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Unlocking the Power of Personalization in Hospitality

Businessman in suit looking at phone, checking into hotel

 

Businessman in suit looking at phone, checking into hotel


With more consumers looking for personalized experiences in hospitality, the industry is leaning heavily on tailored travel to attract guests. From big players like Booking.com and Choice Hotels to smaller boutique establishments, focusing on creating bespoke vacations is becoming the industry standard.

Take Booking.com’s last two major ads: the Tina Fey Super Bowl ad which showcased the agency’s ability to book trips for any person’s vacation alter ego, and the Melissa McCarthy ad from last year that depicted her enjoying various types of vacations, highlighting the agency’s ability to fulfill all travelers’ needs. Additionally, Choice Hotels’ ad featuring Keegan-Michael Key highlighted the variety of hotel experiences you can choose from when you book with one of the company’s 22 brands.

But how can smaller hotels and travel agencies compete with the big players? Here are some ways to convey the same message to your audience without splurging on celebrity endorsements:


Local Experiences

Partnering with your city to offer guest experiences specific to your location. Whether it’s guided tours of historical sites, discounted museum tickets in art-rich cities, or culinary classes in food meccas, offer guests a taste of what it’s like to live like a local.


Collaborate with Ride Share Companies

Creating partnerships with transportation companies allows you to provide guests with perks as soon as they land. Try offering discounted or complimentary pick-up and drop-off services. This enhances their travel experience and puts you at the forefront of their mind before they even arrive at your hotel.


Rewards Beyond Stays

Instead of offering loyalty points to go towards next time’s stay, offer guests points to put towards local activities. Encouraging your guests to explore the area fosters a relationship between the guest and your city, encouraging them to make a repeat visit and book another stay with you.


Utilize Data and Surveys

Data analytics and guest surveys allow you to determine guests’ wants and needs during their time with you. Pre-arrival surveys are useful to plan personalized welcomes, while post-stay surveys provide useful information for future stays.

By embracing personalized experiences in hospitality, hotels and travel agencies can leverage their offerings to gain a multitude of benefits. Enhanced guest satisfaction fosters a sense of loyalty with guests as they feel understood and valued by you. Additionally, this can be an avenue for increased revenue opportunities to upsell amenities and experiences based on individual preferences. Gathering this information also allows for more targeted marketing campaigns based on your customer’s needs, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Personalized travel is not a fleeting trend, it is a strategy for success in the hospitality industry. Offering tailored experiences allows hotels and travel agencies to differentiate themselves, focus on guest satisfaction, and in the end, get more bookings. Whether you are a boutique hotel or a local travel agency, don’t convince yourself that guest personalization is outside of your budget. It’s time to unlock the power of personalized travel and treat your guests to an unforgettable experience.

When it comes to marketing your hotel’s newest loyalty program, McConnell Marketing is here to help! Contact us today or call us at 330-286-0487 to get started. Also, don’t forget to follow us on all of our social platforms. Stay up to date on our monthly newsletters, full of more helpful tips and tricks!

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Brand New: 5 Signs You Need to Rebrand

Team brainstorming at table under lightbulb

Team brainstorming at table under lightbulb


Maintaining a strong brand presence is essential for success with how quickly the world moves now. Your brand is more than the logo; it’s your mission, values, and image. But with times changing so quickly, it’s easy to get swept up in the crowd. If you’re not seeing the results you want, it may be time to assess if your branding is still communicating who you are to your audience. Here are 5 signs that it may be time for a rebrand.


Your look feels outdated

Trends come and go. What once made you stand out, may be the same things that are making you blend in with everyone else. If your branding doesn’t resonate with your target audience, then it may be time for a different look. A logo refresh or modified color palette can go a long way in making your brand feel more relevant.


There are inconsistencies across platforms

For your company to have brand recognition, you need to have a consistent image in all spaces you are in. If your Instagram and your website look like they were made by two completely different people, you may be confusing your customers. A cohesive brand will help customers recognize and build trust with your brand.


You’re trying to connect to a new audience

Spending power is constantly changing hands, which means you need to be constantly changing who you appeal to. What Gen Z likes is far from what their parents like. A rebrand is a great way to show potential audiences that you align with their needs and preferences. Additionally, where you connect will be different, are you on the right platform for your target audience?


You’ve outgrown your branding

One of the better reasons to change up your look is that you’re simply bigger than you once were! The good news is that you don’t need to leave behind all of your new practices. Some things worked to get you where you are. This is a great time to lean into your strengths and leave the rest behind to continue towards growth.


