Click, Book, Smile
5 Guest-Winning Strategies (Made Easier with AI)
Running a vacation rental or small hotel means wearing all the hats—from concierge to customer service to marketing. I came across a quick-read article that lays out five smart strategies to boost guest satisfaction and bookings—and it’s too good not to share.
As I read, I kept thinking: You don’t have to do this all on your own. These tactics are powerful, but when you add a touch of AI? They become so much more doable.
Here’s my take on the five strategies—plus how AI can help bring them to life without adding hours to your day:
1. Respond to Feedback with Heart
When guests leave a review, especially a critical one, don’t just go through the motions—reply in a way that makes them feel truly heard.
💡 AI tip: Use tools like ChatGPT to help you craft thoughtful, on-brand replies fast. You can even train it to match your tone or style, so every response still feels like you.
2. Surprise and Delight Guests
Loyalty is built in the little moments. Think: offering a returning guest their favorite drink or a free late checkout.
💡 AI tip: AI-powered CRMs (or even a simple spreadsheet plus prompts) can help you remember preferences and suggest personalized touches automatically.
3. Let a Digital Assistant Handle the Basics
Guests expect instant answers—but you’re not glued to your phone 24/7.
💡 AI tip: Chatbots and auto-replies can handle FAQs in real time. Some even learn from guest questions over time, so you’re always improving service without lifting a finger.
4. Create Itineraries Guests Will Brag About
Help your guests experience the destination like a local with curated recs or digital guides.
💡 AI tip: Use generative AI to draft customized itineraries based on guest interests (families, foodies, hikers, etc.), then polish it with your local knowledge and Canva for a pro look.
5. Send Helpful Pre-Arrival Messages
A quick check-in message with useful info can ease guest anxiety and reduce repetitive questions.
💡 AI tip: Draft and schedule pre-arrival messages using AI—include directions, tips, upgrade offers, and even weather notes. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
The full article’s a quick, insightful read:
👉 Read it here
Now I’m curious—are you already using any of these strategies? Thinking about testing one out with a little AI help? Leave a comment ⬇️. I’d love to hear what’s working for you lately.