Maximizing Bookings with Instagram Reels: A Guide for Hotels
Instagram has long been a powerful marketing tool for businesses, and its influence in the hospitality industry is undeniable. With the platform’s massive user base and highly engaging content, Instagram has become an essential part of many hotels’ digital marketing strategies. The introduction of Instagram Reels in 2020 has added another dynamic layer to how hotels can connect with potential customers and increase bookings. In this post, we’ll explore how hotels can harness Instagram Reels to elevate their online presence and drive more bookings. We’ll also dive into some successful case studies that illustrate the power of this tool.
What is Instagram Reels?
Before diving into how hotels can use Instagram Reels, let’s first take a moment to understand what it is. Instagram Reels allows users to create short, engaging videos—typically 15 to 30 seconds long—that can be shared with followers. These videos can feature a variety of creative elements such as music, filters, and special effects, all while highlighting key aspects of the hotel. Reels can be shared in the Instagram feed, Stories, or the Explore page, which offers exposure to users who might not yet follow your account.
How Hotels Can Use Instagram Reels to Boost Bookings
Instagram Reels offers hotels an exciting opportunity to showcase their offerings in a visually compelling way. Below are several ways hotels can use Reels to boost their online presence and attract more bookings.
1. Showcase Your Hotel’s Unique Features
Instagram Reels is the perfect platform to showcase the features that make your hotel stand out. Whether it’s a stunning pool, luxurious spa, or gourmet restaurant, Reels allows you to give potential customers a taste of what they can expect during their stay.
For example, imagine creating a Reel that highlights your hotel’s breathtaking oceanfront view, or one that gives viewers a quick tour of your lush gardens and exclusive amenities. This is an excellent way to entice potential customers and give them a reason to choose your hotel over competitors.
Case in point: The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico has used Instagram Reels to feature its beautiful beachfront location, elegant guest rooms, and fine dining options. These Reels have amassed thousands of views, and they have successfully attracted new customers looking for a luxurious getaway.
2. Provide Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses
Transparency and authenticity are key when building trust with your audience. Instagram Reels allows hotels to offer a behind-the-scenes look at what makes their service exceptional. Whether it’s showing housekeeping preparing a room for a new guest or a chef preparing a specialty dish, behind-the-scenes content makes your business more relatable and trustworthy.
The Four Seasons Resort in Costa Rica has excelled in this area by showcasing behind-the-scenes moments through Reels. They’ve posted videos of their beautiful grounds, staff preparing rooms, and culinary staff cooking mouth-watering meals. These Reels have helped humanize the brand, making it more appealing to potential guests.
3. Collaborate with Influencers to Amplify Your Reach
Influencer marketing has become a mainstay in the travel and hospitality industry. Instagram Reels is an excellent way to leverage influencers to amplify your hotel’s brand and reach new audiences. By partnering with influencers in the travel or lifestyle space, you can create Reels that highlight your property’s unique features and generate buzz among their followers.
Take the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills as an example. The hotel collaborated with social media icon Sarah Jessica Parker to create a Reel that showcased the luxury hotel’s top-tier amenities and exclusive dining options. The Reel quickly went viral, attracting thousands of views and driving new bookings.
4. Promote Events and Activities
Hotels host various events throughout the year—weddings, corporate events, special promotions, and more. Instagram Reels provides an excellent opportunity to showcase these events in real-time, build anticipation, and encourage potential guests to book.
For instance, The Four Seasons Resort in Maui used Instagram Reels to promote its outdoor activities, such as whale watching and snorkeling. They created a Reel that highlighted the resort’s natural beauty and the array of outdoor experiences guests can enjoy. The Reel helped the hotel attract customers looking for an active, nature-filled vacation.
5. Encourage User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is an effective way to build brand loyalty and increase engagement with your audience. Instagram Reels can be used to encourage guests to share their experiences at your hotel by tagging your account or using a branded hashtag. This not only strengthens your connection with current guests but also broadens your reach to a new audience.
The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay has effectively used this strategy. The hotel created a Reel that encouraged guests to share their favorite memories by tagging the hotel’s Instagram account and using the hashtag #RCMemories. This strategy generated considerable buzz and led to a large increase in engagement across the hotel’s social media channels.
6. Engage and Interact with Your Followers
Reels is an interactive tool that allows you to build stronger relationships with your followers. Respond to comments, ask questions, or prompt your audience to engage with your content by sharing their thoughts or experiences.
For instance, you could create a Reel that asks followers which aspect of your hotel they’re most excited to experience—be it the spa, dining options, or outdoor adventures. This interaction fosters a sense of community and encourages people to share your content with their networks.
Case Studies of Successful Instagram Reels Campaigns
Let’s take a closer look at how some hotels have successfully used Instagram Reels to boost their bookings and online presence.
The Ritz-Carlton, New York
The Ritz-Carlton in New York City has used Instagram Reels to show off its luxurious accommodations, stunning views, and world-class amenities. One standout Reel highlights their gorgeous guest rooms, spectacular city views, and rejuvenating spa experiences. The video gained thousands of views and played a role in attracting new guests eager for a luxury stay in the heart of NYC.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Known for its iconic Hollywood history, The Beverly Hills Hotel used Instagram Reels to showcase its star-studded guest list and extravagant features. A Reel highlighting the hotel’s lush grounds and exquisite dining options helped the hotel gain attention from potential guests.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort leveraged Instagram Reels to highlight its stunning beach location, elegant accommodations, and five-star amenities. One Reel featured the property’s sprawling pool area, while another showcased the signature restaurant and guest rooms. These visuals helped position the hotel as a prime destination for high-end travelers, significantly boosting bookings.
Conclusion: Why Instagram Reels Should Be Part of Your Hotel’s Marketing Strategy
Instagram Reels has proven to be a game-changer for the hospitality industry. From showcasing unique hotel features to engaging with followers and promoting events, the creative potential is endless. Hotels that use Instagram Reels strategically are able to build stronger connections with potential guests and increase bookings.
Instagram Reels can give your hotel a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market. Whether you’re sharing behind-the-scenes content or encouraging user-generated content, Instagram Reels offers a dynamic way to connect with your audience.
Ready to Take Your Hotel’s Marketing to the Next Level?
If you’re a hotel owner or marketing manager looking to harness the power of Instagram Reels to boost bookings, we’re here to help! Reach out to Ikonik Digital at [email protected] for expert adviceto take your hotel’s digital marketing to new heights.
Glenford Scott is the Founder & Director of Ikonik Digital, a performance-driven marketing agency helping brands scale with strategy, storytelling, and smart execution.
With years of experience driving results across industries, from hospitality to education — Glenford specializes in turning clicks into customers and ideas into revenue.
