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.
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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?
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