The Soundtrack of Hospitality

Unleashing the Power of Music in Hotels to Enhance Guest Satisfaction and Revenue

Music can play a significant and memorable role in enhancing the overall experience at any restaurant, bar, hotel or resort. Whether it's smooth jazz to help guests feel relaxed as soon as they arrive, or upbeat tunes played during the day - music has the power to create an emotional connection that leads to increased guest satisfaction and loyalty.

By carefully selecting music across various areas of a space that aligns with its brand identity, a business in hospitality can position themselves as unique amongst their competitors. Not only will thoughtful music curation elevate the guest experience, it can also boost the revenue for hotels by encouraging guests to dwell longer, come back again and even spend more. Choosing the right songs is no easy feat, which is why many savvy hotel operators ask for a little bit of help from seasoned music curators or music consulting agencies. With so much riding on those notes, you'll want your tune selection pitch perfect.

With so much riding on those notes, you'll want your tune selection pitch perfect.

Atmosphere and Ambience

The right choice of music can create a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere, transporting guests to another place. Soft, soothing melodies in the lobby or public areas of hotels can help relax visitors and put them at ease while vibrant tunes may fill the bar or restaurant with uplifting energy. When it comes to cornering the demographic your hotel desires, music selection is a key element. Picking songs that align with guest's tastes will give them an unforgettable experience they won't forget. Do not limit yourself to one type of mood or style, there are plenty of music genres out there for every occasion. From classical arrangements for romantic dinners, bossanova for a bubbly lunch or deep house for sunsets by the pool or a popping dinner.

Emotional Connection

Music has the power to evoke emotions and create a connection with guests like nothing else. By selecting music that resonates with the hotel's brand ethos, design, interiors or location, guests will feel a stronger emotional attachment to the hotel. This emotional connection will lead to increased guest satisfaction and loyalty.

It takes less than 1.4 nanoseconds for sound to make an impression. Music can help capitalize on each guest experience.

Music can also align with a special event or holiday season to create the appropriate atmosphere for each time of year. When considering tempo for background music within a hospitality space, it's important to consider the type of mood you are trying to create. What is the purpose of the music in a particular space at this time of day? If relaxation is the goal, slower tempo songs should be curated, lite, gentle songs; if energy is required then faster tracks should be considered.

Music can increase your hotel brand’s favourability by 46%

Another element to explore when customizing guest experience using sound includes technology. The right hardware and software can allow businesses to easily control the music. Music can play across multiple areas simultaneously. Such technology provides another layer by which the music provider can offer the hotel the flexibility to control the music themselves. Or they can leave it entirely up to the expert - the music curator. A good curator should always be available for communication with hotel management making it easy to adjust and refine the music experience service at any given time.

Brand Identity

Music can be an essential element in shaping a businesses brand identity. By curating a unique and memorable playlist that aligns with the hotel's values and target audience, hotels can differentiate themselves from competitors. Something as simple as consistency in the music selection across various touch points, such as in-room playlists, common areas, and even phone hold music, helps reinforce the brand image and leaves a lasting impression on guests.

What is the purpose of the music in a space at a particular time of day?

It is important to consider how each song selection relates to the hotel’s brand values. These songs should not only identify with the hotel’s target market – they should speak directly to their individual needs and desires. For example, hotels may choose music that reflects a ‘luxury feel’ such as smooth jazz or classical music in order to create an upscale ambience. Alternatively, if a hotel aims to be seen as a fun and trendy destination then more upbeat current music is likely better suited.

Playing popular songs can help capture short-term attention but it is also important to ensure these selections make sense alongside the brands core offerings. This highlights the importance of designing long term experiences rather than short trends that quickly come and go. The combination of well placed interesting songs along with artistic yet commercially successful titles will help maintain relevance over time; the constant effort required here suggests regular review of the music and moods throughout the year, matching seasonal moods and new music trends released by artists both old and upcoming - always staying fresh will keep guests delighted and impressed.

Increased Revenue

The right music can contribute to increased spending and revenue generation. For instance, carefully selected music in a restaurant or bar can influence guest behavior, such as increasing the likelihood of ordering additional drinks or prolonging their dwell time. Offering curated playlists or access to music streaming services in guest hotel rooms can be an added amenity, appealing to music-loving guests and potentially driving additional revenue streams.

To leverage the benefits of tailored background music, it is crucial to consider factors such as target audience, brand identity, the purpose of the music in each space, and the desired guest experience. Consulting with curators like Sound You Can Feel a background music provider with 20 years experience and help any Hotel brand create a thoughtful strategy, ensuring the music aligns with the brand objectives, resulting in an exceptional guest and more profits for the Hotel.

SYCF is a bespoke music consultancy based in Dubai.

www.soundyoucanfeel.me

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