An empty room is an avoidable loss. Guests booking last-minute accommodation is a growing group - not only in high season, but also in low season. If you run a guesthouse, flats or a small hotel, you are well aware that spontaneous decisions by guests are an opportunity for you to fill gaps in your calendar.
The question is: how to attract those who book at the last minute?
Here are some tried and tested strategies - also using the tools that are in the system mobile-calendar.
Visibility is key - keep your calendar up to date
Last minute guests often look for accommodation over the phone while already on the road. It is therefore crucial that:
- Your rooms were visible in the reservation systems (OTAs) - such as Booking.com, Airbnb, Noclegi.pl,
- Availability was kept up to date - preferably through integration with Channel Manager,
- The descriptions were concrete and practical - check-in, parking, breakfast - it is this information that visitors look for in a hurry. A lack of clear data may mean they click 'next'.
Use SMS to promote available dates
Not every visitor comes to your website every day. But everyone reads a text message.
This is the fastest way to reach people who have already stayed with you - and who may just be looking for accommodation today.
SMS gateway in mobile-calendar you can:
- send a short message to former guests,
- inform you of last minute rooms available,
- add direct link to online bookingso that they can book with a single click.
Example of text message content:
"We have a spare room for you this weekend - only £179/night! Book now: [link]"
Don't wait for visitors - let them know you are waiting for them.
And that they have a spare room - today, here and now.