You aren’t getting the recognition you expected

Sometimes things aren’t done right the first time. While it might be frustrating to start from scratch, it’s better to nip it in the bud. Finding an agency that knows which questions to ask is the best way to get a brand that speaks to audiences in your voice.


Your brand is the foundation of your business. And like everything else in life, it will change with time. If anything on this list sounds like your brand, now is the perfect time to reach out to us. Call us at 330-286-0487 to get started. For more tips like this, follow us on all of our social platforms and subscribe to our our monthly newsletters.

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The Curious Case of the Missing 13th Floor

Hotel elevator lobby

Hotel elevator lobby


If you’re staying at a hotel in the U.S. the chances that you will be sleeping on the 13th floor are pretty slim. Well at least it won’t be called the 13th floor. Most hotels will label the unlucky floor as 14 to provide guests with some ease of mind. This omission is also common in hotels around the world. Fear of the number 13 has found its way into many aspects of our lives, including architecture and hospitality. Let’s take a look at the mystery of the missing floor!

Rooted in Superstition
Triskaidekaphobia is the reason behind this common practice; the fear or avoidance of the number 13 has ancient roots. While there’s no specific origin for this fear, there are a few examples that solidify its connection to bad luck and misfortune.

Judas being the 13th guest at the Last Supper, the Norse legend of Loki causing chaos as the 13th attendee at a party in Valhalla, Tarot cards depicting the 13th card as the Death card… makes some question is there is enough coincidence to justify the fear?

Even in modern times, this fear persists. It has been estimated that up to $900M is lost on Friday the 13th since people will not fly or conduct business as they normally do.

The Missing Floor
Hotels have embraced skipping the 13th floor to cater to guests that have triskaidekaphobia. Some notable examples are Hotel Burnham in Chicago, The Essex House in NYC, and The Sherry-Netherland in NYC. The latter takes it a step further and skips the number 13 in all room numbers.

Yet, skipping this floor didn’t begin in hotels. The first New York City skyscrapers built were limited to 12 floors in the late 1800s. Developers and architects believed taller buildings would cast unsightly shadows on the streets below. This may not have been directly related to fear, and the idea was abandoned a couple decades later.

Mowrey Elevators says that 85% of the elevator panels they produce do not have a 13th floor, with hotels opting to label it as 12B or 14.

Exceptions to the Norm
Not all hotels skip the 13th floor, treat the number as all others. The Hilton Chicago, Marriott Marquis in Houston, and Renaissance New York Times Square all include the 13th floor in their building plans and elevator panels.

For some hotels, marketing plays a role in choosing to include or omit the 13th floor. Catering to guests who indulge in superstitions or enjoy the thrill of the unknown can create a unique selling point. For most hotels, it’s a matter of common sense; why risk losing guests and business over a number in an elevator panel?

The superstition surrounding the number 13 continues to intrigue us. Whether rooted in ancient mythology or religious stories, the avoidance of this “unlucky” floor is a testament to the power of superstition. So the next time you get into the elevator and notice the missing 13th floor, just remember that hotels took one extra step to help make you feel more comfortable during your stay.


If you or your business needs help with your marketing efforts, contact us at 330-286-0487 to get started. Also, don’t forget to follow us on all of our social platforms. Stay up to date on our monthly newsletters, full of more helpful tips and tricks!

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Reflect, Relax and Recharge with the McConnell Marketing Team

As 2023 wraps up, McConnell Marketing is taking some time for themselves before the new year rolls in. Reflecting on the last year, relaxing to enjoy the holidays, and recharging for 2024. The year 2023 marked a pivotal moment for McConnell Marketing, witnessing the transition of leadership as Katie Swain and Megan Magnetta gracefully handed over the reins to Carson Lisko and Deanna Clement. This significant shift sets the stage for new perspectives and opportunities, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting developments that lie ahead.

What accomplishments are you giving yourself credit for this year?

Carson: Securing McConnell Marketing alongside Deanna represents a significant personal achievement for me, an ongoing journey of learning and growth. This experience compelled me to embrace risk and venture beyond my comfort zone.
Deanna: My acquisition of McConnell Marketing is my proudest achievement thus far. It has created a lot of excitement and new opportunities. I can’t wait to see what the next year holds.
Angie: I’m proud to have joined the McConnell team this year! Also, I traveled back to the city where I was born, Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the first time since 1996.
Megan: Biggest accomplishment has been letting go of the reins of McConnell Marketing and watching Deanna and Carson take ownership with such grace and confidence. It’s been an honor to work alongside them for so long and I’m excited to see what the future brings for McConnell Marketing.
Katie: I have been learning to ride and take care of my horse Tucker. We went to our first horse show in December. It didn’t go great, but I stuck with it, stayed on, humbly walked off, laughed and had a blast cheering on my sister who did amazing. It was a day of lessons: learning new things takes time and humility, encouraging someone is more fun and rewarding than most anything else, it’s good to laugh, especially at yourself, being in the arena is hard, much harder than being in the stands (both with horses and in life)!
Aly: I am most proud of how much I’ve leaned into my creative side this year! I started making art with no expectations of a final result and have been enjoying it so much more. It has really helped me go with the flow and not be so self critical.

