How To Welcome More Guests To Your Hotel In Spring

In the hotel trade, spring often represents the 'shoulder season' – a period between the typically slower winter months and the peak summer rush. While not as consistently busy as summer, this period sees a gradual increase in bookings as warmer weather (however unpredictable in the UK) encourages short getaways. To capitalize on this transitional phase, hotels can implement strategic initiatives to attract guests and maximize occupancy during this crucial shoulder season.

Bring New Life Indoors

Making The Most Of Windows

Just as nature awakens in spring, your hotel rooms can benefit from a breath of fresh air. Include airing out rooms into your daily cleaning routine by opening windows to let in the crisp spring air. But, if you’re in the UK like us, just be sure to keep a watchful eye on the weather forecast so you don’t suddenly have rain pouring in through those open windows.

While the windows are open, ensure they receive a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Winter months can often lead to neglected windows, especially if hotel occupancy was lower. Sparkling clean windows will allow the bright spring sunshine to flood in, instantly making your rooms feel more inviting and spacious. This also aligns with the trend of maximising natural light to enhance guest comfort and well-being.

Embracing Nature's Touch Indoors

There’s something about walking into a hotel lobby filled with fresh, vibrant greenery that instantly lifts the mood. My favourite hotels have always been those that have plants in the lobby. Whether they're real or not makes no difference, as just seeing them instantly brightens the environment for me. I recently stayed at Yotel Manchester, which has a lobby that's a hub of contemporary design with plants everywhere, and it looks fantastic! It had already put me in a good mood before I even saw the hotel room.

A few well-placed live plants can work wonders in making a space feel fresh, inviting, and in tune with the changing season. In your reception area, guests could be greeted by cheerful tulips or delicate cherry blossoms, as it sets the tone for a stay that feels special. Sure, there’s some debate about how much indoor plants improve air quality, but one thing’s for sure: they add an undeniable warmth that makes a place feel more like home. The key is choosing plants that not only look beautiful but can also thrive indoors with minimal fuss. Think peace lilies, orchids, or even a striking fiddle-leaf fig.

Of course, keeping live plants happy takes effort, and not every hotel has the time for constant upkeep (cleaning the rooms takes long enough!). That’s where high-quality artificial arrangements come in. When done right, they can be just as stunning as the real thing without the watering schedules and wilting petals (also, I'm pretty sure the plants at Yotel were fake, not that I went around touching them to check). Picture a grand vase of hydrangeas at the check-in desk, soft pastel peonies on bedside tables, or elegant tulip arrangements in the dining area. It’s an easy way to bring a seasonal touch to every corner of the hotel without worrying about maintenance.

Beyond flowers, incorporating natural textures into the décor can add a sense of organic charm that complements the fresh, airy vibe of spring. A few simple swaps, like grapevine wreaths with subtle floral touches, jute placemats on dining tables, or preserved lavender in decorative vases can make all the difference. These elements tap into the growing trend of biophilic design, which focuses on bringing nature indoors to create a more relaxing and rejuvenating environment for guests.

Speaking of wreaths, they’re a fantastic way to make a statement. A beautifully designed wreath can transform an entrance door, brighten up a hallway, or even add a thoughtful touch to guest rooms. Picture one adorned with delicate pastel blooms, soft greenery, and maybe even a hint of Chinoiserie flair—intricate patterns, vibrant hues, and subtle gold detailing for a sophisticated spring look. It’s a small touch, but one that instantly signals the arrival of the season. If you’re feeling creative, a DIY spring wreath can be a fun way to personalize your hotel’s décor. Take a look at this spring wreath making guide for some ideas.

And let’s not forget about colour. Soft pastels are synonymous with spring, and incorporating them into the hotel’s décor can completely transform the atmosphere. Subtle accents of lavender, sky blue, blush pink, and buttercream yellow can be introduced in countless ways. Elsewhere, think about ribbons on wreaths, ceramic dishes in common areas, or pastel throw pillows in seating areas. When paired with earthy tones, these colours strike the perfect balance between fresh and timeless, making any space feel like a serene spring retreat.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating an environment where guests feel welcomed by the season. Whether through lush greenery, thoughtfully placed florals, or soft colour palettes, a few simple touches can turn any hotel into a springtime escape. These décor ideas aren't just applicable to spring either, as you're not going to be wanting to switch it up every time the season changes. But if you've been thinking about switching up your venues theme, these are some great ideas to start you along that path.

Curating Memorable Spring Experiences

Spring is a time when people are eager to engage in outdoor activities and explore, making it an ideal opportunity for hotels to plan engaging events and activities on their premises and in the local area.

Easter is the biggest event to happen in Spring, so make sure to make the most of it. This can be something as simple as putting up Easter decorations around your hotel and leaving small chocolate eggs in bedrooms for guests to enjoy. You could even organise an Easter egg hunt, dotting eggs around the grounds or in the local area and inviting guests and their children – as well as families in the local area – to take part in the hunt. I once stayed at a hotel around Easter time where they'd left a Cabury's Creme Egg on each of our pillows, which was hugely appreciated as I'm of the opinion that Creme Egg's should be available all year-round!

If you serve food, one idea to try out is offering a special Easter menu. You could offer an Easter brunch in the form of spring flowers as centrepieces, Easter staples such as hot cross buns, and swapping white tablecloths for pastel-coloured tablecloths. Our V polyester plain coloured tablecloths fit the bill here, and for spring we'd recommend paste shades such as biscuit, pampas, and vanilla.

