Is it worth offering discounts to returning Guests?

Benefits for guests and the hotel

Offering loyalty discounts benefits both guests and hotels:

• Guests feel appreciated – returning customers get the sense that their loyalty is rewarded.
• Greater chance of return – discounts encourage guests to choose the same hotel again.
• Building long-term relationships – loyal customers often recommend the hotel to others, which increases the number of new bookings.
• Steady revenue – returning guests provide the hotel with financial stability.

The future of loyalty discounts

It is worth considering how loyalty discounts may shape the future of the hospitality industry. As more and more properties start offering such discounts, will they become a standard that customers expect? Or will new, innovative ways of rewarding loyalty emerge that will change the way we travel even further?

One thing is certain – customer loyalty will remain a key element of success in the hospitality industry, and loyalty discounts can play an important role in this process.

What is a loyalty discount for returning guests?

A loyalty discount is a special discount for people who regularly return to the same place. It is part of a marketing strategy aimed at rewarding loyal customers and encouraging them to choose a given property again. It can take various forms – from simple percentage discounts to more elaborate reward programs offering additional benefits.

In the hospitality industry, loyalty discounts are one of the key tools for attracting returning guests. Thanks to them, customers feel appreciated, which makes them more willing to return to the same hotel or apartment. It is worth emphasizing that such discounts are often part of larger loyalty programs, which may include other rewards, such as:

• Points redeemable for free nights
• Additional services
• Exclusive offers

How does a loyalty discount work?

A loyalty discount is the heart of loyalty programs designed to reward returning guests. It works by granting discounts or other benefits to customers who regularly use the services of a given property. These programs can take various forms, such as:

• Simple discount cards
• Advanced points systems

In practice, a loyalty discount can be granted automatically once certain conditions are met, such as the number of bookings or the total amount spent at the property. This motivates guests to visit more often, which in turn increases their engagement and attachment to the brand. As a result, loyalty programs not only boost sales but also help build long-term relationships with customers.

Benefits of loyalty discounts for guests and properties

Loyalty discounts benefit both guests and the properties that offer them. For guests, the biggest advantage is the opportunity to get discounts on future stays, which makes travel more affordable. In addition, participating in loyalty programs often comes with extra perks, such as:

• Priority service
• Free services
• Exclusive offers

From the properties' perspective, loyalty discounts are an effective tool for increasing customer retention. By rewarding loyalty, hotels and apartments can build stronger relationships with guests, which leads to more returning customers. In addition, discounts for referring the property to others can help attract new customers, increasing the brand's reach and recognition.

Loyalty programs and discounts for returning guests

In the hospitality industry, where competition is truly fierce, loyalty programs are becoming one of the key tools for attracting and retaining customers. A loyalty program is not only a way to reward returning guests, but also to build long-term relationships. Thanks to such initiatives, guests can take advantage of a variety of accommodation discounts, which makes them more willing to return to the same place. As a result, both guests and property owners benefit from this cooperation, which brings mutual gains.

Which loyalty programs offer accommodation discounts?

Many hotels and apartments introduce a variety of loyalty programs that offer special discounts to returning guests. Here are a few popular solutions:

• Referral program – guests receive discounts for recommending the property to others. This strengthens the loyalty of existing customers and helps attract new ones.
• Frequent-stay discounts – programs offering discounts for regularly using the property's services, which motivates guests to return.
• Loyalty points – guests collect points that they can exchange for free nights or other services, which makes the offer more attractive.

Such approaches build guest engagement and brand attachment, which translates into long-term relationships.

Examples of loyalty programs in hotels and apartments

Many accommodation properties introduce innovative loyalty programs that effectively attract guests. Here are a few examples:

• Newsletter with discount offers – regularly informing guests about current promotions and discounts, which maintains ongoing contact with customers and encourages them to book again.
• Direct booking discounts – special discounts for guests who book directly through the hotel's website or mobile app. This approach increases the number of direct bookings and allows for better management of customer relationships.

Thanks to various forms of promotion, accommodation properties can effectively stand out from the competition and build loyalty among their guests.

And what about the future? What innovative approaches to loyalty programs might emerge to revolutionize the hospitality industry even further? This question remains open, but one thing is certain – creativity and flexibility in approaching customer loyalty will be key in the coming years.

Types of discounts for returning guests

In the hospitality industry, where competition is truly fierce, offering various types of discounts to returning guests is a key element of a marketing strategy. This allows hotels and guesthouses not only to attract new customers, but also to build loyalty among those who have already used their services. Let's take a look at a few types of discounts that can make returning to a given place even more tempting for guests.

Direct booking discount

One of the most common ways to reward loyal customers is a direct booking discount. This discount is granted to guests who choose to book directly with the property, bypassing intermediaries. In this way, both guests and property owners benefit financially. Guests can count on an attractive discount, and properties avoid intermediary fees. It is a win-win situation for both sides.

• Benefits for guests: lower accommodation prices
• Benefits for properties: no intermediary fees
• Mutual benefit: greater customer loyalty

Discount for a longer stay

For those planning a longer stay, many properties offer length-of-stay discounts. These discounts apply when a booking covers more than a few days, for example more than three. This lets guests enjoy lower accommodation costs, making longer vacations more affordable. For properties, it is a great way to increase occupancy and secure stable revenue over a longer period.