Where do you find yourself when it’s time to unwind and relax?

Carson: I love curling up with a big bowl of popcorn and a good book when I need to relax (current read is Fourth Wing, upcoming is Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros).
Deanna: I eat my nightly Yasso Bar and watch Vanderpump Rules. If I’ve had a rough day, I like to unwind by aggressively serving tennis balls.
Angie: I like to read to relax. I’m currently reading Emma by Jane Austen. I also find creating art and meditating helps me relax immensely.
Megan: Relax with a hot bath and a glass of wine. Of course you have to have lots of bath salts, bubble bath and great music.
Katie: Go for a long walk with friends, my husband Steve or alone with my furry friend Millie.
Aly: Reading, lounging, walking my dogs, or cooking. It depends on if I feel like being still or using my body!

Did you have any resolutions for 2023 that fell off the radar?

Carson: I would have loved to travel somewhere we haven’t been before but didn’t get the chance to. Next year though we will be traveling to Milan, Italy and I could not be more excited!
Deanna: I wanted to make a children’s book for my kids and didn’t make the time, I want to set out to do it in 2024.
Angie: I minored in printmaking when I went to YSU, but I haven’t created any prints since graduating. I have this woodblock that I want to finish carving, roll it up with ink and try to print it at home this year, but I keep putting it off. To make time for it in 2024, I think I’ll set aside time each weekend to work on it for 30 minutes at a time to slowly but steadily make progress.
Megan: Travel to new places. Throughout 2023, I revisited some of my old favorites, but I’d like to discover new places in the new year.
Katie: I wanted to spend less time reading nonsense on my phone and more time reading good books. Before 2024, I’m going to take off apps on my phone that are distracting.
Aly: I had all intentions of joining a book club, but ultimately never got around to it because of my schedule. I think I’d be open to doing an online book club in 2024 so that I can interact without the pressure of time constraints.

Where will you be when the ball drops?

Carson: That is TBD! Maybe my husband and I will go out and do something fun since we’ll have a babysitter this year!
Deanna: I will probably be at home with family.
Angie: I will be at my house with my husband surrounded by our friends!
Megan: Celebrating at home with friends and family.
Katie: Gosh probably in bed, or close to it.
Aly: I will toasting a glass of bubbly with my family!

If you’re celebrating at home or out with friends and family, we hope you are welcoming the New Year with joy and excitement! Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday!

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Sipping History: The Legendary Bloody Mary at St. Regis, New York

 

When it comes to iconic cocktails, few hold a candle to the legendary Bloody Mary, a concoction that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. During our recent trip to the bustling city of New York, we made it a point to pay homage to this classic drink at none other than the historic St. Regis hotel.

 

The St. Regis, renowned for its timeless elegance and impeccable service, boasts a gem within its premises – the King Cole Bar. This bar is not only a sanctuary for those seeking a respite from the city’s hustle but also the birthplace of the Bloody Mary.

 

History of the Bloody Mary

In 1934, Fernand Petiot, a bartender at the King Cole Bar, perfected the Bloody Mary recipe. However, the name was considered a tad too risqué for the refined tastes of the St. Regis clientele. To maintain an air of sophistication, the drink was promptly rebranded as the “Red Snapper,” a moniker that has stuck through the decades.

 

Our Thoughts

Stepping into the King Cole Bar is like entering a time capsule, with its rich history exuding from every corner. The ambiance is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. The Red Snapper did not disappoint. Each sip was a journey through time, evoking the glamour of the past while embracing the contemporary allure of the present. Whether you’re a history buff, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply someone seeking an exceptional experience in the heart of New York, a visit to the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis is a must.

 

 

Take a Look Into the Not-So-Distant Past

McConnell Marketing had the privilege of working with the St. Regis to create custom postcards that capture the essence of this iconic establishment.

 

If you are looking for custom marketing materials like this, contact us today at 330-286-0487 or email us to get a custom quote. Also, don’t forget to follow us on all of our social platforms. Stay up to date on our monthly newsletters, full of more helpful tips and tricks!