Nowadays, guests look for more than just fluffy pillows and an indoor pool when choosing a hotel. What’s at the top of the list? Instagrammability. According to research by hotels.com, one in six travelers admitted to choosing a hotel based on its social media potential. Is there bright lighting? Unique art? Crazy architecture? Guests are looking for photo-worthy moments, does your hotel have them?
What Is an “Instagrammable” Hotel
We’ll admit, being an instagrammable hotel isn’t an exact science. Put simply, the term refers to any hotels that entice guests to take and post photos during their stay. It’s a property with unique architecture, great views and inspiring interior design. Think: if you visit a hotel, what would prompt you to take a photo? Whether it’s an interesting mural or artsy dish, there’s a lot of ways that hotels can fit the feed.
Take a Look
Some hotels, like Hotel Plaza Athenee, have mastered instagrammability. The hotel is full of natural light and picturesque views of the Eiffel Tower. Bright white tables are strategically placed on open terraces, creating the perfect brunch photo opportunity.
If the Eiffel Tower isn’t sitting next to your hotel, don’t worry. Unique food and beverage is another clever way to warrant photos. The Aviary NYC is a perfect example.
And when it comes to unique experiences, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort’s underwater villa takes the cake.
Okay, My Hotel is Not That
Don’t panic! You can take your hotel off the grid and onto the feed in no time- without redesigning your entire property. Here’s some tips:
- Carry interesting visuals throughout your entire hotel- artwork, unique furniture, brightly-painted walls
- Provide unexpected experiences like Dream Downtown’s hidden underground club
- Create innovative food & beverage options that are photo-worthy
- On your hotel’s IG: post photos of experiences that potential guests would want to have (i.e. day in the spa, lounging by the pool), make sure photos stick to a consistent look, choose & use hashtags
Is It Worth It
YES. Instagram, and social media in general, is not just for kids. Many adults are active social users and frequent travelers. Encouraging guests to share photos and videos of your property is essentially free marketing. And more marketing = more guests! Transforming your hotel into an instagrammable one might take a little more effort, but leads to big results.
If you’re thinking, “this is going to take too much of my time,” contact us! We can take care of the strategy, planning, drafting and posting of content to your account, hassle-free.
Want blog content and more directly to your inbox? Sign up for our email list for marketing news and insights sent to your inbox every month.
In marketing it’s no secret that there are a million and one ways to manipulate the meaning of something. Using a script font gives one impression, while bold block letters gives an entirely different one. Using bright photos versus dark photos. Uncoated or coated paper. You get the point. And when it comes to hospitality marketing (especially luxury hospitality), choosing the right color makes all the difference. Let us explain.
Meet Mr. Roy G. BIV
If you had to read The Great Gatsby in high school or took an art class, you probably have a good grasp on colors. But for those of us that Sparknoted the book and took band instead of art, here’s a color crash course (hospitality style).
- In general, light colors are perceived as airy and make rooms feel bright & more spacious
- Dark colors create a sophisticated and intimate vibe
- Red and orange are appetite stimulants (think: how many fast food restaurants are red?)
- Hues of blue are known to lower blood pressure and heart rates
But really- this isn’t breaking news. Even Egyptians thousands of years ago knew that color can affect someone’s mood. But what makes this so interesting is that this concept is used in hospitality all the time.
Not Just for Kicks & Gigs
Ever wondered why hotels use sheets that are THE easiest color to stain? Yes, it makes laundry easier (white towels + white sheets = no accidental bleeding of colors). But, it’s also a great way to show cleanliness and luxury. In fact, the wealthy used to wear all-white clothing to show that they could afford to keep it clean.
Green is used in spas to relax guests and help them return to youthfulness. It’s also common on hotel patios to keep things fresh with natural energy. Don’t believe us? Just take a peek at this terrace found at Sofitel New York.
Photo: hotels.com
And you can kiss your high blood pressure goodbye after stepping into the pool at Mandarin Oriental, New York. The space’s blue seat cushions, pillows, pool liner and ceiling receive an A++ in Color Psychology.
Photo: Mandarin Oriental New York
You might have your eyes on the prize at dinnertime, but have you ever stopped to notice the colors around you? Hutton Hotel’s restaurant, West End, cleverly uses orange chairs that may or may not make your stomach grumble.
Photo: Hutton Hotel
Next time you visit a hotel (or step into your own hotel), take note of how the space makes you feel. Then look around at the colors. Do you think one relates to the other?
Want blog content and more directly to your inbox? Sign up for our email list for marketing news and insights sent to your inbox every month.
Whether it’s changing an entire brand (throwback to iHob) or spending millions on commercial spots (hey Tide), marketers are always trying to grab consumers’ attention. So what’s the latest trend? Pop-up shops. See how big brands are using them and why hotels should, below.
Big Brands Are Popping (Up)
Basically brands are setting up temporary retail spaces to show off new products or attract new customers. This summer the Museum of Ice Cream and Target partnered to open The Pint Shop, an interactive pop-up in NYC. The shop (which is still open) shows off unique flavors that are now available in most Target stores. In July, Taco Bell transformed a San Diego steakhouse into the futuristic Taco Bell pictured in the 90s classic Demolition Man. The fine dining Taco Bell was only open for one weekend to celebrate the movie’s 25th anniversary.
Okay, But What About Hotels?
There are two ways that hotels can merge with the pop-up platform- they can create a pop-up for their own brand, or they can provide the space for other businesses’ pop-ups.
Let’s explain.
A pretty well-known brand called Black Tomato launched “Blink” not too long ago. Blink sets up one-of-a-kind temporary luxurious stays in some of the most remote locations. Guests stay in the custom pop-up abode before it is taken down and never rebuilt. This business model works great for Black Tomato, but it might be a little tricky for someone like the Mandarin Oriental. Instead, established hotel brands can offer their space for business pop-ups. For example, NYC’s Paramount Hotel offered up some of its space for the Tony Awards pop-up shop. Paramount provided the perfect location (street-level, AC, free Wi-Fi) & the pop-up shop attracted extra attention to the hotel; a win-win.
What do you think of hotels using pop-up shops as a new marketing tool? Comment below!
Want blog content and more directly to your inbox? Sign up for our email list for marketing news and insights sent to your inbox every month.
