Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most powerful ways to grow your hotel business. Satisfied guests who recommend your property to friends, family, or colleagues can drive new bookings without the high costs of traditional marketing. But how do you encourage more guest referrals?
The world’s biggest hotel brands invest heavily in creating unforgettable guest experiences that inspire loyalty and advocacy. From luxurious interiors to personalized service, every aspect of the guest journey is carefully curated to leave a lasting impression. Small hotels can adopt similar strategies—on a budget—to build strong guest relationships, increase referrals, and grow into more profitable businesses.
Here are five key ways to boost guest referrals for your hotel.
1. Make a Lasting Impression with Exceptional Interiors
First impressions matter. A beautifully designed hotel space can instantly elevate the guest experience, making visitors more likely to share their stay with others. Thoughtfully designed lobbies, inviting lounge areas, and stylish guest rooms create a welcoming atmosphere that guests appreciate. Many luxury hotels invest heavily in their interiors to ensure comfort, elegance, and a memorable aesthetic.
Milkris Interiors specialises in creating stunning, functional spaces that enhance the overall guest experience. A well-designed interior not only adds visual appeal but also influences how guests feel during their stay. Whether it’s the comfort of a well-lit, elegantly furnished suite or the ambiance of a beautifully decorated reception area, an attractive and cohesive design can encourage guests to rave about your hotel. When guests feel at home in a stylish environment, they are more likely to recommend your property to others.
2. Personalise the Guest Experience
The more personalised the experience, the more likely a guest is to recommend your hotel. Take inspiration from major hotel brands like The Ritz-Carlton, which is known for keeping detailed guest preferences on file—from favourite drinks to preferred room temperatures.
Small hotels can replicate this by offering customised welcome notes, remembering repeat guests’ preferences, and training staff to provide a personal touch. Even simple gestures, such as addressing guests by name and providing tailored local recommendations, can enhance their stay and make them more likely to refer your hotel to friends and family.
3. Implement a Guest Referral and Loyalty Program
One of the best ways to encourage referrals is by rewarding guests who bring in new customers. Many successful hotel chains, including Marriott and Hilton, offer loyalty programs that incentivise repeat stays and guest referrals.
For independent hotels, a simple referral program offering discounts, free upgrades, or exclusive perks to guests who refer new visitors can be highly effective. Providing referral codes or special links makes it easy for past guests to spread the word and earn rewards. The key is to ensure the incentives are valuable enough to encourage participation while remaining profitable for your hotel.
4. Encourage and Showcase Guest Reviews
Online reviews play a crucial role in influencing potential guests. Research shows that 92% of consumers trust peer recommendations over traditional advertising, and hotels with strong positive reviews see significantly higher booking rates.
Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Google, and social media. You can do this through follow-up emails after checkout, offering a small incentive like a discount on a future stay, or simply by providing outstanding service that makes guests eager to share their experiences.
Additionally, showcasing glowing guest testimonials on your website and social media pages can help build credibility and attract new visitors who trust word-of-mouth recommendations.
5. Build Local Partnerships to Expand Your Reach
Some of the biggest hotel brands have built strong referral networks by collaborating with local businesses, and small hotels can do the same.
Partner with nearby restaurants, spas, or tour companies to offer exclusive guest experiences. For example, a boutique hotel could partner with a fine dining restaurant to provide a special “Stay & Dine” package. Local businesses will be more inclined to recommend your hotel to their customers in return.
These partnerships help create a unique and value-driven experience, making guests more likely to refer your hotel. They also extend your brand’s reach, as partner businesses effectively become part of your marketing network.
Growing Your Small Hotel into a More Profitable Business
Many of today’s largest hotel chains started small. The key to growth is focusing on guest satisfaction, referrals, and strategic improvements. Investing in high-quality interiors, streamlining operations, and continuously improving guest experiences can help a small hotel scale into a thriving, profitable business.
By implementing these five strategies—enhancing hotel design, personalising service, leveraging referrals, optimising guest reviews, and building strong local partnerships—you can increase referrals and drive long-term success.
A visually appealing hotel with an inviting ambiance is one of the best ways to keep guests talking about their stay. Milkris Interiors understands the power of well-designed spaces, creating environments that guests will love and remember. Investing in your hotel’s aesthetic appeal, along with superior service, will leave a lasting impression—one that guests will be eager to share with others.