The Covid era behind us, there is definitely no going back to business as usual for the hospitality sector. From technology demands to purchasing behaviours, guests have evolved considerably. And perhaps the biggest trend to expect in the coming years is this continuous and drastic evolution.
Let’s take a look into the crystal bowl for what 2025 could bring for hoteliers.
10 game-changing hotel trends to prepare for in 2025
1. Technology first hospitality experience. As technology advances, so does the modern guest’s expectation for a seamless, tech-driven hotel experience. From virtual concierges offering 24/7 support to mobile check-ins and dedicated hotel apps, these innovations are redefining convenience and personalisation.
Heavy investments in cloud technology and data security have enabled advanced technologies that seemed a long way off, not long ago. Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, along with the rise of virtual reality and potential use of the metaverse, are being considered industry-wide in ways that would have been unimaginable five years ago.
2. Smart technology is here to stay and grow in 2025. Think smart rooms where everything goes digital – from the TV to motion sensors and mood lighting. As Gen Z ramps up their travels, smart technology will be essential to attract these digital natives.
3. Seamless online experience is the buzz word. From social channels to online bookings from OTAs and a connected hotel website, before check-in and service, the experience must be integrated or you risk losing guests. Being mobile-first is not a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have and this will com our strongly in 2025 through.
4. Priority on wellness as more people adopt a holistic approach to living. Hotels should continue to include wellness services and packages such as in-room massage, sunrise yoga, wellness shots at your hotel’s bar, as well as vegan and vegetarian menu options.
5. Hyper-personalisation. If you’re getting tired of hearing about personalisation, shake off the fatigue. New levels of personalisation are here to stay. This goes for marketing emails, messages and promotions, as well as in-room experiences. Whether it’s a pillow or a blanket menu, a welcome gift or message, or asking for your guests’ temperature preferences beforehand, the more you can tailor the guest experience, the more you will stand out.
6. Eco-friendly offerings from hotels will continue to be on the rise as climate change remains one of the most pressing global issues. Guests are looking to do their bit to help the planet with sustainable choices, including staying at hotels with eco-certifications and properties that take other measures such as providing eco-friendly amenities, using sustainable cleaning products, being energy-efficient, and conserving water. There is also a big question of whether sustainability will enter booking flows in a bigger manner where guests can choose to contribute towards environmental causes at the time of booking – a space to watch!
7. Get ready for groups and events. They are back and expected to be hotter than before in terms of a segment. Guests travelling for work or work events are expected to keep mixing it with leisure, so expect a bleisure. Be prepared in marketing and servicing to cater to the diverse and unique needs of such business related groups and big families.
8. Revenue optimisation smarts, particularly prompts for customers to upsell, understanding demand and pricing up premium hotel features such as views, space, late check-out etc. in relation to demand will be high on the list of many hotels. In fact, unbundling amenities and services from the base room rate can maximise how hotels make money and empower guests to customise their own experience.
9. Seamless online transactions with multiple payment pathways enabled is the way of the future to ensure higher conversion rates. Digital wallet integrations such as Apply Pay, Google Pay, We Chat Pay, Ali Pay, Paypal and others will become more important as well as secure and seamless payment via bank cards. Spend resources in ensuring your payment platform is set-up for guest convenience and you will reap the benefits of higher conversion rates.
10. Influencers as advertisers and the rise of newer social channels such as TikTok and Snapchat as Gen Z and Gen Alpha starts to play a bigger role in travel decisions being made. Finding niche influencers who align with your ideal guest profile can amplify your message and expand your reach. Influencer partnerships can be more impactful than traditional ads, making your hotel top-of-mind for new guests and enhancing your brand image in an authentic way.
The hospitality landscape in 2025 is filled with trends aimed at making guest experiences driven by technology, more personalised and sustainable. As these trends continue to shape the industry, staying ahead with planned enhancements, creative marketing and thoughtful innovations will set your property apart and create lasting guest experiences.
