Did you know that 75% of visitors are influenced by social media in selecting a destination? And if we talk about Instagram specifically, 40% select a hotel based on how Instagrammable it is.
So if you were thinking about ways of boosting the Instagram page of your hotel, you were doing the right thing. From WIWT, we bring you this complete guide for you to take your Instagram strategy to the next level!
What should your hotel post on Instagram? If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen, struggling to come up with ideas, you’re not alone.
From our perspective as a hotel marketing solution, we know that Instagram isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about engagement, storytelling, and driving bookings. The right content can turn followers into guests and guests into loyal fans.
In this guide, we’re sharing 20 creative Instagram post ideas for hotels that will keep your content fresh, attract new travelers, and boost your hotel’s online presence. Let’s dive in!
Article Summary:
- General Instagram Best Practices for Hotels
- THE 20 Best Instagram Post Ideas & Examples to Post for Your Hotel
- Stunning Hotel Photography
- Behind-the-Scenes Stories
- User-Generated Content (UGC)
- Guest Testimonials & Reviews
- Hotel Room & Amenity Showcases
- Destination Highlights
- Seasonal & Holiday Promotions
- Limited-Time Deals & Offers
- Food & Beverage Spotlights
- Staff Spotlights & Interviews
- Interactive Polls & Quizzes
- Travel Tips & Itineraries
- Event Promotions & Live Streams
- Instagram Contests & Giveaways
- Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Initiatives
- Throwback & Nostalgic Posts
- Partner with Influencers
- Instagram Reels & Short-Form Videos
- “Day in the Life” Story Takeovers
- Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots at Your Hotel
- Our Final Take on Posting on Instagram for your Hotel
Key Takeaways
- Engaging Instagram content can increase brand awareness and direct bookings.
- User-generated content (UGC) builds trust and authenticity.
- Video content & reels get higher engagement than static posts.
- Seasonal promotions & contests can drive revenue and brand visibility.
- Interactive posts (polls, quizzes, Q&A) encourage audience participation.
General Instagram Best Practices for Hotels
Prior to jumping into different Instagram post ideas for hotels, it is a good idea to be familiar with some best practices that will help your hotel to get the most out of this platform. Instagram is not just a picture-posting app—it is a powerful promotion tool that can bring direct bookings, loyalty to the brand, and high engagements from travelers.
At WIWT, we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to Instagram strategy.
Adhere to these best practices to achieve the highest reach and engagement.
1. Visuals and Aesthetics Are Key
Instagram is a visual platform. If you want to excel at it, you have to think from the point of view of a photographer or videographer when you create your content. Aesthetics is the first your audience is going to notice, so make sure the quality is on point.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Prioritize professional photography for getting the best results while capturing dining, amenities, and rooms.
- A good camera or phone is a key inversion for creating impactful Reels, Photos and Stories.
- Don’t forget about coherence. You want users to recognize your brand instantly, so keep your lighting and color tones consistent throughout your feed.
- And last, instead of uploading straight from your camera, edit pictures with photo editing apps like Lightroom or VSCO.
2. Video is the King
Instagram has its priorities clear —so should you! Reels and videos have more chances to be popular, because Instagram prioritizes them Therefore, they must be an important part of your strategy.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Don’t be hesitant to post short and funny Reels of hotel tours, employee experiences, or travel hacks.
- Trends can boost your account. Utilize popular sounds & music to increase visibility.
- Less is more. Make videos of less than 30 seconds for reaching a larger audience.
- Instagram is visual, yes, but don’t forget about the text! Captions allows you to engage with you audience.
3. You Have To Be in The Top of Mind of Your Audience
And the best way to do this is to show up frequently. Consistency is key, so make sure to appear in the stories section of your audience everyday. Give them content as frequently as possible, and communicate your value at every opportunity.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Be consistent with your posting frequency. Post at least 3-5 times weekly (mix of posts, Reels, and Stories).
- For assuring your post frequency, make sure to pre-schedule posts using Meta Business Suite or Later.
- Carousel posts give your audience another excuse to interact with your content. Keep people engage with your hotel using the format of your posts.
4. Instagram Stories? Everyday
You have to remind the people that already follows you the values of your hotel. One of the best ways of doing that is through Instagram Stories. They appear right at the top of the Instagram page of everybody. And you want to be there everyday.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- What are some of the things you can show to your followers on Instagram that, otherwise, they’ll never see? Communicate what are the actions that few people see and make your hotel great. That includes behind-the-scenes clips and daily updates.
- What’s better than just visibility? Exactly, engagement. Don’t be afraid of using polls, Q&A stickers, and countdowns to get interactions.
- And save those stories that you want to preserve! Create Story Highlights dedicated to FAQs about the hotels and your main attractions.
