[Updated 1/29/2024] Whether you gush over Valentine’s Day or think of it as just a “greeting card holiday,” February 14 is a day where companies can share the love to attract more business. Hotel owners and GMs can share a little sweetness on social media to show guests and employees extra appreciation and to encourage direct bookings for Valentine’s Day.

When welcoming guests for Valentine’s, there are a few things that hoteliers can do to make the guest experience even more romantic and memorable. From offering special packages to dinner and a show, you can make your hotel the place to be this Valentine’s weekend! It’s easy to plan a Valentine’s Day promotion for your hotel, especially with Travel Media Group’s social media solution.

What to Offer: Valentine’s Day Ideas for Hoteliers

Guests coming to your hotel for a romantic getaway are likely to be open to purchasing additional packages or bundles that make their stay more enjoyable. Consider offering guests the option to order champagne or a nice wine with some romantic treats such as chocolate-covered strawberries. You can also offer on-site couples’ massages to further set the mood.

Hoteliers who are extra invested in the guest experience can set up date packages with local businesses. If you know of a nearby theater and restaurant that may be interested in joining forces with you, you can create a dinner and a show bundle for your guests. Taking the time to do this makes your hotel stand out in the eyes of guests.

Sensational Events

For hoteliers planning a few months in advance, a special event at your property is an ideal way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. If the property boasts ballroom space, use the venue for a sweetheart dance. We recommend identifying a local charity and selling tickets for an evening of hors-d’oeuvres and dancing. Aside from being philanthropic, there are other benefits to working with a local non-profit. By partnering with a charity, you can count on their support to market the event, and your hotel venue will be featured in the press about the event.

If your hotel has a restaurant, plan a special Valentine’s Day menu and take reservations for February 14. Locals and travelers alike will be searching for somewhere to enjoy a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day. Your hotel restaurant should feature elegant menu offerings (perhaps on a price-fixed menu) and a romantic ambiance to help couples celebrate.

Special Packages

With just a few weeks’ notice, special Valentine’s Day packages are easy to implement and offer to your guests. A romantic hotel package could be simple and offer champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Or, you could include tickets to your Sweetheart Dance or a table for two at your hotel restaurant. If you’re not hosting an event at the property, pay attention to nearby events and create a package for attendees to a concert or play. Even providing extra loyalty points for a Valentine’s Day stay will encourage more reservations.

Especially on a year when Valentine’s Day falls during the workweek, a special package can offer a valuable boost to your midweek occupancy. With a minimum two-night stay, you will encourage locals to treat their partner to a staycation.

Sweet Treats

For an added touch, show your appreciation for guests by offering sweet treats on Valentine’s Day. You could opt for a traditional chocolate on their pillow following their housekeeping services or offer cookies and cupcakes in the lobby during the day. No matter which sweet treat you choose, the attention to detail will delight guests.

When you celebrate Valentine’s Day at your hotel, don’t forget to include your employees. From the front desk to the maintenance team, hotel employees will enjoy the gesture of a sweet treat on February 14.

Surprise Valentines

Valentine’s Day cards aren’t just for partners or classroom card exchanges. A small note on the desk or slipped under the hotel room door is an unexpected way to celebrate at your property. If you’re worried about choosing cards that are appropriate, a quick online search for “punny Valentine’s cards” offers some silly and sweet sentiments. 

We love the example of a slice of pizza saying, “You’ve stolen a pizza my heart.”

Boxed Valentine’s Day cards are inexpensive and available to buy in large quantities from local retailers. These small and colorful greetings offer a fun and playful way to wish your guests and employees the best on Valentine’s Day.

Share the Love Using Social Media

No matter how you recognize Valentine’s Day at your hotel, it’s important not to miss a single opportunity to promote your hotel on social media. Before the holiday, give yourself time to start a campaign so guests have time to see your offers and make a booking decision.

On social networks like Facebook and Instagram, users respond well to visuals. In fact, a test from BuzzSumo shows that Facebook posts with images receive 2.3x more engagement than those with no images. A single image of chocolates on a pillowcase or a candlelit table could earn you future guests. Particularly if you invest in a big event like a sweetheart dance or charity gala, ensure many photos and videos are taken to share on social media. One investment of that size per year can offer ROI if you promote it properly on social media.

Ways to garner buzz and engagement around your hotel for Valentine’s day include creating a hashtag and hosting a giveaway. When creating a hashtag, think of ways to blend the romance aspect of the holiday with your hotel name or something hospitality-related to make it unique. Hosting a giveaway is another great way to get attention. Establish rules, set a timeline, and select a winner or winners at the end. The prize can be anything from a complimentary bottle of wine during the guest’s stay to free tickets to a show or a voucher for a romantic dinner.

All of your efforts at the property will also pay off on TripAdvisor. Small gestures like sweet treats or greeting cards will show guests you care. And when those guests share their experience on TripAdvisor, OTA websites, and social networks, you’ll help earn a more positive reputation for your hotel.

Social media should be a regular part of your hotel’s digital marketing strategy, not just a tool to use when it’s convenient. Being inconsistent on social media can damage your ability to build a following as many people tend to unfollow inactive accounts. Posting regularly, a few times a week, helps you to reach more people and grow your audience.

Many hoteliers are uncertain or don’t have enough time in the day to run an effective social media account. The experts at Travel Media Group know the intricacies of social media and have proven experience creating actionable content that gets your hotel noticed online. If you’re interested in attracting travelers, growing your ideal audience, and securing bookings, reach out to Travel Media Group today to see how our social media solutions can help.