Three BOOtiful Marketing Ideas to Haunt Your Hotel This Halloween

Image by RevPar Media for Westhouse, NYC

Goodbye summer, hello pumpkin spice everything and friendly ghosts. Halloween isn’t just for kids and costume parties anymore—it’s a golden opportunity for hotels to create unforgettable experiences, boost off-season bookings, and generate serious social media buzz.

No more candy corn at the front desk. This year, captivate your guests with these three spooktacular marketing ideas that will have them booking a stay just for the thrill of it.

1. Host a "Spooky Soirée" 

Why offer a room when you can offer an experience? A curated package is the perfect way to add value and create a memorable weekend getaway.

The pitch: A complete Halloween-themed staycation package designed for couples, families, or your ghost-hunting friends.

What to Include:

• Boo-tiful Accommodations: Decorate rooms with subtle Halloween decor—think pumpkin-scented welcome candles, themed throw pillows, or a "trick-or-treat" bag waiting for them.

• Ghoulish Gourmet: Partner with your restaurant or bar to create a special menu. Think "Blood Red" Velvet Cake, "Witch's Brew" Cocktails.

• Frightful Fun: Include tickets to a local haunted house or hayride. If you have the space, host your own: a not-too-scary haunted hallway for kids or a sophisticated cocktail hour in a "haunted" ballroom for adults.

• The Take-Home: A parting gift like a custom-branded mug for their morning "Ghostly Brew" (coffee) or a Halloween-themed cookie from your pastry chef.

Promote this as the ultimate, hassle-free Halloween celebration. Target local audiences with social media ads saying, “Don’t host, just haunt! Let us handle the Halloween party this year.” Use high-quality photos of the food, decor, and cocktails.

2. Create a "Ghost Story" Content Campaign

Every building has a story. Do you have an older hotel? Use it to your advantage. Find the ghost in those halls and use this strategy to build intrigue.

The Pitch: Lean into your hotel’s history (real or embellished) by creating a friendly, fictional ghost character and create a content campaign around it.

How to Execute:

Give your ghost a name and a backstory. Perhaps it's "Mary Anne," the friendly ghost of a 1920s flapper looking for her pearls, or "The Captain," a lost seaman looking for his lost ship and hidden treasure.

Post "sightings" on socials or clues about your ghost, weeks leading up to Halloween. "Guests in Room 310 reported the scent of rose perfume and the sound of big band music last night... has Mary Anne been visiting?"

Your hotel isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a place with a personality. This campaign is perfect for generating organic engagement and curiosity on social media.

Image by RevPar Media for Park Central Hotel, NYC

3. Run a "Howl-oween" Pet Promotion

No need to leave your four-legged-friends at home. Have them in on the holiday fun.

The Pitch: A package designed for families and their pets, focusing on fun rather than fright.

What to Include:

• Paw-ty Favors: A welcome gift for pets: a Halloween-themed toy, a bandana, or milkbones.

• Costume Contest: Host a pet and/or kid costume contest in your lobby or courtyard. Offer prizes like a free night's stay, a gift card to your restaurant, or a basket of local goodies.

• Trick-or-Treat: Set up a safe, indoor trick-or-treat trail through your hallways or common areas, with different stations manned by your staff.

• Pumpkin Carving or Painting: Provide small pumpkins and decorating kits for a family activity.

Target local families on Facebook and Instagram with ads showcasing the pet and kid-friendly activities. Use the hashtag #Howloween and encourage users to post photos of their costumed pets and kids at your hotel for a chance to win a prize. This drives organic engagement!

The key to a successful Halloween marketing campaign is to create an original experience. Transform a simple overnight stay into a story your guests are excited to share with their friends and family. Whether you go for sophisticated Halloween scares, historical haunts, or family-friendly fun, using these ideas will help you capture the spirit of the season and fill more rooms.

Let’s Haunt!

Ready to get started? Which spooktacular idea will you try first? Share your own hauntingly good marketing ideas in the comments below! If you like our ideas, book a consultation with us, and let’s get started on your next holiday marketing campaign!