Turn First-Time Guests into Lifelong Regulars

by Diann Turner | Dec 12, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips

Getting a guest through your doors once is great—but getting them to return is where the real value lies. Repeat guests cost significantly less to acquire, tend to spend more during each stay, and are among your most powerful marketers, often recommending your property to friends and family.

But loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. Guests return when they feel valued, remembered, and excited to experience something new. Their needs evolve—your offerings should evolve with them. And just as importantly, you must stay top-of-mind long after checkout.

If your property’s experience hasn’t changed in years, returning may not feel compelling. The good news: there are simple, strategic ways to create meaningful loyalty and stand out from the competition.

Here are three proven tactics—and real examples—to inspire your strategy:

1. Offer Loyalty Perks That Feel Personal & Valuable

A loyalty perk doesn’t have to be a punch-card program. The most effective perks make a guest feel like an insider.

Examples:

• “Welcome Back” Rate: A returning guest automatically receives 10% off their next stay when booked directly through your website.
• Anniversary Freebie: If they visited in June last year, send an exclusive email in May: “Celebrate Your Travel Anniversary— Enjoy a Complimentary Room Upgrade.”
• Repeat Guest Treat: On their second stay, include a favorite beverage you learned from their first stay or a handwritten card referencing their previous trip.

These small touches create emotional connection—and emotional connection drives return visits.

2. Introduce Limited-Time Local Experiences

Guests love experiences they can’t get anywhere else. Offering limited-time or seasonal activities not only keeps stays fresh but also gives guests a reason to return at a specific time.

Examples:

• “Fall Color Weekend Package”: Partner with a local guide for a foliage hike, cider tasting, or photography walk.
• “Local Maker Pop-Up”: Feature a local artist or chocolatier for one weekend only—guests may return to catch the next pop-up.
• “Winter Cozy Evening Series”: Offer a nightly fireside hot chocolate bar or a guided stargazing session available only during certain months.

When experiences change with the season, guests feel like they’re missing out if they don’t come back.

3. Delight Guests with Thoughtful Surprises

Unexpected moments of delight are unforgettable—and often retold. Surprises don’t need to be costly; they simply need to feel thoughtful.

Examples:

• Pre-Arrival Surprise: Send a text or email allowing them to choose a small, complimentary welcome gift (local snack, beverage, or handmade soap).
• In-Room Surprise: If they mentioned celebrating a birthday, place a small dessert and a note in the room.
• Checkout Surprise: Offer a small locally made takeaway item such as a jam sample or a bookmark with a “See You Next Time” message.

These moments deepen emotional goodwill and make your property feel more like a relationship than a transaction.

Keep Evolving—And Keep the Relationship Alive

The key to repeat stays is ongoing connection. Stay visible with post-stay emails, personalized offers, and occasional updates about new experiences. When guests see that your property is continually improving and thinking of them, they feel pulled back—not pushed.

A guest may come once out of curiosity. They return because of how you made them feel.