6 Local Experiences Hotel Guests Appreciate

More than three-quarters (81 percent) of consumers surveyed say they’d like to enjoy local experiences while staying at hotels, according to “Hotels’ Digital Divide,” a report from hotel operations Platform Alice.

Local food, fun, and festivities top the list of local experiences that guests seek, and many look to hotel staff and management for guidance and suggestions.

“Nearly every guest seems open to a concierge-like suggestion. It might be the quickest way to please everyone, all the time,” according to the Alice report.

Property owners and managers are often experts in their guests’ preferences and the best local restaurants, events, activities, and local tours, according to Trivago Business Blog.

“Hotels and other accommodation providers are perfectly positioned to connect their guests to the ideal local tour or activity — and boost their ancillary revenue in the process,” says Trivago.

Looking for ideas on how to offer guests local experiences that showcase your city and hotel?

Read on for six local experiences guests will love.

1. Food tastings and tours

Does your city host annual or monthly food tours and tastings at local restaurants? Nearly half (40 percent) of respondents in the Alice survey say they are most interested in food tastings/tours of local cuisine.

Guests appreciate it when you tell them about food tastings and tours available during their stay. Partner with tour hosts to offer tickets to food tastings and tours as an add-on or part of a bundled room package.

2. Guided tours

Many guests prefer a tour guide who can give them an overview of local sights, restaurants, events, and activities during their stay. 36 percent of respondents in the Alice survey say they’re interested in guided tours of the town they’re visiting.

Trivago recommends partnering with local tour operators and activity providers, who can provide the tour while your hotel collects additional revenue with commissions.

“Bundle a local tour or activity with the room itself, creating an enticing package deal to promote online and increase occupancy,” advises Trivago. “When these package deals are available on the property’s website, it’s a great way to encourage direct bookings.”

You can also sell local tours on the hotel website and/or offer them during check-in.

3. Wine and beer tours

With the popularity of crafted beers at local breweries, many guests are always looking for popular breweries with a vast selection of beers. If you live in a region with wineries, tours, and tastings can also be a popular add-on or part of a bundled package.

4. Local products

Guests appreciate a hotel’s sustainability efforts and support of local farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Showcase local food and craft products for sale in the lobby and/or host a weekly farmer’s market in the parking lot or an event room.

5. Seasonal events

Is there a local apple orchard that’s fun to visit in the fall? What about seasonal music, hot air balloons, or music festivals? Tell guests about seasonal events that are part of your local culture and city vibe.

6. Local art and music

Live local music in the lobby, hotel restaurant, or bar allows guests to experience the local music scene. Displaying and selling local artwork in the lobby, rooms and common spaces also showcases and supports local artists while giving guests a taste of local culture.