Email Marketing for Hotels: Getting Repeat Bookings Without Commission Fees

While social media gets all the attention, email marketing remains the highest ROI channel for boutique hotels. Why? Because you own the audience. No algorithm changes or OTA commission hikes can take away your email list.

In this guide, we'll break down the 4 essential email sequences every hotel should have to drive repeat bookings at 0% commission.

Why Email Wins for Hotels

• High ROI: Email generates an average of $36 for every $1 spent.
• Direct Control: No OTA middleman between you and your guest.
• Personalization: You can tailor messages based on past stays, preferences, and location.
• Trust: You've already hosted these guests; they know and trust your brand.

Sequence 1: The Booking Confirmation (The Trust Builder)

Most booking confirmation emails are boring receipts. This is a missed opportunity to build excitement.

What to include:

• Warm Welcome: Set the tone for their stay.
• Visuals: A beautiful photo of the property or the specific room type.
• Essential Info: Address, check-in times, and parking details.
• Upsell: "Would you like to book a table at our restaurant for your first night?"

Sequence 2: Pre-Arrival Anticipation (The Service Builder)

Send this 3-5 days before they arrive. This reduces anxiety and improves the guest experience.

What to include:

• Weather Update: What should they pack?
• Local Recommendations: "3 things not to miss this weekend in [City]."
• Personalization Request: "Do you have any dietary requirements we should know about?"
• Upgrade Offer: "Last-minute suite upgrade available for $X extra."

Sequence 3: Post-Stay Gratitude (The Review Driver)

Send this 1-3 days after they checkout. This is the critical window for capturing feedback.

What to include:

• Sincere Thanks: "It was a pleasure having you stay with us."
• Review Request: A direct link to your Google Business Profile or TripAdvisor.
• Problem Solving: "If anything wasn't perfect, please reply to this email and let me know directly."

[!TIP] Use HoteliaOS to automate these review requests and track which guests are most likely to leave a 5-star rating.

Sequence 4: The "Win-Back" Campaign (The Direct Booking Driver)

Send this 6-12 months after their stay. The goal is to remind them of the great time they had.

What to include:

• "We Miss You": Personal and nostalgic tone.
• Exclusive Offer: "As a past guest, use code REPEAT for 15% off your next stay."
• What's New: Mention new amenities, a new menu, or local events.

---

Best Practices for Hotel Emails

1. Subject Lines That Get Opened

Avoid: "Newsletter #4" Try: "Your packing list for [City] ☀️" or "A secret offer for our favorite guests..."

2. Mobile-First Design

70% of travelers check emails on their phones. Keep your layout single-column and your buttons large.

3. Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Every email should have ONE clear goal. "Book Direct," "Leave a Review," or "See the Menu."

4. Segment Your List

Don't send family-focused offers to business travelers. Use your guest data to keep emails relevant.

How HoteliaOS Helps

Managing these sequences manually is impossible for a busy hotelier. HoteliaOS automates your guest communication, captures real email addresses (instead of masked OTA ones), and helps you build a loyal database of direct bookers.

Learn More About Email Automation →