40% Return Guests & Communications Strategy Gone Viral
Dive in the case study of Chalets Hygge, a boutique vacation rental with unique vision on guest communications, experience and local ties.
January 8, 2024
Challenges
Goals
The Problem
The focus on return business, required finding new ways to strengthen guest relations and increase engagement. Guest communication was mainly through email, often less convenient for guests desiring quicker or more direct interaction methods.
“People don’t check emails while on vacation.”
For bookings made through OTAs, like Airbnb, collecting guest emails and other information was not always available. This caused missed opportunities for personal contact and relationship building with guests.
Revenue generation was largely confined to direct bookings, with minimal exploration of other potential income avenues.
The Solution
The company implemented SMS for more immediate, personal interactions, enhancing engagement and comfort in reaching out. All messages are consolidated into a unified inbox, allowing to efficiently manage conversations with guests. The recurring messages and frequently asked questions are automated to save time for meaningful guest interactions.
The guest data collection capabilities enhance the operator’s CRM. This adds personalized touches like tailored welcome notes and helps remembering specific guest details, allowing to strengthened guest relationships.
They also added new revenue streams by partnering with local restaurants and spas. These upselling opportunities not only increased income but also enrich the guest experience.
These strategies, rooted in core values, have been key to creating a personal and welcoming guest experience, significantly boosting success.
About the company
Chalets Hygge
Location:
The Eastern Townships, Orford, Quebec
Listings:
3
Employees:
3 Fulltime + 3 Part-time Cleaners
Unit Type:
Scandinavian-style ski chalets
Building a Vacation Rental Brand with Emotional Experience and Local Ties
Chalets Hygge, nestled in Orford, Quebec, offers a Scandinavian-style retreat perfect for exploring the region. Founded by Kerri and Philippe, two former corporate executives, this charming haven comprises six chalets. Each chalet is thoughtfully equipped with all the comforts of home, reflecting the founders’ commitment to providing a cozy, memorable stay for their guests.During a 2017 sabbatical, the founder discovered a passion for design and hospitality. This journey began with renovating and converting a ski chalet into a short-term rental. This newfound interest led to the acquisition and transformation of five additional properties. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to refine the booking strategy. In 2020, the founder, along with partner Philippe, transitioned to making hospitality their full-time career, finding purpose in acts of service, quality time, and the hospitality industry.They are passionate about helping guests rediscover their hygge. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the importance of creating a feeling of hygge is often overlooked. Whether guests find contentment and well-being in a bike ride, a picnic along the wine route, or gathering around a fire with family and friends, their chalets are designed to help guests find their own sense of hygge.
Exploring Chalets Hygge’ Pillars of Success
Premium Guest Communications
Chalets Hygge’s communication strategy is centered around creating a personal and direct connection with their guests. Recognizing the limitations of email, they have implemented SMS as a key communication channel. This shift to text messaging allows for more immediate and intimate interactions, fostering a sense of closeness and accessibility. Guests can easily reach out for various needs, including inquiries and new bookings, enhancing their overall engagement and experience.
The process includes personalized touch points throughout the guest journey, such as tailored welcome notes and using specific details. For example names of their kids, pets or reasons for their stay. This level of personalization not only strengthens relationships but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to a warm and welcoming approach.
The operators effectively collect and use guest information, ensuring that each interaction is as personalized and relevant as possible. This aligns with their brand ethos of creating a homely and hospitable environment, making guests feel part of the Hygge story.
Upsells and Local Partnerships
Operators have strategically partnered with local businesses to boost revenue and enhance guest experience through a variety of add-on offers. These collaborations include arrangements with nearby restaurants to provide pre-cooked meals, for convenient dining options right at guests’ fingertips.
Additionally, they have teamed up with local spas, offering guests the luxury of booking spa services easily. Candles in the chalets, made by a local craftsman and available for purchase, add to the authentic experience
This approach not only generates additional income streams for Chalets Hygge but also adds significant value to the guests’ stay. It makes the vacation more enjoyable and hassle-free. By tapping into these local partnerships, Chalets Hygge has successfully created a more comprehensive and appealing hospitality package.
Collaborative Marketing Strategy
Chalets Hygge’s marketing strategy is deeply rooted in promoting a local, authentic experience, intertwined with the personal touch of its founders. Central to their approach is showcasing the chalets themselves, local activities, and businesses in the region. This strategy is executed through various channels, including their website, social media, and even paid advertisements. They emphasize the unique aspects of their chalets and the surrounding area, often highlighting local attractions and businesses.
By actively engaging with local tourism boards and leveraging social media, they have built strong partnerships with other businesses, often featuring them in their marketing materials.
This active involvement has significantly increased media exposure, positioning them as a key player in the region’s tourism sector. They capitalize on this exposure by working with influencers and hosting journalists in their chalets, further amplifying their reach.
