The ultimate guide to attracting and catering to small groups at your hotel is here.
Attracting small groups to your hotel can be a lucrative strategy, as these groups often seek personalized experiences and can become repeat customers.
Types of groups to attract to your hotel
- Corporate Retreats: These groups are looking for a mix of business and leisure. They need meeting spaces, team-building activities, and relaxation options.
- Family Reunions: Families seek comfortable accommodations and activities that cater to all ages.
- Wedding Parties: Couples and their guests need event spaces, catering, and accommodation.
- Sports Teams: Require group accommodations, meal plans, and proximity to sports facilities.
- Educational Tours: Schools and educational groups look for learning opportunities and safe environments.
Focus on two group types
When booking groups for a hotel, it’s important to consider the diversity of group types to maximize occupancy and revenue. By selecting groups that have different booking timeframes, hotels can avoid competition for the same dates, ensuring a more balanced and profitable schedule. This strategy not only optimizes room availability but also enhances guest satisfaction by catering to a wider range of needs and preferences.
Corporate Retreats
Corporate retreats are an excellent opportunity for hotels to showcase their meeting facilities and team-building activities. These groups often require conference rooms, catering services, and leisure activities. Offering packages that include local excursions, spa treatments, and gourmet dining can make your hotel an attractive choice. Highlight any unique features your hotel offers, such as scenic views or historical significance, to add value to their stay.
Family Reunions
Family reunions are another group type that hotels can attract. These groups typically look for comfortable accommodations, family-friendly activities, and dining options that cater to all ages. Consider offering family packages that include discounts on local attractions, access to kid-friendly amenities, and group dining options. Creating a welcoming atmosphere with personalized services can enhance their experience and encourage repeat visits.
Group Types with Existing Traction
If your hotel already has traction with corporate retreats, leverage this by enhancing your meeting facilities and offering tailored packages that include team-building activities and local excursions. Consider gathering testimonials from past corporate clients to build credibility and showcase your expertise in hosting successful retreats. Networking with local businesses and offering referral discounts can also help in attracting more corporate groups.
Hotel Capacity
Understanding your hotel’s capacity is crucial. Ensure you have enough rooms and meeting spaces to accommodate small groups without compromising the experience of other guests. Consider flexible room configurations and multi-purpose spaces that can be adapted to different group sizes and needs. Highlight your hotel’s ability to host both intimate gatherings and larger events, ensuring potential clients that you can cater to their specific requirements.
Wi-Fi Infrastructure
Reliable Wi-Fi is a must-have for any group, especially corporate retreats. Ensure your hotel has robust Wi-Fi infrastructure that can handle multiple devices and high bandwidth usage. Consider offering dedicated networks for groups to ensure seamless connectivity. Highlight your hotel’s technological capabilities in your marketing materials, emphasizing the ease of conducting virtual meetings and presentations.
Building Long-Term Relationships
Building long-term relationships with small groups can lead to repeat business. Offer loyalty programs, personalized services, and follow-up communications to keep your hotel top-of-mind for future events. Consider sending personalized thank-you notes or small gifts post-stay to show appreciation. Regularly update your clients on new offerings or improvements at your hotel, inviting them to return for future events.
Become a Preferred Destination for Small Groups in Your Market
By focusing on these strategies, your hotel can become a preferred destination for small groups, leading to increased bookings and customer loyalty. Tailoring your services to meet the specific needs of different group types can set your hotel apart from competitors and create memorable experiences for your guests.
Ready to attract more small groups to your hotel? Contact GRANT Hospitality to get started.