Booking Trends Every Hotelier Needs to Know

Explore the newest travel booking statistics and learn how to meet evolving demands effectively.

Top hotel booking trends to watch

The freedom factor: why flexibility is your property's new best friend 

Remember when guests' travel plans felt set in stone? Not anymore. Booking flexibility has become a non-negotiable for today's hotel guests. As Travelperk highlights, guests are actively seeking options that offer peace of mind and adaptability. 

What this means for hoteliers: hotel booking flexibility is about more than offering free cancellations. It's about providing straightforward cancellation policies, easy modification options for event or travel dates and room types, and transparent refund processes. Guests want to know they can adjust their plans without hefty penalties. Offering adaptable booking policies is no longer a "nice-to-have" but a fundamental requirement to attract and retain bookings. Consider options beyond standard cancellations, such as transferable bookings or credit for future stays or event packages.  

Your pocket concierge: embracing smart hotel technology 

According to stats from Siteminder online sales in the hotel industry will generate 80% of total revenue in 3 years. Smartphones are now personal travel agents, making it incredibly easy to manage every aspect of their trip, and it's not just limited to hotel guests. Event planners rely heavily on convenience to research, compare and book hotel venue space.  

What this means for hoteliers: the convenience of handling reservations, mobile check-ins, digital room keys, live itinerary updates, and support directly from a mobile device is a significant decision-maker for guests. Hotels should invest in user-friendly accommodation and venue management tools, ensuring websites are mobile-optimised. Venue management software with live availability and instant booking can make it easy for venue managers to keep function diaries full and drive incremental revenue by streamlining the booking process for event planners and guests alike. 

Treading lightly: the growing appeal of sustainable hotel choices 

A quiet revolution is underway in how people travel: a growing focus on sustainability. PwC's research consistently points to this booking trend, showing that travellers are becoming much more aware of their environmental footprint and actively seeking ways to lessen their impact. This is a mainstream shift, not just for a niche market. 

What this means for hoteliers: guests are gravitating towards hotels with clear green certifications, which include efforts like energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and supporting local communities. Being transparent about your hotel’s sustainable practices – from sourcing local produce for your restaurant to reducing single-use plastics for events – can significantly boost your hotel's appeal and attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers and event planners.  

Your stay, your way: the art of personalised hotel experiences 

Generic hotel packages are fading. As SiteMinder highlights, personalisation is no longer a bonus; it's a core expectation. Guests are more discerning, seeking experiences that truly resonate with their unique preferences, interests, and past travel behaviours. Similarly, event planners are looking for venues that can offer venue packages tailored to their needs without tedious back-and-forth communication.  

What this means for hoteliers: Use data in your customer relationship management (CRM) system to offer custom itineraries or venue packages based on stated interests (e.g., local food tours, catering options, historical sites), tailored room amenities, and special touches. The ethical use of guest data is key here. Hotels that can understand individual needs can craft truly memorable and relevant stays. From pre-arrival emails suggesting local attractions based on their profile to in-app tips once they've checked in, the ability to anticipate and fulfil guest wishes is a powerful way to stand out from the competition. 

The buzz that matters: the power of online hotel reviews 

In a world overflowing with information, online reviews serve as trusted guides. Positive feedback, detailed stories, and high ratings on platforms like Google and Tripadvisor, can significantly sway hotel booking decisions. 

What this means for hoteliers: guests rely on real-world experiences from others to validate their choices and feel confident in their booking. Therefore, a strong, positive online presence, built through exceptional customer service and genuinely happy guests, is crucial for any hotel. Jump on this booking trend by actively encourage guests to leave reviews and respond thoughtfully to all feedback (both positive and negative). Prominently showcase glowing testimonials across your website and marketing channels. Too many negative reviews can quickly erode trust, making consistent excellent service and transparent issue resolution essential. Approach your venue marketing in the same way, highlighting past events, reviews, and your venue’s versatility to accommodate to different event types.  

Exploring your backyard: the charm of local hotel adventures 

With a fresh appreciation for what's close to home, there's been a clear shift towards domestic tourism. Siteminder reports a notable rise in "staycations" and nearby getaways. People are increasingly rediscovering their own regions, enjoying the convenience and often lower environmental impact of local adventures. 

What this means for hoteliers: this trend offers a fantastic opportunity, particularly for accommodation properties and venues in regional areas. Adapt your hotel and venue marketing to highlight unique local experiences, hidden gems, and easy accessibility for domestic travellers. Develop weekend escape packages, family-friendly local activity bundles, or themed tours exploring regional culture or nature. Shift your focus from far-flung destinations to the rich diversity available right around the corner, fostering a deeper connection with local communities and economies. 

Your property's next chapter: looking ahead 

Hotel booking trends are constantly adapting. For hoteliers, understanding and actively responding to these trends is about being able to implement them while ensuring long-term relevance, profitability, and success. By recognising these key trends, you can strategically navigate to changing needs, shaping a future for your hotel that is more adaptable, responsible, and perfectly tailored to every guest.