How to Increase Hotel Revenue with Add-On Services

Hotel add-on services are the extras guests can choose beyond the room itself. They may look small; a late check-out, an airport transfer, or a welcome drink, but together they make a big difference. These services bring in extra income for the hotel while also making the stay more enjoyable for the guest.

In this post, we’ll explain what add-on services are in hotels. You’ll also see examples of the most effective add-ons in four key areas: comfort upgrades, food and beverage, travel convenience, and concierge experiences. Beyond that, we’ll look at how staff training and smart hotel technologies can make upselling easier and more natural.

So let’s start with the basics—what exactly are hotel add-on services?

What are hotel add-on services?

Hotel add-on services are optional extras that guests can choose to make their stay more comfortable, convenient, or memorable. It can turn a standard booking into a personalized stay, which makes guests more likely to return and recommend the hotel to others.

For example, an add-on could be as small as bottled water or a welcome snack, or as significant as a spa treatment, airport transfer, or a guided city tour. These services give guests flexibility to customize their stay based on their needs and interests.

It’s also important to note the difference between similar terms:

Add-on services are optional upgrades that cost extra, like premium dining packages or late check-out.

Add-in services are included in the room rate, like free breakfast or complimentary parking.

Ad-hoc services are one-off or special requests, such as arranging flowers in a room for an anniversary.

Revenue-Boosting Hotel Add-On Services

Not all add-ons for hotels work the same way. Some are about comfort, others about convenience, and some are about creating unique memories. The best approach is to offer a mix that matches your guests’ needs and your hotel’s identity. Here are four key areas where hotels can boost revenue while improving guest satisfaction.

Room & Guest Comfort Upgrades

Guests often look for small comforts that make their stay easier. Premium room upgrades are the most direct option, whether that means a better view, a larger suite, or a private balcony. But smaller details also count. Extra pillows, an ironing board, or luggage handling can make a guest feel cared for.

Simple add-ons like a courtesy tray with tea and coffee, a grooming kit, or baby-friendly items such as a crib or high chair often cost little for the hotel but add significant value to the stay.

Food & Beverage Add-Ons that Sell More

Food is one of the easiest areas for upselling because it fits naturally into a guest’s day. In-room dining packages, minibar bundles, or welcome drinks give guests quick convenience.

Offering meal plans or exclusive dining experiences, such as a wine-tasting dinner or seasonal menu, creates opportunities for both higher spending and stronger guest memories.

Travel & Convenience Add-Ons Guests Pay For

Travel can be stressful, and guests are often willing to pay extra for a smoother experience. Services like airport transfers, shuttle buses, or even a reliable taxi arrangement reduce hassle. Early check-in and late check-out are also highly valued, especially by international travelers.

Practical items—like universal adapters, city maps, or bottled water; may seem small but are often the exact things a guest needs on arrival.

Concierge & Experience Add-Ons That Drive Loyalty

Concierge services that include restaurant reservations, event tickets, or guided excursions can transform a stay. Hotels can also organize on-site options such as cooking classes, yoga sessions, wine tastings, or live entertainment nights.

Custom packages for couples, families, or groups are another strong option. For example, a “romantic getaway” bundle with champagne and spa access, or a “family explorer” deal with discounted tickets for local attractions. These experiences are not only profitable but also help guests feel connected to the hotel and destination.

Training Staff to Maximize Add-On Sales

Even the best add-on services won’t sell themselves. Guests need to know about them, and that’s where staff play a central role. The way a service is presented often makes the difference between a guest saying “no” and a guest saying “yes.”

Here are a few practical ways to train staff for upselling:

Use simple upselling scripts

Staff don’t need to be pushy. Instead, they can suggest add-ons based on guest needs. For example: “Since you’re arriving early, would you like to add early check-in for a small fee?”

Practice with real examples

Role-play during training helps staff feel confident and natural when offering add-ons.

Know the products well

A guest will only trust the offer if the staff member can explain the details clearly—whether it’s about spa services, shuttle times, or dinner menus.

Offer small incentives

Staff are more motivated when they benefit from successful upselling. Simple reward systems can encourage participation.

Review and improve

Collect guest feedback, share positive stories, and adjust training when something isn’t working.

Upselling works best when it feels like genuine service, not sales pressure. If staff focus on solving guest problems and improving comfort, add-on services will naturally feel like part of the experience.

Using Smart Hotel Technologies to Increase Add-On Revenue

Modern hotel technologies make it easier to offer add-on services at the right moment. Mobile check-in apps, in-room tablets, and smart room systems can suggest upgrades without interrupting the guest’s stay. For example, a guest might choose late check-out, a room upgrade, or faster Wi-Fi directly through the app.

These tools also reduce pressure on staff while giving guests control over their experience. For more details on how hotels use these technologies to improve service and boost revenue, check out our blog on smart hotel technologies.

Final Thoughts

Hotel add-on services are more than just extras, they are a way to make a guest’s stay more comfortable, convenient, and memorable. From room upgrades and dining packages to airport transfers and curated experiences, these services give guests choices that match their needs.

When implemented thoughtfully, add-ons increase revenue while improving satisfaction and loyalty. Staff training, smart technologies, and well-designed offerings all work together to make upselling feel natural rather than forced.

By focusing on meaningful add-ons, hotels can create memorable experiences that keep guests coming back and recommending the property to others.