The majority of travelers book their summer stays 1 to 3 months in advance. Now is the perfect time to ensure your accommodation is fully prepared, so you can get the most out of this influx of guests.
NB: This is an article from Lighthouse
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The hotel industry is evolving fast and so are guest expectations. Keeping up with the latest trends is crucial to running a successful hotel, whether you’re aiming to boost occupancy rates, increase direct bookings, simplify hotel management or enhance guest satisfaction.
To help you adapt, this blog covers 15 actionable tips to strategically position your accommodation for a successful high season in 2025 and beyond.
1. Leverage popular rate plans by creating new variations
An effective rate plan structure is one of the cornerstones for maximizing hotel revenue. Now is an excellent time to review your rate plan performance of 2024. If a specific rate plan performed exceptionally well, create similar versions to convince even more guests and boost revenue. If your breakfast-included plan is a hit, consider offering variations featuring breakfast and other popular extras like late check-out to further boost appeal.
2. Address occupancy gaps with strategic pricing and promotions
Identify slower periods early and proactively launch special promotions or discounted rates. For instance, offer attractive midweek deals or free perks like spa access to encourage hotel guests to book during quieter times.
3. Automate your pricing decisions to stay competitive
You never want to underprice or overprice your rooms, especially during high season, when there’s a lot of revenue on the line. Keep your prices sharp without constant manual monitoring and adjusting by using an automated dynamic pricing tool. These tools instantly adapt rates based on demand, competitor pricing, booking trends and your performance, keeping you one step ahead effortlessly.
4. Prioritize OTAs that deliver the highest net revenue
Not all OTAs contribute equally to your bottom line. Evaluate your 2024 OTA performance and focus on platforms delivering the highest net revenue after commission. Scale back on lower-yield channels during high-demand periods, for example when they’re mostly used by budget-conscious travelers that book your cheapest rate. This way, you can fill your rooms with higher-value guests that spend more per night or book longer stays.
5. Reduce reliance on high-commission OTAs
Large OTAs can charge hefty commissions (15-30%). Encourage direct bookings through your own website, for example by offering exclusive deals or incentives, and consider leveraging niche or local OTAs with lower commission rates. Read our previous blog for a complete guide to increasing direct bookings and cutting OTA commissions.
6. Adjust your offering to capitalize on local events
Concerts, festivals, sports games … Local events significantly boost hotel demand and – consequently – room prices. Stay informed about upcoming events in your area and proactively adjust your rates or create event-themed packages (e.g., including lunch to go or shuttle services) to drive additional revenue and attract more bookings.
