As a hotelier in the United Kingdom, you may be wondering how to best decorate your property for Christmas. After all, the holiday season is a busy time for hotels, and you want to make sure your guests have a memorable experience.

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and loved ones. It’s a time for giving and receiving, for laughter and joy. But it’s also a time of year when hoteliers need to be extra careful. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to overlook some important details.

What To Keep In Mind For Christmas At Your Hotel

Whether you own a hotel, lodge, resort or another kind of accommodation, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re decorating for Christmas. First, take into consideration your location. If you’re in a more rural area, you may want to go for a traditional Christmas look with evergreen wreaths and holly.  However, if you’re in the city centre, you may want to opt for something a little more modern.

Next, think about your guests. What type of Christmas decorations would they appreciate? What are they expecting on their Christmas hotel breaks? If you have a lot of international guests, you may want to avoid anything too specific to one culture or religion. Instead, opt for more generic holiday decorations like strings of lights and garlands. And, if you have young children staying at your hotel, you may want to make sure there are plenty of festive activities for them to enjoy.

Tips For Making A Hotel Christmas Special

Here are a few tips on how to make sure your hotel is decorated for Christmas and ready for guests:

Start With the Lobby and Common Areas

When guests arrive at your home, the first impression is crucial. You want to create an atmosphere that is both festive and inviting, setting the perfect tone for the holiday season. Consider decorating your entryway with beautifully crafted wreaths, elegantly draped garlands or even a charming small Christmas tree.

If you are fortunate enough to have a fireplace, enhance its appeal by tastefully adding stockings or arranging decorative logs. And of course, do not overlook the significance of holiday music, as it sets the mood and adds a touch of magic to the air.

By paying attention to these details, you can create a warm and welcoming ambience that will delight your guests throughout the holiday festivities.

Festive and Comfortable Guest Rooms

Guests should feel like they’re coming home when they enter their room. Add a few small touches, like a Christmas-themed throw pillow or blanket, a basket of holiday cookies, a hotel chocolate advent calendar or a miniature tree. These simple touches will make them feel special and spread the holiday cheer throughout their stay.

Additionally, consider hanging some unique Christmas artwork or photos of local holiday celebrations in each room. This not only adds a personal touch but also introduces guests to the local culture and traditions.

Decorate Your Hotel’s Exterior

This is especially important if you’re located in a tourist area or somewhere that gets a lot of foot traffic. Strings of lights, holiday wreaths, and even a life-sized Santa Claus can help spread the holiday cheer. And don’t forget to add some festive touches to your outdoor seating areas, such as holiday-themed throw pillows or blankets.

Create A Christmas Hotel Package

Offer your guests a special holiday package that includes festive gifts, holiday-themed activities, and a discount on their stay. This will entice them to stay at your hotel and make their Christmas experience even more memorable. You can also partner with local businesses to offer guests discounts on holiday activities or events in the area. This is a great way to attract guests and make sure they have a memorable experience.

Don’t Forget About the Little Things

From gift-wrapping services to holiday-themed amenities, these small touches can make a big difference. Consider offering guests complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine in the lobby, or leaving a small gift and handwritten note in their room. These thoughtful gestures can go a long way in creating a memorable Christmas experience for your guests.

Consider Having a Holiday-Themed Event or Activity for Guests

One of the best ways to show your guests that you’re festive and ready for Christmas is to have a holiday-themed event or activity. This could be something like a gingerbread-building contest, a holiday movie night, or even just a festive cocktail hour. Or, if you want to go all out, you could even host a holiday-themed dinner.

Christmas-themed event or activity ideas:

• A gingerbread-building contest
• A holiday movie night
• A festive cocktail hour
• A holiday-themed dinner party
• An ugly sweater party
• A holiday lights scavenger hunt
• A visit from Santa Claus or another holiday figure

Make The Most Of Your Restaurant And Bar

If you have an on-site restaurant or bar, make sure to offer some special holiday menu items and drinks. This is a great way to get into the spirit of the season and show off your kitchen’s creativity. You could even offer a traditional holiday meal for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Additionally, consider decorating your restaurant or bar with festive touches like wreaths, lights, and holiday-themed centrepieces. This will help create a cosy and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals and drinks.

Have a Contingency Plan for Holiday Parties

If you’re hosting a party at your hotel, make sure you have a backup plan in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Have a space reserved for the party, but also have a plan B in case you need to move it indoors. And, make sure to communicate any changes or updates to guests promptly.

Keep Safety in Mind

With all the holiday decorations and activities, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. Make sure all decorations are fire-resistant and avoid using candles or open flames. Keep walkways clear and well-lit, especially if you live in an area that gets snow or ice during the holiday season. And, if you’re serving alcohol at any events, make sure to have designated drivers or offer transportation services for guests.

Having a Plan for Dealing with Weather-Related Issues

This is especially important if you’re located in an area that gets snow or ice such as the UK. Make sure your guests know what to expect and have a contingency plan in place in case of bad weather. For example, you might want to have a list of nearby restaurants that deliver, or you could offer to have staff transport guests to and from their cars.

Plan for Different Religions and Cultures

The holidays are a time when people from all different religions and cultures come together. Be respectful of your guests’ beliefs and traditions. Have information available on nearby religious services, and be aware of any special dietary needs. Consider offering a variety of holiday-themed activities and events that appeal to different cultures and beliefs. This will ensure that all guests feel included in the holiday celebrations at your hotel.

Be Prepared for Last-Minute Bookings

The holidays are often a busy time for hotels, so be prepared for guests who need a room at the last minute. Keep some rooms open and have staff ready to accommodate guests on short notice. You can also offer special deals or discounts for these last-minute bookings to entice guests to choose your hotel over others.

Spread the Word About Your Festive Hotel

Don’t forget to promote your holiday offerings on social media, through email marketing, and on your website. Use festive photos and videos to showcase your decorations and events, and make sure to highlight any special packages or discounts you’re offering. And, encourage guests to share their holiday experiences at your hotel on social media and leave reviews. This will help attract more guests in the future and spread the word about how great your hotel is during the holiday season.

The holiday season is a great opportunity for hotels to showcase their festive spirit and create memorable experiences for guests. By offering special packages, small touches, holiday events and activities, and being prepared for different scenarios, you can ensure that your hotel stands out during this time of year. So, get decorating and let the festive fun begin!

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