Why 7 days before arrival is your sweet spot
Hoteliers have long searched for the magic formula to increase booking revenue without relying solely on raising room rates. While upselling and add-ons are nothing new, what's emerging is a clearer picture of when to prompt guests with those offers.
It turns out, timing is everything.
The psychology of the pre-arrival guest
Consider the guest journey: months before their stay, travellers commit to what's often a large discretionary expense - accommodation. At the moment of booking, the sticker shock of the room rate often makes them cautious. Extras like spa treatments, wine on arrival, or restaurant packages are easy to decline when the cost is fresh in mind.
Fast forward to just before check-in, however, and the picture changes. By then, the upfront booking expense is a distant memory. Guests have worked another pay cycle or two, their excitement for the trip is building, and their mindset shifts from "can I afford this?" to "how can I make this trip truly special?"
Why it matters
Data from the RMS revenue engine suggests that the sweet spot for boosting guest spend at your property is one week before arrival.
At this point:
- The financial pressure has eased: Guests have replenished their bank accounts since the initial booking.
- The anticipation is real: They're imagining themselves at your property, often scrolling your website or Instagram for inspiration.
- They're ready to indulge: A bottle of wine, a room upgrade, or a local experience now feels like a justifiable treat.
This is when a well-timed communication - an email, SMS, or in-app message - has the highest chance of converting.
Turning timing into revenue 🚀
The key for operators isn't just knowing this window exists - it's acting on it consistently. Automated pre-arrival campaigns set to trigger around 7 days before check-in can transform passive bookings into higher-value stays.
Smart hoteliers are using these touch-points to offer:
- Welcome packages (wine, cheese boards, flowers).
- Experiences (guided tours, cooking classes, adventure activities).
- Upgrades (premium rooms, late check-out, early check-in).
- On-property services (restaurant reservations, spa treatments).
Automating upgrade revenue with RMS
This is where technology becomes a game-changer. With RMS triggered correspondence, operators can set up fully automated campaigns that send personalized pre-arrival messages exactly when they're most likely to convert - 7-10 days before the guest arrives.
Whether it's an email offering a room upgrade, an SMS promoting your restaurant, or a reminder about available tours, RMS makes it simple to schedule, personalize, and automate these communications. Once configured, the system runs in the background, ensuring every guest gets a timely nudge to enhance their stay - and boost your bottom line.
A win-win for guests and operators
For guests, this communication feels like thoughtful service: a chance to make their stay more enjoyable and memorable. For operators, it's a low-effort, high-return strategy to drive incremental revenue, improve guest satisfaction, and differentiate the property experience.
As the industry becomes more competitive, small shifts like when you upsell can make a big impact. And right now, around 7 days before arrival looks to be the golden window.
