The Astro Edit: Elevating the Guest Experience
Welcome to the first edition of The Astro Edit, our monthly look at the ideas, insights, and trends shaping the hospitality industry.
Guests are looking for more than a place to stay, they’re seeking experiences that feel personal, memorable, and connected to the world around them. In this edition, we’re diving into the top trends that are helping hotels create stays that guests will remember long after check-out.
Personalisation is Key
Modern travellers crave unique, tailored experiences. Hotels are going beyond names on reservations and creating moments that feel designed just for the guest.
Ways to personalise the stay:
- Logo-printed slippers and robes
- Custom room accessories or welcome gifts
- Special touches for birthdays or anniversaries
- Themed gifts for seasonal events (think Easter bunnies or Christmas crackers)
When guests feel recognised and valued, they become loyal advocates, and they’ll tell their friends and family about it.
Little VIPs: Making Family Stays Memorable
Some of the most lasting memories come from childhood holidays. Hotels that make the experience special for kids create loyalty that lasts for decades. Delight the kids, and the parents will choose your hotel every time and you’ll have a lifelong fan. Eventually, those kids will bring their own families back because of how you made them feel. Never underestimate the power of the little ones.
Ideas for younger guests:
- Mini robes and slippers
- Branded soft toys (airport hotels can add a plane-themed twist)
- Welcome kits with colouring books or puzzles
Wellness for Guests and Teams
Wellbeing is now central to the travel experience. Guests want the chance to rest, recharge, and stay healthy on the road.
Guest-focused ideas:
- In-room fitness or yoga gear
- Nutritious menus and spa access
- Partnerships with local wellness providers
Supporting wellness shouldn’t stop with your guests. Hotels that invest in employee wellbeing, like flexible schedules, mental health support, or meditation breaks, see happier teams and better service.
AI and Smart Tech Behind the Scenes
Artificial intelligence is helping hotels understand their guests better than ever. By analysing past preferences, AI can anticipate needs, from favourite amenities to ideal room temperature, creating that “home away from home” feeling.
Operationally, smart tech can:
- Optimise staffing and energy use
- Predict maintenance needs
- Support data-driven marketing campaigns and dynamic pricing
Sustainability Still Matters
Eco-conscious travellers are actively choosing hotels that align with their values. Sustainable initiatives don’t just help the planet, they enhance your guest experience.
Sustainability ideas to implement:
- Local and seasonal produce in restaurants
- Eco-friendly amenities and refillable toiletries
- Paperless check-ins and QR code guest guides
- Energy-saving lighting and water reduction programmes
- Recycling and food waste partnerships
Small, visible changes show guests your commitment to a greener future.
Thank you for reading this edition of The Astro Edit. Our goal is to help hoteliers and accommodation providers stay inspired and ahead of industry trends, creating the kinds of experiences that keep guests coming back.
If you enjoyed this insight, follow our page for next month’s edition, where we’ll share more ways to elevate your guest experience.