• Benefits for guests: lower accommodation costs for longer stays
• Benefits for properties: higher occupancy and stable revenue

Seasonal discount

Many properties choose to introduce a seasonal discount, offered at certain times of the year. Such discounts are especially popular in the off-season, when occupancy is lower. With seasonal discounts, guests can take advantage of attractive prices, while properties increase the number of bookings in less popular periods. This approach allows for better resource management and financial stability all year round.

• Benefits for guests: lower prices in the off-season
• Benefits for properties: more bookings in less popular periods
• Financial stability: better resource management all year round

Group discount

For larger groups traveling together, properties often offer discounts based on the number of services, known as group discounts. These discounts apply when a booking includes a larger number of rooms or services. It is an especially attractive option for families, groups of friends and event organizers. With group discounts, guests enjoy lower costs, while properties gain larger bookings, which translates into higher revenue.

• Benefits for guests: lower costs for larger groups
• Benefits for properties: larger bookings and higher revenue

Special-occasion discount

Some properties offer special-occasion promotions tied to specific events, such as festivals or holidays. These discounts are a great way to attract guests at a time when unique events are taking place in the area. With special-occasion discounts, guests not only benefit from lower prices but can also take part in local attractions, which enriches their experience of the stay.

• Benefits for guests: lower prices during events
• Benefits for properties: greater interest during festivals and holidays
• Enriched experiences: the chance to take part in local attractions

Goodwill discount

When a guest is unhappy with their stay, for example because of technical problems, properties may offer a discount as a form of compensation. These discounts, known as goodwill discounts, are granted to improve the guest's experience and minimize negative impressions. This allows properties to build positive relationships with customers even in difficult situations, which can lead to greater loyalty and repeat visits in the future.

• Benefits for guests: compensation for inconvenience
• Benefits for properties: improved customer relationships
• Building loyalty: a better chance of guests coming back

How to get a discount on accommodation?

Today, when travel is within everyone's reach, getting an accommodation discount can significantly lower the cost of a trip. Fortunately, there are many ways to take advantage of attractive discounts offered by hotels and apartments. Let's look at a few booking methods that can help you save on accommodation.

Booking by phone, e-mail and online

One of the simplest ways to get an accommodation discount is to book by phone, e-mail or online. Many properties offer special discounts to guests who choose these forms of contact. For example, a phone booking discount is often granted as an incentive to contact the hotel directly, which avoids intermediary fees.

• Phone booking – direct contact with the hotel, often with extra discounts.
• E-mail booking – the chance to negotiate prices and get personalized offers.
• Online booking – especially through the property's official website, where special offers are often available.

Booking online, especially through the property's official website, can pay off in the form of discounts. It is worth looking out for special offers available only to users who book directly through the hotel's website. That way you can enjoy lower prices and better terms for your stay.

Mobile app booking discount

In today's world of technology, more and more accommodation providers offer a mobile app booking discount. These discounts are granted to guests who use the property's mobile app to make a booking. It is not only convenient but often more cost-effective, because apps can offer exclusive deals you won't find in other booking channels.

• Exclusive deals – available only in mobile apps.
• Easy booking management – the ability to quickly change your travel plans.
• Promotion notifications – apps often let you know about new discounts.
• Loyalty programs – the chance to collect points and enjoy additional benefits.

Booking through a mobile app also means easier booking management, which is an extra plus for travelers. You can make changes to your plans quickly and efficiently, and use additional features such as promotion notifications or collecting loyalty points.

Last-minute discount

If you enjoy spontaneous trips, a last-minute discount may be spot on. These discounts are offered at the last minute to fill gaps in the booking calendar. This lets you take advantage of attractive prices for a hotel stay, even if you book just before your planned arrival.

The last-minute discount is especially popular in the off-season, when occupancy is lower. For properties, it is a great way to increase bookings and optimize revenue, and for you, a chance to grab exceptional deals. Who knows, maybe in the future last-minute discounts will become even more common, or new, innovative ways of attracting guests at the last minute will emerge?

Other ways to get discounts

In today's fast-evolving hospitality world, where competition is truly fierce, there are many additional ways to get discounts. They can make your stay more affordable. Let's look at a few methods that can help you get attractive accommodation discounts and, in turn, make your trip more cost-effective.

Referral discount

One of the more interesting ways to get a discount is to use a referral discount. Under such a program, you can receive a discount for recommending a hotel or apartment to friends. It is part of a marketing strategy that not only rewards loyal guests but also attracts new ones. Loyalty programs often offer such discounts, which makes them even more attractive.

• If you recommend a property to a friend and they decide to book, you can both benefit from a price reduction.
• Loyalty programs reward both the referrer and the new guest.
• It is a great way to save on future bookings.

Discount for a review and a page like

Another way to get a discount is to leave a positive review of the property or like its social media page. A discount for a review and a page like is a strategy that not only encourages guests to share their impressions but also increases the property's online visibility.

• The property gains popularity thanks to positive reviews and social media activity.
• You can enjoy discounts for actively promoting the property online.
• Programs such as the Genius program offer additional benefits to people who actively support the property online.

Discount card for regular guests

For those who regularly return to the same property, a discount card can be a great solution. Such a card entitles you to discounts at various service and retail outlets, making your stay even more attractive.

• A discount card is part of a loyalty program that rewards returning guests.
• After several stays at a given hotel, you may receive a permanent discount on future bookings.
• It is an extra motivation to come back and use the services of that property.