If you run a hotel, resort, or restaurant, you already know the hospitality game is competitive.
Everyone wants to be the place that people are posting about on Instagram, raving about on Yelp, and rebooking before they’ve even checked out.
But standing out in a sea of lookalike competitors isn’t as simple as offering free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast anymore.
The good news? Attracting more attention for your hospitality business doesn’t mean throwing money at gimmicks or dancing on TikTok (unless you’re into that).
It’s about smart strategy, memorable experiences, and knowing exactly how to position your brand so people not only notice you, they choose you.
Here’s how to do it.
1. Get Crystal-Clear on Your Story
Hospitality isn’t just about beds and meals. It’s about experiences. People choose you because of how you make them feel, and that starts with your story.
Ask yourself:
- Why did you open your hotel, resort, or restaurant?
- What makes your property different from the one across the street?
- What vibe do you want guests to take home with them?
If you can’t tell your story in two sentences, you’ve got some refining to do. And once you have that story, weave it everywhere - your website, your menus, your welcome emails, even the signs in your lobby.
2. Optimize Your Digital First Impression
Let’s be blunt: if your website looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2009, you’re losing business before guests even see your lobby. Your digital presence is your new front door.
That means:
- Mobile-first design: More than half of travel bookings happen on a phone.
- High-quality visuals: Professional photography and video that show off your best angles.
- Easy booking flow: Fewer clicks = more conversions.
- Fast load times: If your site takes longer than 3 seconds, most people will bounce.
And don’t forget Google. Local SEO is non-negotiable. You want to be at the top when someone searches “boutique hotel near me” or “best seafood restaurant in town.”
3. Create Instagrammable Moments
Like it or not, the modern guest is basically an unpaid content creator. If you give them a reason to whip out their phone and post, they’re doing free advertising for you.
This doesn’t mean every wall needs to be neon pink or plastered with angel wings, but it does mean thinking about design, presentation, and unique touches.
- A stunning mural in your lobby.
- An over-the-top dessert presentation.
- A quirky detail in the room that surprises guests (like a record player with curated vinyls).
These little “wow” moments get noticed, shared, and remembered.
4. Train Staff to Deliver Stories, Not Just Service
People expect clean rooms and friendly greetings - it’s the baseline. What they don’t expect is staff who add a personal spark.
Examples:
- A bartender who remembers your favorite drink on day two.
- A concierge who gives recommendations that aren’t in the guidebook.
- A server who brings out dessert with a handwritten note because they overheard you celebrating.
Hospitality at its best is theatre. You’re creating experiences that guests will talk about long after checkout.
5. Leverage the Power of Partnerships
Sometimes, attracting more attention isn’t about shouting louder, it’s about teaming up. Partner with local businesses, attractions, and influencers to extend your reach.
- Collaborate with a nearby vineyard for wine-and-dine packages.
- Host pop-up events with local chefs or artists.
- Invite travel bloggers or Instagram creators for hosted stays.
Partnerships add credibility, give you new audiences, and show you’re plugged into your community.
6. Go Beyond “Basic” Marketing
Hospitality marketing is its own beast. What works for a retail store won’t necessarily work for a resort. That’s why it pays to look at specialized strategies. For example, you can see how resorts can market better with Gourmet Marketing, a firm that tailors campaigns specifically for hotels, restaurants, and travel businesses. Their kind of expertise means you’re not throwing spaghetti at the wall - you’re targeting the right audience with the right message at the right time.
7. Encourage - and Amplify - Guest Reviews
Word of mouth is still king, it just happens online now. Guests trust other guests more than they’ll ever trust your glossy ads.
Make it ridiculously easy for happy customers to leave reviews:
- Send a post-stay email with direct links to TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Google.
- Offer small incentives (like a free drink voucher for their next visit) for posting a review.
- Respond to every review, yes, even the cranky ones. Polite, professional responses to criticism show you care and can actually win people over.
And when you get those glowing 5-stars? Share them everywhere.
8. Double Down on Events and Experiences
Hotels and resorts don’t have to be just places to stay, you know? They can be destinations in themselves. Hosting unique events will not only attract locals but also give travelers another reason to book with you.
Think:
- Rooftop yoga at sunrise.
- Seasonal pop-up dining experiences.
- Art exhibitions in your lobby.
- Live music nights with local bands.
Events give you a reason to market yourself year-round and make your property buzzworthy.
9. Personalize the Guest Journey
Cookie-cutter is out. Personalization is in. With the right tools, you can anticipate guest needs before they even ask.
- Send pre-stay emails with personalized recommendations.
- Offer room preferences based on past stays.
- Use guest data (responsibly) to tailor offers and experiences.
The more seen and valued your guests feel, the more likely they are to come back, and bring friends.
10. Don’t Neglect the Locals
Here’s a secret: your best advocates might live right around the corner. Locals can become repeat diners, recommend your hotel to out-of-town visitors, and show up to your events.
Offer locals-only specials, happy hours, or “staycation” packages. The more you make them feel welcome, the more they’ll spread the word.
Wrapping Up
Attracting more attention for your hospitality business isn’t about doing one flashy thing; it’s about consistently layering smart, thoughtful strategies that put guests at the heart of everything. Tell your story. Polish your digital presence. Create experiences people can’t wait to share. Train staff to delight, partner wisely, and get specialized when it comes to marketing.
Do all that, and you won’t have to beg for attention because your guests will happily give it to you, over and over again.
Because at the end of the day, hospitality is more than service. It’s about creating stories worth telling. And if you can do that, you’ll never have to wonder where your next booking is coming from.