Hotel Loyalty Ideas That Get Results

The lodging industry thrives on repeat guests and strong customer relationships. Hoteliers are constantly seeking an edge, it’s not enough to simply provide a great stay. Hotels need innovative loyalty strategies that drive results, increase direct bookings, and strengthen guest connections. But here’s the catch: traditional points-based programs, while effective for large hotel chains, often fall short for independent and mid-sized hotel groups.

So, what are the loyalty ideas that work? Let’s explore strategies that can transform your approach to guest retention and why platforms like Laasie’s are redefining the game.

Innovative Loyalty Ideas That Work

Here are loyalty strategies designed to drive guest engagement, increase revenue, and create a loyal customer base:

1. Instant Rewards

Guests today want immediate value. That’s where Laasie’s instant rewards platform shines. Instead of earning points for future use, guests receive personalized rewards instantly upon booking. These rewards come from a global merchant marketplace with over 1,000 options, ranging from gift cards to exclusive experiences.

Why It Works:

Guests see immediate benefits, increasing the likelihood of booking directly.
Rewards are tailored to individual preferences, creating a more engaging experience.
Hotels can easily implement the system, with results showing a 43% lift in direct bookings on average.

2. Milestone-Based Programs (Laasie's answer for points)

Rather than rewarding guests for every dollar spent, consider celebrating key milestones in their journey with you. For example:

Offer a complimentary room upgrade on their third stay.
Provide a personalized experience for their fifth visit.
Surprise them with a thank-you gift on their one-year booking anniversary.

Why It Works: Milestone rewards feel more personal and meaningful than generic points. They create emotional connections and give guests something tangible to look forward to.

3. Flexible Service Recovery

Mistakes happen, but how you recover can make or break guest loyalty. Laasie’s Flex product allows hotels to turn service recovery into an opportunity to delight guests. Whether it’s addressing a booking issue or compensating for a less-than-perfect stay, you can reward guests instantly with something valuable.

Why It Works:

Strengthens relationships by addressing concerns quickly and effectively.
Turns potential detractors into loyal advocates.

4. Enhanced Member Rates

Offer exclusive member rates that guests can access when booking directly. Combine this with Laasie’s Retain solution to layer in personalized rewards, increasing the perceived value of direct bookings.

Why It Works:

Competes effectively with OTAs by providing better value.
Encourages repeat bookings and reduces guest acquisition costs.

5. Localized Experiences

Reward guests with unique experiences tied to your location. Partner with local businesses to offer perks like:

Free wine tastings at a nearby vineyard.
Discounts at popular local attractions.
Exclusive dining experiences at acclaimed restaurants or your F&B outlets

Why It Works: Localized rewards enhance the guest experience, differentiate your hotel, and support the local economy.

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Why Points-Based Loyalty Falls Short for Most Hotels

Points-based loyalty programs have been the industry’s default for decades. Guests earn points for every dollar spent and redeem them for future stays or perks. But while this model works well for global brands with extensive networks, it’s often ineffective for smaller or independent hotels. Here’s why:

Limited Scope: Large hotel brands can offer points that are redeemable across hundreds or thousands of properties worldwide. Independent hotels or small groups lack this scale, making their points less valuable and appealing.
Delayed Gratification: Points take time to accumulate, and guests often lose interest before they can redeem meaningful rewards. In an era of instant gratification, waiting months to see value is a tough sell.
Costly Maintenance: Administering a points-based program requires significant resources—from managing point accruals to integrating complex systems.
Low Differentiation: Guests are accustomed to points programs and often see them as transactional. They do little to foster an emotional connection with your brand.

For these reasons, many hotels are shifting their focus to innovative loyalty strategies that deliver immediate value and measurable results.

The Laasie Advantage

Laasie’s platform helps hotels implement these strategies with ease, delivering real results:

Shifting Share from OTAs: By incentivizing direct bookings with instant rewards, Laasie reduces reliance on OTAs and shifts booking share back to hotels.
Lowering Guest Acquisition Costs: Instant rewards create a compelling reason to book directly, cutting commission costs from third-party platforms.
Increasing Direct Bookings: Hotels using Laasie’s platform see an average conversion lift of 43%, helping them compete effectively in crowded markets.
Driving Ancillary Revenue: Rewards encourage guests to spend more on-property, from dining to spa services.
Higher Spend from Members: Data shows that loyalty members spend significantly more than non-members, increasing total revenue per guest.
Longer Booking Windows: Members often book further in advance, providing better forecasting and revenue management opportunities.
Repeat Bookings: Personalized, meaningful rewards create lasting impressions, increasing the likelihood of repeat stays.

Results That Speak for Themselves

Hotels across markets are seeing the impact of these strategies. For example:

Miami: Hotels using Laasie’s platform average a 43% higher direct booking conversion rate.
New York City: Properties reported a 22% increase in ancillary revenue due to instant rewards.
San Francisco: Guests who received rewards during service recovery showed a 35% higher likelihood of rebooking.

The future of hotel loyalty lies in innovation and personalization. Points-based programs may work for the largest chains, but independent hotels and small to medium hotel groups need solutions that align with their unique challenges and opportunities. With Laasie’s instant rewards platform and flexible loyalty solutions, you can engage guests, drive direct bookings, and increase revenue like never before.