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Upselling in Hotels
Glossary
Upselling in Hotels
Updated
May 3, 2026

Upselling in Hotels

Upselling in hotels is when staff encourage guests to buy more expensive products or services than they originally booked. This can include room upgrades, late check-outs, spa treatments, or dining packages. The aim is to increase the money made per guest and enhance the guest experience.

What is upselling in hotels?

Upselling in hotels is when staff encourage guests to buy more expensive products or services than they originally booked. This can include room upgrades, late check-outs, spa treatments, or dining packages. The aim is to increase the money made per guest and enhance the guest experience.

How it applies to hotel operations

In everyday hotel operations, upselling is managed by the teams at the front desk, the teams that handle reservations, and digital systems. Staff identify opportunities at booking, check-in, or during the stay. If you do it right, upselling can increase the Average Daily Rate (ADR) and RevPAR without increasing costs.

Digital upselling tools and Property Management System (PMS) integrations automate these offers. Hotels can use guest data, like their stay history or preferences, to make upgrades that are relevant and non-intrusive.

How Viqal works

Viqal's AI-driven communication platform can detect what guests want to do in real time through messaging or voice interactions. When a guest says they want a more comfortable room, a larger space, or added convenience, Viqal automatically suggests things they can buy to make their stay better, like a suite, breakfast, or room service.

These suggestions are based on the customer's context, facilitating additional sales opportunities, and using data to do this reduces pressure on staff and improves how often customers buy.

Key Insight

To sell more, focus on guest needs rather than sales targets. People like personalised offers more and are happier with them.

Written by
Bram Haenraets
·
Co-founder & CEO

Bram is an entrepreneur focused on AI, hospitality, and digital product innovation. He writes about technology, automation, growth, and the future of hospitality.

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FAQ

Frequently asked.

01
How does upselling work in hotels?
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It uses guest interactions and data to present tailored upgrade or add-on options during booking, check-in, or messaging.

02
Why is upselling important for hotel operations?
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It boosts revenue per guest and enhances guest satisfaction without increasing acquisition costs.

03
What systems connect with upselling?
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Upselling integrates with PMS, CRM, and guest communication platforms like Viqal for real-time, personalised offers.

04
When is the best time to offer an upsell to guests?
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The best moments are during booking, at check-in, or mid-stay, when guests are most engaged and open to enhancing their experience.

05
Can upselling be automated?
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Yes. Automated systems can analyse guest data and behaviour to send personalised upgrade suggestions without staff intervention.

06
What is the difference between upselling and cross-selling?
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Upselling encourages a guest to buy a higher-value option of the same service, while cross-selling promotes complementary services, like spa treatments or dining packages.