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Why storytelling (not discounts) is the real marketing power

May 19, 2025

Meet Laurean
Here, I share the kind of industry knowledge no textbook will ever teach, grounded in real-world experience from over 15 years leading marketing for global hotel groups

My goal is to help hotels build stronger brands, elevate their positioning, and drive more direct bookings.
The hotel marketing briefing

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Strategic insights for hotel leaders who expect marketing to deliver commercial results, not just activity.

Have you ever felt like your hotel marketing is just…noise?

You’re crafting Instagram posts, throwing out last-minute offers, and trying every new trend, yet something still isn’t clicking.

Guests aren’t engaging. Bookings feel inconsistent. Your message is getting lost in a sea of sameness.

Here’s why:
You’re trying to speak to everyone, and in doing so, you’re speaking to no one.

In 2025, hotel guests are no longer choosing properties based on price alone. They’re choosing based on values, emotion, and connection. They want to feel something before they ever book a stay.

They want to feel seen. Understood. Inspired.

That means your next “20% off” post won’t cut it.
What will?
A story. A real one. A strategic one.

The most iconic hotel brands aren’t shouting louder than others, they’re connecting more deeply.

They’re not just posting pretty pictures or promo codes.

They’re sharing brand narratives, showcasing meaningful experiences, and speaking directly to their ideal guests with empathy and purpose.

“We’re not selling beds. We’re selling belonging.”
That’s the mindset of modern hospitality marketing.

So how can you stand out and drive bookings in this noisy digital world?

  1. Define your brand voice: Are you bold and adventurous? Quiet luxury? Family-focused fun? Start there.
  2. Know your ideal guest inside-out: What do they value? What frustrates them? What kind of escape are they craving?
  3. Lead with emotion, not just logic: Think less “what we offer” and more “how we make you feel.”
  4. Create a narrative that connects: One that speaks directly to that one person you most want to attract.
  5. Be consistent: One powerful story told over time builds trust, authority, and long-term demand.

Ready to audit your current marketing landscape in just a few minutes?

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the Hotel Marketing Briefing

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Made for hotel leaders who expect marketing to drive commercial results, not just visibility.

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