Discover how one simple twist made a winter package sell out in December.
In this episode, I’ll share how to turn basic holiday hotel packages into emotional experiences that lead to bookings.

Before we unwrap today’s episode, make sure you subscribe and ring the bell, so you don’t miss future tips to boost bookings, delight guests, and keep your sanity through the busy season.

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Today’s topic? Holiday hotel packages. But not just any packages—these are the ones your guests will rave about and rebook before they check out.

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And stick around—because near the end, I’ll share a cheeky little trick that got one boutique inn sold out every December since 2019. (And no, it’s not free mulled wine—though, we’ll get to that.)

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Let’s dig in. 🎁

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🎅 Why Standard Holiday Packages Flop

Let’s face it. Most hotel holiday packages are as exciting as cold gravy.

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.“Two nights + breakfast + a Santa hat = instant cheer?” Not quite.

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Guests today want experiences, not just rooms. They want something to brag about on Instagram—and maybe even a reason to come back next year.

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Here’s a quick question:
When was the last time you booked a “Romantic Dinner for Two” package and actually remembered the dessert?

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See what I mean?

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Holiday packages that work don’t just stack up services. They tell a story—and your hotel plays the starring role.

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🎧 Looking for more tips like these?
Check out the Hotelier Helpcast Podcast. It’s like therapy—but for your property.

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🎄 Build Packages That Tap Into Emotions

Want irresistible packages? Build around feelings, not features.

Here’s how:

• Family packages: “Make memories, not meals”—include gingerbread decorating or bedtime stories with hot cocoa delivered.

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• Romantic getaways: “Skip the chaos, snuggle by the fire.” Offer late checkout, a couple’s massage, and a playlist.

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• Solo stays: “Escape the madness.” Include a journal, an audiobook credit, and spa access.

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One B&B in Ontario called their winter offer “The Escape Clause.” Brilliant.

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Think about it:
What emotion are you selling—relief, joy, nostalgia, escape? That’s what people book.

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Are you tired of feeling like your hotel’s running you? Join my free training webinar “From Chaos to Control: The 3 Fixes Every Hotel Owner Needs to Boost Bookings and Cut Stress”. Register Now! You can find the link in the show notes.

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🎁 Personalisation Is the New Luxury

You don’t need a Michelin-star chef or velvet robes to wow guests. You just need to make it feel like it was made for them.

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Take this small seaside inn. They asked on the booking form:

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“Are you more a ‘Silent Night’ or ‘All I Want for Christmas’ type?”

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Depending on the answer, they’d pre-set the room playlist.

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That’s not expensive. That’s smart.

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Use simple surveys, email follow-ups, or booking notes to tailor welcome gifts, pillow menus, or even room scents.

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At the end of this episode, I’ll show you how to automate custom welcome gifts based on guest type. No elves needed.

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🍽️ Add Local Flavour to Your Festive Menu

You’ve got local charm—use it.

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Instead of the tired “holiday buffet,” feature:

• Grandma’s gingerbread from down the road

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• Locally smoked ham or wine

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• A fireside tasting with regional cheeses

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One rustic lodge called their holiday feast “Table for 20: A Taste of the Town.” They brought in a different local chef each weekend. Guests LOVED it.

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Not only does it elevate your offer—it builds connections with local businesses.

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And remember: guests aren’t just looking to eat—they want a story to share over dinner.

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📺 Make Your Holiday Packages “Instagrammable”

Yes, it’s a silly word. But it’s serious business.

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Create moments made for phones, like:

• A DIY s’mores bar with hotel-branded marshmallows

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• A “Dear Santa” photo booth for couples or kids

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• A “holiday jammies & hot chocolate” movie night

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One boutique hotel even printed Polaroids for guests and pinned them on a “Tree of Stories” in the lobby. Reviews went up. Return bookings? Even higher.

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Fun fact:
Instagram has over 170 million #Christmas hashtags. Are you part of it?

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🎯 Usable Tip: Name Your Packages Like Products

Don’t call it “Holiday Package 1”. Give it personality.

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Names like:

• “Merry & Bright Escape”

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• “Snowed In & Loving It”

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• “Yuletide Hideaway”

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Make it easier to market. Easier to remember. Easier to book.

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Then match your content, images, and emails to that theme.

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Want to go even deeper?

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👉Visit the Hotelier Helpcast Website for resources that’ll turn your package ideas into fully booked realities.

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Running a hotel without a plan? That’s like sailing without a rudder.
Romantic…
Until the storm hits.

Get the “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. Seven proven steps to calm the chaos.

Download it now—before the next wave hits.

You can find a link in the show notes.

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If you had a weekend off this December, what kind of holiday hotel package would you want?

Leave your answer in the comments. I read every one.

Here Are Your Key Takeaways

In Conclusion

Crafting irresistible holiday hotel packages doesn’t need to cost a fortune or take weeks to plan.

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If you focus on emotions, personal touches, and storytelling—you’ll not only book more rooms, you’ll create memories that guests beg to relive next year.

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And that sneaky trick I promised?

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Have guests write a holiday postcard to themselves. You mail it back the next December. Trust me, it works like magic.

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Ready to really get festive—and profitable?

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You’ll find step-by-step help in “The Hotel Owner’s Roadmap: 90 Days to More Bookings, More Time, and Less Stress.” It’s your shortcut to smarter systems, better offers, and holidays that don’t end in burnout.

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And if this article helped you, check out “The Art of Being Formal Yet Friendly-Enhancing Your Hotel’s Guest Interactions“. Episode 24.

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🎄 Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s guide on repeat guests.

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☕ And hey—if you love this content, feel free to buy us a coffee.