Walk into most hotel lobbies today, and you’ll find the same basics: coffee, free Wi-Fi, a small gift shop. For guests, this familiarity feels boring—and for you as a hotel manager, it means fighting to stand out. How do you turn a “meh” stay into one guests rave about, return for, and recommend? The answer is thoughtful, targeted hotel activities.
Hotel activities aren’t just “fun extras”—they solve guests’ problems (like “What do we do tonight?”) and make your property feel like more than a place to sleep. Whether you run a boutique inn or a city resort, the right activities turn first-time visitors into loyal customers. Let’s break down why they matter, which ones work for different guests and seasons, and how to make them successful.
Why Hotel Activities Matter?
You might question whether hotel activities are necessary when check-ins and housekeeping already keep your staff busy. The reality is that modern travelers aren’t just booking rooms—they’re seeking experiences, and activities transform their entire stay.
They get guests coming back. A 2023 survey found that hotels with special activities see 28% more repeat bookings. When kids love your craft night or a couple enjoys that private wine tour you set up, that’s the memory that sticks—not just the comfy bed.
Plus, activities bring in more money. Even free events can lead to spending: a movie night in the lobby might sell more popcorn or drinks at the bar, while a park walk could mean guests grab brunch at your restaurant later. These small adds really boost your average daily spending.
Most of all, activities make you stand out. When every hotel offers “free breakfast,” but only yours runs a weekly farmer’s market tour where guests pick fresh fruit for their room? That’s special. People choose you exactly because you give them something they can’t get anywhere else.
Top Hotel Activities Ideas
The best activities fit your guests’ needs and the time of year. Below are targeted, easy-to-adapt ideas:
For Family Guests
Families need low-cost, low-fuss ways to keep kids happy:
- Parent-kid baking workshops: Set up a small lobby station on weekends with pre-measured cookie dough and sprinkles. Kids decorate treats; parents grab coffee. Package cookies in logoed take-home bags for free advertising.
- Local park scavenger hunts: Create a simple list (red flower, named bench, playing dog) and offer a small prize (ice cream coupon for your restaurant) when guests return with photos.
For Couples & Romantic Travelers
Couples want intimate, local experiences:
- Sunset rooftop wine tastings: Use your rooftop for small groups (4-6 people) with local wines, paired snacks, and a local sommelier. Charge a small fee—couples pay for exclusivity.
- Private art gallery tours: Partner with a nearby gallery for after-hours tours. Split revenue to keep costs low; guests get a quiet, unique experience.
For Wellness-Focused Guests
Wellness travelers prioritize self-care—no fancy equipment needed:
- Morning nature walks: Partner with a local instructor for 45-minute trail/lake walks (groups of 8-10). Offer free logoed water bottles.
- Guided meditation: Host 20-minute sessions in your lobby or outdoor space. Use a free app if you don’t have an instructor—focus on calm mornings.
For Off-Peak Seasons (Winter, Rainy Months)
Slow seasons need indoor or cozy activities to fill rooms:
- Indoor trivia nights: Pick a theme (90s movies, local history) and host it in your bar/restaurant. Offer small prizes (free appetizers, next-stay discounts) to encourage participation—even solo travelers join to meet people.
- Cooking classes: Teach guests to make a local dish (coastal chowder, mountain chili) using your restaurant’s ingredients. Let them eat what they make—keeps guests on-site and engaged.
For Peak Seasons (Summer, Holidays)
Busy seasons call for easy, wide-appeal activities:
- Local farm tours: Partner with a nearby farm for daytime visits (fruit picking, animal meet-and-greets). Guests connect with the area, and the farm gets extra traffic.
- Outdoor movie nights: Set up a projector and blankets in your yard/parking lot. Play family-friendly or classic films, and sell snacks/drinks—an easy revenue boost.
How to Implement a Successful Activities Program
Keep it simple—don’t overcomplicate launch:
- Ask guests what they want: Train front desk staff to note comments (e.g., “Families ask about kid activities”) and send a post-stay survey with one question: “What activity would you have loved?”
- Start small: Test 1-2 low-cost activities (like weekend baking) for 4-6 weeks. Track attendance, feedback, and extra spending. If it works, add another; if not, tweak the time or prize.
- Partner locally: Local farms, galleries, or instructors will collaborate—they get free promotion, you get activities without extra staff.
- Train staff to promote: Hold a 15-minute training so staff mention activities at check-in (e.g., “Movie night is tonight at 8—bring a blanket!”).
- Track and adjust: Use a spreadsheet to log activity name, date, attendance, and feedback. Double down on what works (e.g., add a second wine tasting night if it’s popular).
How to Monetize Hotel Activities
You don’t need high fees to boost revenue—focus on small, easy wins:
- Bundle with stays: Create packages that combine rooms with activities. For example: “Summer Family Package – 2 nights + baking workshop + breakfast for $250” compared to $200 for the room only. Promote these bundles on your website and during the booking process.
- Upsell add-ons: Provide a free base activity, such as a movie night, then offer paid extras. For instance, a “Gourmet Kit” with popcorn and wine for $15, or refreshing smoothies after a guided walk for $10.
- Charge for premium activities: Set a price for exclusive experiences. Example: private wine tastings at $30 per person, highlighting the value such as “4 local wines with sommelier guidance.” Share costs and revenue with partners where relevant.
- Revenue splits with partners: Collaborate with local providers and take a share of earnings. For example, a farm tour priced at $20 per guest could bring the hotel $4 per guest. With 10 guests per week, this adds up to around $160 extra per month.
- Drive F&B sales: Host activities close to your bar or restaurant to encourage food and drink purchases. Trivia nights in the bar or meditation sessions near the café can naturally increase sales.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Most hurdles have simple fixes:
- "We don't have the staff."
Solution: Partner with local businesses. They have the expertise, and you provide the audience. It’s a win-win. - "Our budget is too small."
Solution: Focus on low-cost, high-impact ideas. A simple scavenger hunt, a group walk to a local attraction, or a board game library costs next to nothing but can create a lot of value. - "We don't have enough space."
Solution: Think creatively. Use your lobby, rooftop, or even a section of the restaurant during off-hours. If space is truly an issue, focus on activities that take place off-property. - “Guests don’t join.”
Solution: Promote across channels: pre-arrival emails (3 days before check-in), in-room flyers with schedules, social media photos of activities, and staff mentions.
Conclusion
In a crowded market, hotel activities are your secret weapon. They don’t need to be grand—just fit your guests’ needs. A simple movie night or baking workshop creates memories: a kid proud of their cookie, a couple laughing at trivia, a traveler leaving relaxed after a walk.
These moments turn guests into fans—fans who return, write positive reviews, and recommend you. Pick one activity (like movie night or baking) and launch it next week. Start small, listen to guests, and adjust. Soon, your hotel will be the one everyone talks about—and that’s how you win.