However, not everyone celebrates Easter and focusing solely on this one holiday can limit how your hotel is embracing the spring season. Themed dining events, for example, can be a great way to celebrate the season’s fresh flavours. A farm-to-table dinner showcasing local, seasonal ingredients? A spring cocktail-making class featuring floral-infused drinks? Even an afternoon tea menu with a light, refreshing twist—think elderflower scones, lemon drizzle cake, and floral-infused teas—can be a fantastic way to create a memorable experience. For a good example, take a look at the afternoon tea that Cliveden House in Berkshire has introduced.

Embracing Wellness & Nature

Capitalising on the growing interest in well-being, hotels can offer wellness retreats during the spring shoulder season. This could involve hosting yoga sessions in a sun-drenched space, offering rejuvenating spa treatments, or organising mindfulness workshops. Providing healthy and seasonal menu options, including vegan and vegetarian choices, will further enhance this offering. 

With nature in full bloom, promoting eco-tourism initiatives can attract environmentally conscious travellers. You could consider offering spring wellness packages that can be particularly appealing to those seeking a refreshing escape. 

Organising guided nature walks showcasing local flora and fauna or partnering with local experts for bird watching tours can provide enriching experiences. Alison Howell’s Foot Trails, for example, offers inn to inn walking holidays that appeals directly to walkers who want to stay at charming country inns. 

Highlighting your hotel's own sustainable practices, such as sourcing local produce or reducing waste, can further appeal to this growing segment of travellers, so make sure you always shout about this. For more on hotel sustainability, read our guide on how to make your hotel more sustainable.

Connecting with the Local Community

Strengthening the hotel's ties with the local area through local collaborations can enrich the guest experience. Partnering with nearby attractions to offer special spring packages or collaborating with local restaurants and artisans for joint events can provide unique opportunities. Promoting local spring festivals and events encourages guests to explore the destination beyond the hotel. 

If the hotel does not have its own restaurant, partnering with a local culinary gem to offer guests a taste of regional delights is an excellent way to enhance their stay and support the community. 

Guests love knowing that the hotel they’re staying in has strong local connections, so make it a big part of your hotel's storytelling.

Fun for the Whole Family

For families traveling during spring school holidays, organising engaging family-friendly activities is crucial if you want them to book a room at your establishment. Ideas include a spring-themed scavenger hunt around the hotel property, hosting interactive shows for children, or offering arts and crafts sessions focused on spring themes. If the hotel has amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, highlighting its reopening for the spring season can be a major attraction.

Examples of Hotels Embracing Spring Events

Some examples of hotels offering a different kind of spring experience include the Goldstone Hall Hotel & Gardens with a Spring Wreath Making masterclass, a fabulous example of a hotel offering extra activities for guests as well as drawing in people who aren’t staying the night (and the extra income they offer). 

In a similar vein to the above, the Headland Hotel, Cottages & Spa offers a Spring Bouquet Workshop that will teach attendees to build a beautiful spring bouquet in a spiralled technique.

Moving away from workshops, The Budock Vean Hotel in Cornwall incorporates seasonal scents into their spa treatments, with their “Healing with the seasons” therapies for spring featuring ingredients like cleansing coconut and refreshing mint. While Flemings Mayfair has built an entire package around spring scents, with a two-night stay that is complemented with two 50ml spring scented fragrances created by British perfumer Miller Harris. 

Of course, budgetary constraints and a lack of facilities may prevent you from entering into partnerships or offering spa treatments. But think outside the box. It doesn’t have to be something that’s expensive to host, as long as it’s attractive to guests and the local community and fits the spring theme. 

Enjoying the Spring Air Outdoors

Maximising any outdoor spaces the hotel offers by creating inviting outdoor dining experiences can be a significant draw during spring. Offering al fresco breakfasts on a patio, arranging charming spring-themed picnics for guests to enjoy in nearby parks, or creating a special outdoor brunch menu featuring seasonal ingredients only serve to enhance the guest experience.

While spring can bring its fair share of hot days in the UK, anyone who lives in our fair country will know that this can’t be relied upon. Plan for sudden changes in the weather, such as ensuring tables have umbrellas that can be raised when rain arrives. To combat chilly days, consider investing in an outdoor heating system, such as adding gas or electric patio heaters. 

Take a look at our blog post on outdoor dining for more information.

Sprouting Success: Promoting Your Spring Offerings

Whatever you plan on doing, don’t forget to take photos. High-quality photos are excellent collateral for social media posts and your hotel’s blog, and social media is something that’s important to utilise as part of your hospitality marketing strategy. If you’re planning spring/Easter events, then make sure you promote them across social media platforms, as well as in your local area. 

Crafting engaging social media content showcasing spring decorations, events, and special packages across various platforms is key. Using relevant hashtags like #SpringGetaway, #HotelSpring, #[YourCity]Spring, and #SpringBreakUK can increase visibility. Sharing photos of Easter egg hunts, the vibrant colours of real-touch florals, or guests enjoying outdoor dining options can attract attention. Running a social media contest asking guests to share their favourite spring moments at the hotel for a chance to win a prize can also boost engagement

You could even offer special booking packages built around spring. These could include discounted rates for longer stays, packages that bundle accommodation with tickets to local spring events, or wellness packages that include spa treatments and healthy meals. Highlighting any added extras, such as a complimentary spring-themed welcome drink or a guided tour of a local garden, can make the packages more appealing.

By implementing these strategies, hotels can effectively welcome the spring season, attract more guests during the shoulder season, and create memorable experiences that foster loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. Now is an opportune time to put these ideas into action and watch your hotel flourish.