Hotel Branding: Why it Matters

brand design plays a crucial role in shaping a hotel’s identity and reputation.

Hood River Hotel lobby
Hood River Hotel

“A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another,” said author, marketer, and entrepreneur Seth Godin.

couple looking at laptop

Let’s delve into the specifics

1. Establishing Reputation

Hotel branding involves creating a unique identity for a hotel. It’s about defining what makes the hotel distinct and memorable. When travelers hear the hotel’s brand name, they should know what to expect, from amenities to rewards programs. The brand design ensures that the hotel’s reputation aligns with its intended image.

2. Emotional Connection

Through storytelling and shared experiences, hotel branding fosters a personal and emotional connection between guests and the business. Whether it’s the font used in online ads or the hero image on the website, these elements contribute to the overall brand perception.

3. Setting Expectations

When a traveler encounters the hotel’s brand name, they should instantly grasp the level of service offered. Is it budget-friendly or a luxurious experience? The brand designer sets these expectations through branding.

4. Defining the Promise

The brand identity confirms the hotel’s mission and how it aims to fulfill that mission. It’s about expressing what the hotel stands for and how it intends to deliver on its promises.

Bottle of rosé in a hotel room
Woman in White Salmon hotel room

If you’re a boutique hotel, Inn or Lodge, looking to expand your reach, and your bookings, we’d love to hear from you.

Read More

Interview: Dina Avila

Meet Dina Avila, James Beard award winning photographer. One of our favorite artists in Portland.

Interview: Sam Gehrke

Meet Sam Gehrke, Portland freelance photographer wunderkind…

Interview: Melissa Evans

Meet Melissa Evans, the woman behind Lolleez® and Tumeez™ organic kid’s remedies.