In Nigeria’s crowded hospitality market, calling your hotel “luxurious” or “affordable” isn’t enough. Guests don’t just want a place to sleep—they want an experience worth posting about.
The most successful hotels today don’t just sell rooms—they sell memories. They market themselves like tourist attractions, making guests feel like they’re missing out if they don’t stay.
Here’s how to transform your hotel into a destination—with real examples from Nigerian hotels that nailed it.
1. Stop Selling Rooms—Sell Experiences
The Problem:
Most hotels list generic amenities (WiFi, AC, breakfast). Boring.
The Fix: Bundle your stay with local adventures.
✅ Example:
Lagos Resort: “Beachfront Stay + Free Kayaking at Eleko Beach”
Abuja Hotel: “City Escape Package: Aso Rock Hike + Rooftop Sundowners”
📈 Result:
Guests pay 30% more for “experiences” over basic stays.
2. Become a Photo Hotspot (Free Marketing!)
The Problem:
No Instagrammable spots = no organic reach.
The Fix: Design eyecatching backdrops.
✅ Examples from Nigeria:
The Yellow Wall (A Lagos hotel’s signature photo spot)
Infinity Pool with City Views (Abuja’s most tagged feature)
Rooftop “Sunset Bar” (Calabar’s viral attraction)
📸 Pro Tip: Run a “Tag & Win” contest for free publicity.
3. Partner Like a Pro (Tap into Tourist Traffic)
The Problem:
You’re not near a major attraction? Bring the attraction to you.
✅ How Nigerian Hotels Do It:
Collaborate with tour guides (Offer free coffee for their groups)
Host popup events (Art exhibitions, live music nights)
Team up with influencers (“Stay free if your reel gets 10K views!”)
📈 Result:
A Jos hotel doubled bookings after partnering with a hiking group.
4. Create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The Problem:
Your offers feel replaceable.
The Fix: Limitedtime, exclusive deals.
✅ Examples That Work:
“Last 2 Rooms with Private Pool Access!”
“Sunday Brunch Pass (Only 20 seats left!)”
“Local Chef’s Secret Menu – This Weekend Only”
🔥 Why It Works:
Scarcity = urgency = more bookings.
5. Tell a Story (People Don’t Buy Beds—They Buy Dreams)
The Problem:
Your marketing sounds like every other hotel.
The Fix: Sell the feeling of staying with you.
💡 Before: “Spacious rooms with AC”
💡 After: “Wake up to waves crashing at your doorstep—coffee in hand, breeze in your hair. This isn’t just a stay. It’s your Calabar escape.”
📈 Real Impact:
A Benin hotel increased direct bookings by 70% after rewriting their website like this.
Case Study: How a Small Abuja Guesthouse Became a “MustVisit”
The Challenge:
Located in a quiet area, competing with big chains.
Their Winning Strategy:
1. Created a “Hidden Garden Café” (Only for guests—but teased on Instagram)
2. Partnered with a local poet for monthly “Spoken Word Nights”
3. Offered a “Secret City Tour” (Exclusive to guests)
The Result:
Occupancy jumped from 45% to 88%
Featured in Guardian Travel as “Abuja’s BestKept Secret”
Your Action Plan 1️⃣ Pick 1 experience to bundle with stays (e.g., free bike rentals).
2️⃣ Design 1 Instagrammable spot (Even a mural works!).
3️⃣ Partner with 1 local business (Tour operator, chef, artist).
📢 Need Help? DM us “ATTRACTION” for a free hotel marketing audit.
🔔 Follow @HotelsAndPlaces for more standout strategies!
