website and encourages bookings.
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Top reasons to start hotel blogging
It’s incredibly likely that your guests will visit your hotel’s website before their trip.
But is it informative and engaging? Does it give a voice to your hotel brand? Does it boost your property’s ranking in online search? These are just some of the benefits of including a blog.
Yes, it’s a commitment of time and resources, but it’s worth it.
Here are 5 reasons why your property should have hotel blogging.
1. You have a story to tell
This means you have stories to share that make your property, on-site restaurant, amenities, and the surrounding destination unique and interesting.
Maria Leifer, sales and marketing assistant at the Boutiquehotel Stadthalle in Vienna, is in charge of the hotel’s blog, which is published in English and German. “You need to find out what your unique selling point is, or which topics represent you the most,” Leifer advises.
Because the Boutiquehotel Stadthalle is a “green” hotel following environmentally-sound business practices, content often relates to sustainability, including this post; “5 tips to go green.”
However, the hotel blog also incorporates information on local events, new city restaurants, holiday packages, and even job openings.
2. You want to reach new guests
A frequently-published, well-written hotel blog can bring potential guests to your website by improving your hotel’s rankings in search engines, which put a higher value on dynamic and fresh content.
Incorporate the hotel blog on your main website, rather than as a separate web domain, so it’s easier to find.
When you write posts with search engine optimisation (SEO) in mind, and use keywords in headlines and sub-headers, you can be discovered by potential guests with specific interests – like people who love cooking, gardening, or interior design.
For example, the Omni Hotels blog featured its Boston property’s claim to fame as the birthplace of Parker House rolls, and provided the recipe. You can bet this post comes up in generic recipe searches and puts the hotel in front of a completely new demographic.
3. You have a growing social media presence
You can get more marketing power from each new post by promoting it across your other social media sites. Leifer recommends using every digital avenue available to promote your blog.
“Talk about it everywhere, and especially on the internet, via your homepage and in social media channels,” she says.
4. You have a multi-layered content marketing strategy
A hotel blog supplements your overall strategy, if you strategically repurpose content. You can use excerpts in your email newsletter, on Facebook, and in Twitter posts. You can lead readers from the blog to a contest you’re running on Facebook, or vice versa.
All of these actions, it should be noted, offer measurable return on investment. You can count the page views of the blog, track the traffic from the blog to other pages on your website, and calculate how many times a post is shared or retweeted.
5. You want to react quickly to travel trends
A hotel blog can adapt quickly in response to new travel trends. Do you have a spa? Start talking about how your guests who are following the mindfulness movement can participate in guided meditation sessions there.
Blog designs can be changed, new writers with fresh voices can be introduced, and new types of content can be integrated quickly, especially compared to updating brochures and ad campaigns.
Some reasons NOT to have a hotel blog
If you plan to invest in developing and publishing a blog, it has to be an earnest effort for best results. Honestly assess your abilities to do it well. Here are 3 reasons not to bother with a hotel blog:
- You can’t update it regularly — Infrequent posts don’t improve your website’s rankings, as well as fresh and frequent content. It also reflects poorly on your business if your latest post features local Christmas markets, for example, and it’s now July.
- You just post it and leave it — New content on your blog won’t be discovered unless someone stumbles upon it on your website, or you promote it in other channels. You have to draw eyes to the blog by mentioning and linking to it on your Facebook page, Twitter feed, and email newsletter.
- You leave it to the interns — Yes, young people are adept at social media, so student interns can help publish and promote posts. But don’t completely leave it in their hands. They won’t write in the same professional voice as your seasoned staff.
How do I write about my hotel?
When writing about your hotel, the key is to craft a description that not only informs but also captivates potential guests. Here are some tips to help you create compelling content:
- Start with the essentials: Begin by covering the basics, such as the location, number of rooms, and types of accommodation your hotel offers. Make sure to highlight nearby attractions and why your hotel’s location is ideal for travellers. Use descriptive language to paint a picture of what guests can expect.
- Highlight unique features: Emphasise what makes your hotel special. Whether it’s a luxurious spa, a rooftop pool, or an on-site gourmet restaurant, these details can make your property stand out. Focus on the amenities that add value to the guest experience, such as free Wi-Fi, shuttle services, or breakfast.
