Low ADR isn’t the disease—it’s a symptom.
And too many hoteliers keep treating it like the actual problem.
Push harder on sales…
Tweak dynamic pricing…
Add a clever campaign or some fancy new tech…
Sure, these might help in the short term.
But they’re band-aids. Not a cure.
It’s like taking ibuprofen for heart failure.
It might dull the discomfort…
But it won’t fix the blockage.
If your brand is forgettable, your story unclear, and your guest experience uninspired—no pricing tool will save you.
And chasing higher ADR by sacrificing occupancy?
That’s a race to the bottom, too.
Want to treat the cause, not just the symptoms? Try this…
1. Design for Desire, Not Demographics
Don’t target “millennials” or “business travelers.” Design for feelings: escape, nostalgia, connection, adventure. People pay more when they *feel* more.
2. Curate Hyper-Specific Experiences
Generic doesn’t sell. Unique does. If it’s rare, it’s valuable.
3. Elevate In-Room Merch & Upsells
Create immersive, brand-aligned moments. Amenities that create stories.
4. Make the Lobby a Destination
Lobbies shouldn’t be dimly lit ghost towns. Make it buzz: coffee, cocktails, culture, art. A vibrant lobby gives you permission to charge more upstairs.
5. Lead with Your “Onlyness”
If you’re not different, you’re forgettable. Boldly claim what makes you the only—and price accordingly and confidently.
6. Design Outdoor Spaces That Linger
Fire pits, hammock groves, garden paths. Landscape is experience. The longer they linger outside, the more they’ll pay to stay inside. Invest outside, returns inside.
7. Nail the F&B
It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. It just has to be on brand. A killer breakfast sandwich or signature cocktail can elevate the whole stay.
Remember….
You don’t fix ADR with discounts.
You fix it by becoming irresistible.
Tell a better story.
Build a better experience.
And watch the numbers follow.
#hospitalitybranding #ADRstrategy #boutiquehotels #guestexperience #hotelmanagement #hospitalitydesign #storydrivenbrands #experientialhospitality
