Hotels face unique marketing challenges. You’re not just selling a room—you’re selling an experience, a feeling, and a promise of what guests will remember long after checkout. Video marketing has become the most powerful tool for hotels to showcase their properties, tell their stories, and inspire bookings.
Research shows that hotels using video marketing see 41% more bookings than those relying solely on photos and text. Video content allows potential guests to virtually experience your property, understand your amenities, and connect emotionally with your brand before they even arrive.
This comprehensive guide examines 12 outstanding hotel video marketing examples that have driven real results. You’ll discover proven strategies, creative approaches, and actionable insights to elevate your own hotel’s video marketing efforts.
Luxury Property Showcase Videos
1. The Ritz-Carlton: “Unforgettable Moments”
The Ritz-Carlton’s property showcase videos focus on experiences rather than amenities. Instead of simply showing rooms and restaurants, they capture moments—a couple watching the sunset from their balcony, a family laughing by the pool, business travelers finding peace in the spa.
Their video strategy emphasizes emotional storytelling over feature lists. Each video feels like a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle guests can experience, not just a virtual tour of facilities.
Key takeaway: Focus on the emotions and experiences your property enables, not just the physical spaces you provide.
2. Four Seasons: Destination Integration
Four Seasons creates videos that seamlessly blend their properties with local destinations. Their Bangkok property video doesn’t just show the hotel—it showcases the vibrant city, local culture, and unique experiences guests can access.
This approach positions Four Seasons as a gateway to authentic local experiences rather than an isolated luxury bubble. The strategy works particularly well for travelers seeking cultural immersion alongside luxury accommodations.
Key takeaway: Position your hotel as part of the destination experience, not separate from it.
Guest Experience Videos
3. Marriott: “Travel Brilliantly” Campaign
Marriott’s “Travel Brilliantly” campaign features real guests sharing authentic travel moments. These videos don’t feel scripted or overly polished—they capture genuine reactions and emotions from actual stays.
The campaign includes business travelers discussing productive meetings, families sharing vacation highlights, and solo travelers finding comfort in unfamiliar cities. This authentic approach builds trust and helps potential guests envision their own experiences.
Key takeaway: Authentic guest stories carry more weight than polished promotional content.
4. Airbnb: “Belong Anywhere” Stories
While technically a booking platform rather than a traditional hotel, Airbnb’s video strategy offers valuable lessons for hospitality marketing. Their guest experience videos show travelers forming genuine connections with hosts and local communities.
These videos demonstrate that memorable travel experiences often come from human connections, not just luxury amenities. Hotels can adapt this approach by highlighting how their staff creates personal connections with guests.
Key takeaway: Emphasize the human connections that make stays memorable.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
5. The Peninsula Hotels: Culinary Excellence
The Peninsula Hotels creates behind-the-scenes videos showcasing their culinary teams. These videos follow executive chefs sourcing ingredients, preparing signature dishes, and training kitchen staff.
This approach builds credibility for their dining experiences while humanizing the brand. Viewers gain appreciation for the skill and dedication behind each meal, justifying premium pricing and encouraging restaurant bookings from both guests and locals.
Key takeaway: Showcase the expertise and passion behind your services to justify premium positioning.
6. Westin Hotels: Wellness Focus
Westin’s behind-the-scenes videos highlight their wellness initiatives, from their signature workout gear to their partnership with nutritionists developing healthy menu options. These videos appeal to health-conscious travelers while differentiating Westin from competitors.
The content addresses growing traveler interest in maintaining wellness routines while away from home. By showcasing their commitment to guest wellness, Westin attracts travelers who prioritize health and fitness.
Key takeaway: Align your video content with evolving traveler preferences and lifestyle trends.
Seasonal and Event-Driven Content
7. The Breakers: Holiday Traditions
The Breakers in Palm Beach creates annual holiday videos showcasing their seasonal decorations, special events, and festive atmosphere. These videos have become anticipated traditions for past guests and inspire new bookings for holiday celebrations.
Their Christmas video tour generates significant social media engagement and direct bookings for holiday stays. The content creates emotional connections with viewers who want to be part of these magical seasonal experiences.
Key takeaway: Seasonal content can become annual traditions that guests actively anticipate and share.