- Know your audience: Tailor your description to appeal to the type of guests you want to attract. If your hotel caters to business travellers, mention conference rooms, business centres, or easy access to transport hubs. For leisure travellers, highlight nearby attractions, relaxation options, and family-friendly services.
- Create a sense of experience: Instead of just listing amenities, describe how they enhance the guest’s stay. For example, rather than simply mentioning a swimming pool, explain how guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool with scenic views. Make potential visitors imagine themselves there.
- Use vivid and engaging language: Descriptive language can make your hotel sound more appealing. Words like “luxurious,” “modern,” “cosy,” or “spacious” evoke emotions and help guests envision what their stay will be like.
- Include guest feedback: If your hotel has positive reviews, consider incorporating guest testimonials or awards you’ve won. Social proof reassures potential guests that others have had a great experience.
- Call to action: End your description with a clear invitation to book or learn more. A strong call to action, such as “Book your stay now for an unforgettable experience” or “Explore our rooms and rates,” encourages visitors to take the next step.
Hotel blog ideas to inspire guests
Here are some blog ideas to help you connect with your audience and keep them coming back:
Showcase your hotel speciality
Highlight what makes your hotel unique. Whether it’s a signature service, luxurious spa, or stunning location, creating posts that showcase these special features helps set your hotel apart. For example, if your hotel offers eco-friendly amenities, write a post about your sustainability efforts and how guests can enjoy a guilt-free stay.
Celebrate guests
Dedicate posts to celebrating your guests. You could feature stories about their stays, memorable events they’ve held at your hotel, or even conduct guest interviews. This personal touch makes guests feel valued and turns your blog into a community-building platform.
Celebrate awards
If your hotel has won any awards or recognitions, share the news with a celebratory blog post. Highlighting your achievements not only boosts your hotel’s credibility but also reassures potential guests that they’re choosing a high-quality place to stay.
Local events
Keep guests informed about local happenings, such as festivals, concerts, or cultural events. Write guides or event previews, showing how your hotel is the perfect base for exploring what’s on offer. This can inspire guests to visit during key times of the year and create excitement around their stay.
Hotel industry insights
Share your knowledge of the hospitality industry with blog posts that offer insights into trends, new technologies, or tips for better travel experiences. Positioning your hotel as a thought leader helps build trust with your audience and keeps them engaged with your content, even after their stay.
Mirja Wolf,
Manager
Hotel Kragemann
Examples of the best hotel blogs
It’s best to learn from the best for your hotel blog. Here are some of the best hotel blogs that inspire and engage their audience:
1. Radisson Hotels Blog
The Radisson Hotels Blog stands out for its rich and varied content that focuses on both travel inspiration and hospitality insights. The blog offers destination guides, travel tips, and cultural experiences for guests. It also features posts about their sustainability efforts and exclusive hotel services, helping travellers plan trips while showcasing the best of what Radisson has to offer. This mix of practical advice and behind-the-scenes hotel details makes their blog a valuable resource for both guests and potential travellers.
2. Marriott Traveler
The Marriott Traveler Blog is another excellent example of a hotel blog done right. The blog dives into in-depth travel guides and local experiences, giving readers ideas for what to do at destinations worldwide. Marriott focuses on storytelling, with real travellers and local experts sharing tips on culture, food, and adventure, making it more than just a platform to promote the hotel. This human-centric approach keeps readers engaged and positions Marriott not just as a hotel brand, but as a companion on their travel journeys.
3. Four Seasons Magazine
The Four Seasons Magazine is another great example of a luxury hotel using its blog to inspire guests. It offers content on luxury travel, wellness, and fine dining experiences, often showcasing the exclusive services offered at their properties. With high-quality photography and beautifully written posts, the blog immerses readers in the world of luxury, encouraging them to explore Four Seasons hotels.
4. Stories from Hilton
Stories from Hilton is a storytelling-driven blog that focuses on Hilton’s guests, employees, and the communities they serve. It highlights inspiring stories of travellers and team members alike, showcasing Hilton’s commitment to making a positive impact. The blog touches on real-life experiences and the emotional connection between Hilton hotels and the people they host, making it a heartfelt and engaging platform.
