Like any passionate boutique hotel manager, you want to give your guests a memorable experience that has them telling all of their friends about your establishment. There’s just one problem. You are working with some tight budget constraints. 

There’s a common misconception that you’ve got to spend a fortune to create high-end experiences at your hotel. While that’s true of some unique hotel packages, not all offerings have to translate to higher operational costs for your establishment. 

You can immerse your guests in a luxurious and memorable hotel experience while simultaneously keeping costs down. Here’s everything you need to know. 

What Luxury Hotel Amenities Do Guests Actually Want? 

What do people actually expect when they step into a “luxury” hotel? Many Americans focus on the little things. A poll of nearly 1,200 Americans revealed that 71% of hotel guests expect their premium hotel to provide basic toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo. Additionally, 60% want personal care items like shaving cream and a shower cap. 

Here are a few other items on guests’ luxury wish lists:

• Slippers and robe (58%)
• Safe storage for valuables (60%)
• In-room coffee/tea (68%)
• Smart TV (68%)
• Free Wi-Fi (74%)
• Room service (70%)

Chances are that you are already offering at least some of these amenities. If not, it’s time to start. Now, here’s a list of unique hotel packages and budget-friendly amenities that can elevate the guest experience. 

7 Affordable Hotel Amenities That Create High-End Experiences 

Here are seven affordable but unique hotel packages and amenities to help your guests feel like they’ve just fallen into the lap of luxury. 

• Efficient Use of Space

The layout and configuration of your rooms will have a huge impact on the guest experience. Thoughtfully consider the vibe of your rooms and what guests will feel as soon as they walk in. Does the room feel inviting and cozy, or does it seem cluttered and too busy? 

Making better use of your space is one of the most affordable hotel amenities you can offer. In many instances, you can make the space better by removing outdated or unnecessary items that don’t align with the hotel theme. Addition by subtraction is one of the best ways to enhance the guest experience. 

• Local Partnerships

Team up with local businesses to offer exclusive access to products and services from nearby artisans, farmers, and suppliers. There are numerous budget-friendly ways to approach this. 

For example, you could buy soap from a local company and then provide guests with information about the business. You’ve got to purchase toiletries anyway. Why not support a neighboring business in the process? 

Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the hotel’s restaurant is another example. This strategy provides guests with gourmet dining experiences and may even lower your supply costs. 

• Personalization and Attention to Detail

The aforementioned survey demonstrates that guests care about the little things when booking luxury stays. Paying attention to minute details and adding a few basic amenities to your rooms can give your hotel an air of luxury. 

You should also explore ways to make the stay personalized. You could add a hand-signed note with the guest’s name on it, welcoming them to the hotel. This is a low-cost option that may have a big impact on a guest’s overall experience. 

• Add-On Packages

Here are a few hotel package ideas to spark your creativity:

• Wellness retreat
• Local culture immersion
• Romantic getaway
• Adventure-seeking experience
• Gourmet dining

These packages can be a great upselling opportunity to increase hotel revenue. If you don’t have the infrastructure to offer these packages internally, partner with local businesses to accommodate your guests’ needs. 

For example, if someone purchases the romantic getaway package, your staff could make reservations at a high-end restaurant on their behalf and arrange for flowers to be delivered to the room. 

• Complimentary Perks

Many boutique hotels offer complimentary perks such as welcome drinks, daily breakfast, Wi-Fi, and even evening wine and cheese receptions. Explore these and other complimentary offerings to identify perks that align with guest preferences and your budget. 

Don’t feel as though you must incorporate every perk. A few thoughtful add-ons can provide additional value to your guests and make them feel pampered. 

• Spa and Wellness Facilities

If you already have a spa and wellness area, ensure you are adequately leveraging it and highlighting the services you offer. Offering on-site facials, massages, and other treatments can drastically enhance the luxurious vibe of your establishment.

If you don’t have the facilities or staff to offer spa and wellness amenities, consider partnering with local providers. Ensure that any businesses you team up with align with your values and culture. 

Remember, contractors and other outsourced staff are an extension of your team. If they perform well, guests will leave with a better perception of your business. If any contractor underdelivers, the guest will have a diminished perception of your hotel. 

• Exceptional Core Services

Boutique and luxury hotels do the little things exceptionally well. Excelling in these areas begins and ends with the quality of your hotel staff. Ensure that your employees understand the establishment’s core values and culture. 

Reiterate the importance of giving guests a one-of-a-kind experience. Thoroughly onboard all new hires so they can live up to the reputation you’ve developed with guests. 

Every member of your team throughout the organization must provide a consistent, high-quality experience. Housekeeping, cooks, front desk staff, and valets can all add to or detract from your reputation. 

Use These Unique Hotel Packages to Differentiate Your Establishment 

As you can see, there are plenty of unique hotel packages and amenities to make your boutique hotel stand out. The key is to review these and other options to determine which offerings best align with the theme of your establishment and the needs of your guests. Consider which amenities you can implement without a large upfront investment, and prioritize those offerings first.

As you build momentum and increase revenue, consider adding more luxurious amenities to your boutique hotel. Over time, you will position your establishment as a guest-centric, luxurious destination.