If you’ve experienced a hotel stay before, chances are you know all about hotel activities. These are the memorable experiences and small details that the properties add. It could be an onsite spa with optional massages or even dance parties at a resort. It’s a step beyond what’s classically expected of just providing a bedroom and calling it a job well done.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the ways that you can entertain your guests through activities in your hotel. Get ready for ideas, definitions, and all the reasons why you should bother in the first place. In less than five minutes, you’ll be a hotel entertainment pro!
What Are Hotel Activities?
Hotel activities are experiences that guests can opt-in for, either held onsite or departing from onsite. These could include quiet movie nights, board games, or wellness activities like spa sessions. Alternatively, you could transport guests on sightseeing tours of the surrounding area. There are plenty of options, and we’ll cover some activity inspiration in just a second.
It’s important to note that you might include activity packages in your room rate. This means that guests get access to numerous free experiences. Alternatively, you can add activity charges. For instance, charging a surplus of $40 for a day trip departing from your hotel.
Most Popular Things to Do in a Hotel
STR estimates there are 17.5 million guest rooms worldwide — it goes without saying there are firm favorite activities already. So, what are the most popular things to do in a hotel?
We’d say that an onsite gym, bar, and spa are the three most popular forms of hotel entertainment. Some properties also have outdoor spaces for guest use. Resorts tend to offer more event-style experiences, like parties and shows.
It’s worth noting that hotel apps are on an upward trajectory. If you do offer a lot of entertaining activities, it might be worth arranging them on an app. Otherwise, group chats on messaging apps like WhatsApp and big announcement boards at reception are good choices.
4 Hotel Activities for Adults
Ready for some inspiration? Not everyone runs family-friendly properties, and for those that do, it still pays to encourage precious adult-only time. These are the top four hotel activities for adults.
1. Niche Parties
Host a foam, boat, or pool party. Or you could organize a dress-up event to embrace adult time with some youthful fun.
2. Wine Tasting
Enough said. Wine tasting is great for adults and offers an indulgent cultural experience.
3. Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are relaxing as adult-only events. Perhaps you could get in a well-known chef or specialist for added novelty?
4. Movie Nights
You can have family-friendly movie nights, but as an adults-only evening, it broadens the options for hotel guests. Get ready for more action-packed movies without worrying about age appropriateness.
4 Family-Friendly Hospitality Ideas for Guests
Want to cater to mixed ages and families? Here are the top four hospitality ideas for guests visiting as families.
1. Movie Nights
You can reuse that last idea but just be prepared to adjust the movie screening lineup. Less Fifty Shades and more Hotel Transylvania or Shrek.
2. Shows
Rather than parties (although kids’ parties are always a treat), you can organize live shows. This is a great idea in the evenings and provides fun engagement that will rocket guest satisfaction.
3. Cooking Classes — Adjusted
If cooking classes really appealed earlier, you could organize an adjusted version. For instance, creating a chocolate-making workshop.
4. Holiday Events
Engaging with families through holiday events is a brilliant idea. You could organize an Easter egg hunt, a Santa Claus meet-and-greet, or even Diwali lantern lighting.
3 Reasons To Use Hotel Activity Ideas
It’s amazing what the power of a hotel activity can do. If you’re brainstorming hotel activity ideas, you should definitely know why you’re even bothering. Why should you invest in these experiences for your hotel guests?
1. Makes Your Business Stand Out
Businesses are launching staycation ideas here, there, and everywhere. So, being able to stand out is a huge bonus. That extra bit of fun goes a long way.
2. Positive Reviews
Hotel reputation management is something hospitality businesses always have a finger on. But by encouraging positive reviews, you invest in a reputation boost.
It’s one of the most helpful things to invest in to increase guest satisfaction and, ultimately, your positive reputation.
Hosting activities also helps to boost your profit. If you charge extra per activity, it provides a secondary venture of sorts. And even if you include the activities in your room rate, it justifies higher charges.
The Purpose of Hotel Activation Ideas
Marketing activation is a smart term for executing long-term strategic goals. Hotel activation ideas could, therefore, include running the activities and connecting with your guests. By doing this, you might meet your targets for additional profit and an increase in positive reviews.
The best way to begin marketing activation is by creating a clear timeline and understanding your why. Why exactly are you running these activities, and when will you launch?
For Guests: 3 Fun Things to Do in a Hotel With Friends
We aren’t all about business owners here; what if you’re a guest wanting ideas for self-run activities? In that scenario, here are three fun things to do in a hotel with friends before we go.
1. A Self-Care Night
Put on face masks, dim the lights, and oil your hair. A good old self-care night is a great way to spend a night in a hotel with friends.
2. Games Night
Nothing says a fun night like a games night. Come prepared and ask friends to bring their favorite games.
3. Order in for a Movie Marathon
A takeaway and re-runs of Harry Potter on Netflix? Name a better duo. You could order room service or from a nearby takeout and meet the delivery staff at the door.
FAQ
Before you go, here are some top FAQ to quickly consolidate your understanding. Scan over these and test your knowledge!
What are the various activities of hotel accommodation?
Common activities usually include spa treatments at an onsite center. Alternatively, there might be a fitness center with classes or personal trainers available. And there’s likely a bar or restaurant for wining and dining. Other hotels might go a step further with more organized experiences.
What are the guest attractions in hotels?
Guest attractions in hotels go beyond the bare minimum. Expect to see experiences like spa treatments, yoga classes, and even specialist tours.
Why should you plan hotel activities?
Hotel activities boost profit and the value of your room rate. It also encourages better guest satisfaction, which, in turn, increases the number of positive reviews.
Beambox: Entertainment in Hotels
You’ve learned all about activities, but what do you know about WiFi for hotels? Hotel WiFi systems are a vital component of entertainment in hotels.
If you’ve not yet invested, now might be a good time to purchase a captive portal software system. These systems act as a temporary barricade, blocking guests from immediately accessing WiFi until they input specific form details. They’re a great way to collect marketing contacts for future campaigns.
Now you’ve nailed the essentials of hotel activities, start your Beambox free trial today!