8. Kimpton Hotels: Local Event Integration
Kimpton creates videos connecting their properties to local events and festivals. Their videos show how guests can experience major city events while enjoying the comfort and convenience of staying at Kimpton properties.
This strategy helps guests understand the value of staying at their hotels during peak event periods when rates are typically higher. The videos justify premium pricing by demonstrating unique access and convenience.
Key takeaway: Connect your property to local events and attractions to justify premium pricing and drive bookings during peak periods.
Educational and Inspirational Content
9. MGM Resorts: Entertainment Preview
MGM Resorts creates videos previewing their entertainment offerings, from Cirque du Soleil shows to celebrity chef restaurants. These videos serve as both marketing tools and booking drivers for specific experiences.
The content helps guests plan their stays while showcasing the full value of choosing MGM properties. Viewers can see exactly what entertainment options are available, making it easier to justify longer stays and additional spending.
Key takeaway: Educational content about your offerings helps guests maximize their experience while increasing your revenue per guest.
10. Sandals Resorts: Destination Education
Sandals creates educational videos about their Caribbean destinations, covering local culture, activities, and attractions. These videos help guests understand what makes each location special while positioning Sandals as the expert guide to Caribbean travel.
The educational approach builds trust while inspiring travelers to book longer stays or return to explore different Sandals properties. The content serves both first-time visitors and repeat guests planning new adventures.
Key takeaway: Position your brand as the expert guide to your destination or region.
Social Media Optimized Content
11. W Hotels: Instagram-First Strategy
W Hotels creates short-form videos specifically optimized for Instagram Stories and TikTok. Their content features vibrant visuals, trending music, and quick cuts that capture attention in crowded social media feeds.
The strategy targets younger travelers who discover and research hotels primarily through social media. Their videos showcase the energy and style that appeals to millennial and Gen Z travelers seeking Instagram-worthy experiences.
Key takeaway: Create platform-specific content that matches where your target audience spends their time.
12. Boutique Hotel Collection: User-Generated Content
Several boutique hotel brands encourage guests to create video content during their stays, then feature the best submissions in their marketing campaigns. This approach provides authentic content while encouraging social media engagement.
The strategy works particularly well for boutique properties that want to showcase their unique character and appeal to travelers seeking distinctive experiences. Guest-created content feels more authentic than brand-produced videos.
Key takeaway: Encourage and leverage user-generated content to build authentic brand advocacy.
Implementing Video Marketing for Your Hotel
These examples demonstrate that successful hotel video marketing requires understanding your audience, showcasing authentic experiences, and telling compelling stories. Whether you’re marketing a luxury resort or a boutique property, the principles remain consistent.
Start by identifying what makes your property unique. Consider your location, amenities, service style, and target guests. Then create video content that showcases these differentiators while addressing common guest concerns and desires.
Focus on the emotions you want to evoke. Luxury hotels might emphasize relaxation and indulgence, while business hotels could highlight efficiency and connectivity. Family resorts should showcase fun and togetherness, while boutique properties might emphasize uniqueness and local culture.
Remember that video marketing success isn’t about production budgets—it’s about authenticity, storytelling, and understanding your audience. A smartphone video that captures genuine guest joy can be more effective than an expensive production that feels scripted.
Measuring Your Video Marketing Success
Track metrics that matter to your business goals. Views and engagement are important, but focus on conversion metrics like booking inquiries, website traffic, and direct bookings. Monitor which videos generate the most qualified leads and bookings.
Pay attention to seasonal patterns and guest feedback. Videos that perform well during certain seasons or events can become annual marketing assets. Guest comments and questions can also inspire future video content ideas.
Use video analytics to understand which content resonates most with your audience. This data helps refine your strategy and allocate resources to the most effective video types.
Your Video Marketing Strategy Starts Now
The hospitality industry’s most successful brands understand that video marketing isn’t optional—it’s essential for competing in today’s digital landscape. Travelers expect to see and experience properties before booking, making video content a crucial part of the decision-making process.
Start with one or two video types that align with your brand and audience. Focus on quality storytelling over production value, and always prioritize authenticity over perfection. Your unique perspective and genuine passion for hospitality are your greatest assets in creating video content that truly resonates with potential guests.