5. The Sky is the Limit: Use Strategic Hashtags & Geotags
One of the greatest things about a hotel is that there is no barriers for the audiences that want to enjoy in first person the experiences that you offer. Allow your content to be seen by the whole world with hashtags and location tags.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Combine niche and well-known hashtags to give your posts more visibility. You want your hotel to be popular, without forgetting of a more niche audience.
- Your hotel’s location and close attractions should always be marked. Make sure they know where you are!
- Encourage people to identify your hotel in their posts to increase visibility.
6. Engagement: Don’t Expect the Audience to Make the First Move
You have to talk to them. Ask questions, make polls… and when they reply, make sure you reply too! Be active in the comments and DMs.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Answer every post and message to help foster a feeling of camaraderie.
- Comment on posts where your hotel is mentioned and like.
- Re-append guest material and thank mentions.
7. What Your Bio Says About You?
Your bio is the presentation of your hotel. It’s the first thing your followers or target audience is going to read when they enter your profile, so make sure it’s informative, concise and action-drive.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Clearly define what distinguishes your hotel from the rest (e. g. , “Upscale Bali beachfront resort🌊”)
- Use Linktree or straight booking URLs to link to your reservations page.
- Contain a call-to-action (CTA) (e. g. , “Book your stay today! “).
8. Ads For Targeting Your Audience
If you use them correctly, ads can drive direct bookings to your hotel. An advertising plan that suits your hotel strategy can become one of your best inversions.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Go local! Use ads for searches of local hotels.
- What the guests are going to find when they arrive at your hotel? Don’t keep them waiting. Get people interested using carousel ads that show your rooms and installations.
- Don’t stick to one method only. Try various advertisement styles to see which one is most effective.
9. Influencer Marketing is the Answer
In WIWT, we are aware of the importance of collaborating with influencers. That’s why we work to connect influencers with hotels like yours. Check out our article about hotel influencer marketing if you want to take your strategy to the next level.
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Engage with travel influencers whose brand fits with your hotel.
- Collaborate with influencers that would create content in exchange for a stay at your hotel.
- Don’t forget to share their content on both your stories and your personal Instagram feed.
10. Data is your Ally
Data doesn’t lie. Drive your strategy to the right direction by keeping tracking of your actions and results. Instagram Insights will show you what’s working (and what’s not).
What are some of the best practices for this?
- Track your KPIs. Visibility, engagement, followers… these are the numbers that sustain your Instagram strategy.
- Check performance and identify what works best. Are the testimonials your most popular content? Then make sure to double down on these.
- What time is your audience more active? Check your Instagram insights and adjust your posting schedule based on audience activity.
THE 20 BEST Instagram Post Ideas & Examples to Post for Your Hotel
Below we´ve added 50+ examples of different types of posts you can publish across your Instagram platforms, including User-generated content (UGC), behind-the-scenes content posts, seasonal content ideas, and much more!
1. Stunning Hotel Photography
Why it works: Instagram is highly visual—the better your images, the better your engagement.
How to do it:
- Share aesthetic shots of rooms, pools, and dining experiences.
- Post drone footage of your hotel’s location for a unique perspective.
- Use carousel posts to showcase different angles of a room or amenity.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Content
Why it works: People love getting to see what happens behind the scenes. These types of posts make your hotel more human and relatable.
How to do it:
- Publish time-lapse videos of a room being set up for a VIP visitor.
- Share “A Day in the Life” features of hotel staff, from receptionists to chefs.
- Film a light-hearted employee challenge or blooper reel to show personality.
3. User-Generated Content (UGC)
Why it works: Authenticity is key. People trust content from other travelers more than ads.
How to do it:
- Ask guests to tag your hotel and use a branded hashtag (e.g., #StayAtHotelX).
- Re-share high-quality guest photos and videos on your feed and stories.
- Host a UGC contest and reward the best travel photo with a discount or free stay.
4. Guest Testimonials & Reviews
Why it works: Social proof builds trust, and reviews are what prospective guests look to before booking.
How to do it:
- Create a visually appealing graphic to highlight a 5-star review.
- Record a video testimonial of a happy guest sharing their experience.
- Feature before-and-after moments of a guest’s stay (e.g., check-in excitement to farewell photos).
5. Hotel Room & Amenity Showcases
Why it works: Travelers want to sneak peek their experience before booking.
How to do it:
- Post a video tour of a room, spotlighting the best features (e.g., ocean views, spa tubs).
- Highlight luxury amenities like a rooftop pool, gym, or in-room dining experience.
- Post before-and-after renovation photos to showcase upgrades.
6. Destination Highlights
Why it works: Travelers love receiving tips from locals.
How to do it:
- Publish must-see attractions near your hotel.
