Anyone who has worked in hospitality knows how important customer care is. Taking care of your guests is paramount to your success: more than 95% of people say customer experience is a major factor when choosing brands. If you want to turn one-time guests into regulars, you need to make sure they’re satisfied — and everything starts with a simple, warm welcome message.
A welcome message (also called a welcome letter or welcome note) is a short message intended to greet guests and provide necessary information about your property. It can be printed, emailed, or sent via SMS or messaging apps.
A good welcome message makes guests feel appreciated while giving them useful information. It’s the first step in the guest journey and can create a positive first impression that extends through their stay.
Welcome messages matter because guests often form impressions before they arrive. Modern travelers research and interact with hotels well before check-in. Key reasons to send welcome messages:
A warm, friendly, and helpful tone is essential. Hospitality is “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests,” so your message should:
Avoid including heavy policy details or terms already covered in the booking confirmation. Also, keep the message concise and avoid overly trendy or overly casual language.
Use technology to deliver messages efficiently and timely. Common delivery methods include:
The delivery method matters, but the message itself is key. First impressions last, so design messages to be brief, friendly, and useful.
Introduce yourself and your team. Be clear about what guests can expect and only promise what you can deliver. Consistency builds trust and revenue.
Include relevant details: events near the hotel, special deals, amenities, parking, shuttle services, or any time-sensitive info. Personalized information (e.g., check-in date, room type) increases perceived care.
Choose phrases like “warm welcome” and “thank you for choosing us.” Positive wording helps create a better emotional response and sets the tone for the stay.
Avoid long paragraphs. A good welcome message should be short and sweet — aim for under five sentences: greet the guest, welcome them, and offer a couple of helpful tips.
Personalize by name and include relevant details (check-in date/time, room type). Personalization increases engagement — guests are more likely to respond positively to tailored messages.
Use these examples as templates or inspiration. Replace placeholders such as , , and with real details.
A welcome message is a valuable asset and the first step in a positive guest experience. HelloShift offers tools to create personalized welcome messages using automated templates, enabling you to:
Properties using HelloShift report 30% reduction in guest complaints, 2x faster issue resolution, and 40% fewer front desk calls thanks to AI Assistant and digital guidebooks.
HelloShift customers report 30% fewer guest complaints and 2x faster issue resolution. Our AI handles routine guest requests, digital guidebooks reduce front desk calls by 40%, and preventive maintenance checklists prevent costly breakdowns.
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