What Do Hotel Guests Crave? The Answer Might Surprise You

You might think it’s the plush pillows or the panoramic view. Maybe it's the infinity pool that makes for a killer Instagram post.

But as we head into 2024, these are not your biggest selling points.

Now, let’s be real, none of those things are keeping people away. But, they aren’t drawing guests in quite like they used to.

What really lures guests to your hotel isn't just about 'staying' – it's about 'experiencing'.

And here is what they are truly after—AUTHENTICITY.

Beyond the Luxe: Craving the Real Deal

So, what’s fueling this desire for authenticity? And why isn’t your thread count going to win you brand loyalty anymore?

It’s simple really.

In a world where you can wake up in a carbon-copy hotel room that looks exactly the same in London as it does in Los Angeles, travelers are hungry for something different.

The cookie-cutter experience is actually becoming a repellent.

Your guests want to scratch beneath the city's surface, to find something unique, something that screams 'local', something that allows them to relish in the fact that they are in your city and not back home in theirs.

They want to head home with tales about the hole-in-the-wall café where the espresso tastes like dreams, or the restaurant that is serving up recipes passed down through generations, or that back-alley mural that captures the city's soul.

The Golden Opportunity for Hotels

Now, before you run off to propose an interior design revamp or get the hotel kitchen to try out your grandma’s recipes, it’s important to clarify, this isn’t really about your decor or food.

Those things matter of course, but when we talk about authenticity it’s less about what’s inside your hotel and more about the experiences your guests have when they step outside.

So, here’s where your hotel fits into this picture…

It’s time to transform from a place to order room service and crash to a gateway for these authentic experiences.

Imagine helping your guests dodge the tourist traps and instead, guiding them to the under-the-radar spots that locals love. This is where your hotel becomes more than just a place to stay; it becomes part of the city's narrative.

Think about it: Your staff, they're locals, right? They know the best street food stall where the tacos are to die for, or that little-known viewpoint where the sunset is just spectacular.

Sharing these gems isn’t just good service; it's your chance to craft experiences that guests will rave about long after they've left.

Navigating the Challenge of Personalized Experiences

Alright, let’s tackle the million-dollar question: how can you ease your guests’ inevitable anxiety that they’ll end their vacation having just experienced the superficial?

How can you shift from just a place to stay to offering your guests the coveted “friends with a local” experience?

The truth is, it's a complex task that demands more than just generic printouts and pamphlets. This requires thoughtful, one-on-one attention—a level of service that your staff doesn’t have time for.

Look, every hotel can offer a bed. But can every hotel offer a personalized guide to authentic experiences that guests will be talking about for years to come?

The answer is no.

But, if you can solve for this and you can make it scalable, now that’s your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Because, in the end, it’s not about the thread count or the infinity pool that earns you brand loyalty, it’s about the stories your guests get to take home that truly make the difference.

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