- Make a “Hidden Gem of the Week” with off-the-beaten-path spots.
- Build a local guide for different types of travelers (e.g., “Romantic Weekend” or “Solo Traveler’s Guide”).
7. Seasonal & Holiday Promotions
Why it works: Seasonal content induces a sense of urgency and relevance, driving bookings.
How to do it:
- Offer limited-time holiday packages (e.g., “New Year’s Eve Celebration Package”).
- Create seasonal fun content (e.g., your bar’s summer cocktail recipe).
- Feature decor changes for holidays.
8. Limited-Time Deals & Offers
Why it works: Exclusivity and urgency enable quick decisions.
How to do it:
- Announce a 24-hour flash sale for last-minute reservations.
- Offer a Instagram-only discount with a promo code.
- Use a countdown timer in stories for upcoming deals.
9. Food & Beverage Spotlights
Why it works: Amazing food is a huge draw, but people can’t resist drool-worthy dishes.
How to do it:
- Post a behind-the-scenes clip of the chef preparing a signature dish.
- Highlight a “Dish of the Week” with a detailed description and pairing recommendations.
- Showcase guest-favorite cocktails with a bartender mixing them live.
10. Staff Spotlights & Interviews
Why it works: Guests adore personalized service, and showcasing your team builds brand connection.
How to do it:
- Feature employee spotlights with fun Q&A sessions (e.g., “Meet Maria, our concierge guru!”).
- Feature a chef talking about their favorite dish on the menu.
- Share employee celebrations, such as birthdays or work anniversaries.
11. Interactive Polls & Quizzes
Why it works: People like to engage with brands in a low-commitment, playful way.
How to do it:
- Run a poll on Instagram Stories (e.g., “What’s your dream vacation? Beach ????️ or Mountains ⛰️?”).
- Create a fun quiz like “What type of traveler are you?” with responses in the comments.
- Let your audience vote on your newest signature cocktail or dish.
12. Travel Tips & Itineraries
Why it works: Travelers need helpful tips, and these posts position your hotel as an authority.
How to do it:
- Share packing tips for different times of the year in your destination.
- Create a “One-Day in [Your City]” itinerary with a mix of sightseeing, dining, and relaxing.
- Share local insider information like the best times to visit popular attractions.
13. Event Promotions & Live Streams
Why it works: Featuring live moments gives followers a sense of being included.
How to do it:
- Live stream hotel events, like wine tastings, live music, or specialty meals.
- Cross-promote local festivals and events happening in your hotel’s area.
- Offer behind-the-scenes preparation for a big event to build anticipation.
14. Instagram Contests & Giveaways
Why it works: Contests garner engagement and attract new potential guests.
How to do it:
- Host a “Tag a Friend to Win a Free Night Stay” giveaway.
- Ask followers to share their favorite travel photo with a branded hashtag to enter.
- Offer a discount to all participants to keep them engaged.
15. Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Why it works: Travelers are becoming more eco-friendly and prefer hotels with sustainability practices.
How to do it:
- Spotlight green practices (e.g., solar panels, water conservation).
- Publish a behind-the-scenes video of your hotel’s waste reduction.
- Offer eco-friendly travel tips for guests.
16. Throwback & Nostalgic Posts
Why it works: Nostalgia is emotional and encourages engagement.
How to do it:
- Publish a “Then & Now” photo showing the hotel’s history.
- Spotlight guest memories from previous years (e.g., “Flashback to highlights from last summer!”).
- Share a retro travel advertisement or vintage postcards of your hotel.
17. Partner with Influencers
Why it does: Influencer marketing can introduce your hotel to an extremely engaged audience.
How to do this:
- Invite travel influencers for a free stay and encourage them to share their experience.
- Collaborate with local micro-influencers that resonate with your hotel’s brand.
- Post an influencer’s experience as a YouTube video or Instagram Reel.
20. Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots at Your Hotel
Why it works: People look for “Instagrammable” destinations.
How to do it:
- Share the best selfie spots around your hotel.
- Set up a photo wall or backdrop for guests to use.
Our Final Take on Hotel Instagram Post Ideas
Instagram isn’t a platform—it’s your hotel’s online storefront.
What you post matters…
As a hotel marketing solution, we’ve seen firsthand how engaging content can book rooms, build trust, and set hotels apart from the rest.
Use these 18 Instagram post ideas to connect with your audience, show your hotel’s personality, and make your brand unforgettable.
Now, let’s put the speculation to rest and start posting! 🚀
Good luck and happy posting 😉
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About WIWT
WIWT - Wish I Was There is an AI powered Hotel Marketing Solution.
With our cutting edge Travel Affiliate Program technology hotels can easily connect to influencers, content creators and our AI Travel Assistant.
