In a highly competitive hospitality market, glowing guest reviews aren’t just nice to have, they're essential. Whether you're running a boutique hotel, a holiday cottage, or listing a spare room on Airbnb, your reviews influence bookings, pricing power, and visibility on platforms.
So how can you consistently earn 5-star ratings and heartfelt feedback? One of the simplest yet most effective tools is often overlooked: the welcome pack for guests.
Why Welcome Packs Matter
According to a 2023 report from Airbnb, 75% of guests say small, thoughtful touches positively influence their overall experience. Booking.com notes that "first impressions" are among the top three drivers of positive reviews.
In our own business, we know that feelings drive gifting. The emotional lift someone gets when they feel welcomed translates directly into trust and satisfaction. A well-thought-out welcome pack taps into this psychology.
What Makes a Good Welcome Pack for Guests?
A good welcome pack does three things:
- Makes your guest feel seen and appreciated.
- Adds genuine convenience or comfort to their stay.
- Feels intentional, not generic.
It doesn’t need to be expensive. It's about creating a moment of delight that leaves a lasting impression.
Key Elements to Include:
- Practical items: Tea bags, coffee sachets, bottled water, or biscuits.
- Personal note: A handwritten welcome message builds instant rapport.
- Local tips: A small printed guide with favourite restaurants, walks, or hidden gems.
A simple example might be a box containing Twinings tea, Borders biscuits, a sachet of hot chocolate, and a welcome card. When packaged well (like Nibula Treats’ hampers), these little things feel luxurious.
Welcome Gift Baskets vs. Standard Packs
You might be wondering: should I go further and offer a welcome gift hamper?
The answer depends on your brand, budget, and guest expectations. For premium or longer-term stays, welcome gift baskets can elevate the experience dramatically. They also make your property more Instagrammable—driving organic promotion.
According to Statista (2023), 38% of millennial travellers said a personalised welcome or treat would "greatly increase the chance of leaving a positive review."
For repeat bookings, this is especially relevant. In the Nibula AI Strategy framework, doubling corporate and repeat clients was a key goal. Welcome gift baskets build emotional loyalty, which translates to repeat bookings in the hospitality world too.
ROI: The Business Case for Thoughtful Hospitality
You're not just giving snacks. You're investing in better reviews, stronger word-of-mouth, and reduced guest complaints.
- A study by Cornell University showed that a 1-star increase in review rating can lead to an 11% increase in booking revenue.
- Guests are 3x more likely to leave a review when they feel emotionally engaged during their stay.
In short: welcome packs cost a few pounds, but can increase revenue significantly by boosting your reputation.
A Few Practical Tips for Hosts
- Keep it consistent: Have a standard format, and only swap in seasonal or regional items.
- Stock in bulk: Use a system to track the items that go into each welcome pack.
- Add a branded element: A sticker, note card or tag with your property name makes the gift feel more personal.
- Mention it in your listing: Let potential guests know they’ll be welcomed with a treat.
Case Study: Delight in Action
One Airbnb Superhost in Cornwall reported a 22% increase in review mentions after introducing welcome gift baskets. Guests began posting photos, tagging their listing on social media, and rebooking within months. The baskets included a tea selection, biscuits, a postcard, and a mini jam set.
This is exactly the type of small operational upgrade that drives results. It’s also aligned with Nibula's mission: affordable luxury that delivers joy.
Final Thoughts
In a world of self-check-ins and digital keypads, human moments stand out. A welcome pack for guests is a small touch that speaks volumes.
It says: we care. You're not just another booking.
And when guests feel that? They leave better reviews, come back again, and tell their friends.