Spicing Up Your Valentine's Day Package

This time of year, I have the privilege of receiving a number of press releases about various hotels’ special Valentine’s Day packages and offers.

As you might expect, many involve chocolates, champagne, candles, breakfast in bed, bubble baths and/or massages.

Some add in romantic music or movies. Some include private-dining experiences. And scented body oils or lotions, as well as giggle-inspiring "romance kits" inevitably come into play as well…

How can your hotel stand out from the crowd? Try taking the usual ideas a step further, as Kimpton has done with its "Rub the One You’re With" escape. 

Instead of a romance package that involves his-and-hers massages or a couples’ massage, 29 Kimpton hotels across the U.S. and Canada are offering a private one-hour massage instructional class with a personal massage therapist, so that couples can learn to do something special for one another and help each other relax throughout the year.

There’s no cheesy "romance kit" involved here–just a private session where a massage therapist comes to the guestroom and teaches the soothing art of touch to couples, offering them a "hands-on" experience and a different way to stay intimate.

Sure, the package includes a take-home massage set with massage oil, an aromatherapy candle and aromatherapy bath salts, but hey, Kimpton’s got to include these items to promote the use of what couples learn on property, right?

Don’t get me wrong, this package is far from perfect, but at least it goes slightly beyond the usual lazy offer. That said, I challenge you to come up with interesting, value-added packages for your property that help you stand out from the crowd.

But don’t do it for me–my personal approval is pretty much worthless.

Do it for your guests–those who really get creative will surely be rewarded with additional bookings and business.