Imagine you’re searching for a place to stay on your next holiday and come across two websites. One says, “We offer clean rooms, coffee, and free Wi-Fi.”
NB: This is an article from GuestRevu
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The other says: “Wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee on your balcony as the morning sun lights up the city skyline. Our cosy rooms are made for you to relax, recharge, and create memories that last a lifetime.”
Which one makes you want to book? Guests don’t just want facts; they want stories that spark their imagination and connect with their emotions. They want to know the passion behind your hotel and the special moments waiting for them.
Storytelling isn’t about fairy tales. It’s about sharing honest, meaningful experiences that invite guests to be part of your hotel’s unique story. In this article, we’ll explore how storytelling can transform your marketing, make your website copy more engaging, your blog more compelling, and help your hotel get more bookings.
Shaping Your Brand Through Storytelling
Define Your Origin and Purpose
Every hotel has an origin story. Maybe it started as a family dream, a renovation of a forgotten building, or a passion for sustainable travel. Sharing the ‘why’ behind your business helps guests connect to the people and principles behind the brand. It builds authenticity, which is one of the most powerful drivers of guest loyalty today.
Your origin story doesn’t have to be dramatic, as long as it’s honest. Were you inspired by local culture? A favourite childhood holiday spot? A commitment to doing hospitality differently? These simple, heartfelt motivations make you relatable, and even when you don’t overtly state them, understanding the elements of your origin story will help you write more interesting content.
Bring Characters to Life
Great stories need memorable characters. Introduce your team: the receptionist who remembers returning guests’ names, the chef who works with local farmers, or the gardener who is an award-winning landscaper. These real people add warmth and personality, turning a faceless business into a living, breathing experience.
As hospitality legend Rocco Forte once said, “The staff at the end of the day are the service. The people who work in the hotel interacting with the guest are creating the product, they are the people who are important, they are the ones who make it happen.” When guests see the human side of your hotel, they’re more likely to book and more likely to return.
