Whether it’s for a business trip or a long-overdue vacation, most travelers view their hotels as places to relax, unwind, and rest. There are a number of elements that go into providing your guests with the atmosphere they want during their stay–lobby layout, room amenities, helpful staff–but one of the most subtle, yet impactful, things is overhead music. Overhead music has been proven to influence visitors’ moods and overall impression of locations.

So how can your hotel make the most of its music selections? We take a look at the 5 best ways to maximize the impact of music on your guests’ customer experience. 

Why is Overhead Music Important for Hotels?

As previously mentioned, music can have a huge impact on guests’ moods. Listening to upbeat music has been proven to boost overall happiness–and who doesn’t want a lobby full of happy hotel guests? 75 percent of hotel guests prefer to hear music in lobbies, bars, restaurants, and other spaces.  

As any hotelier knows, guests who leave with a favorable impression are far more likely to book another stay. And, even better, they’ll likely tell their friends and family about how wonderful their visit was. Word of mouth remains a powerful marketing tool, only amplified by the reach and breadth of social media. 

With all this in mind, we’ve put together some tips on how your hotel can ensure its music is hitting the right notes for your guests. 

Say No to Silence

In this instance, silence is not golden. During peak hours, chatter and elevator doors can be a nuisance for guests looking to unwind. Overhead music can help mask these sounds and keep guests entertained and engaged throughout their stay. 

Only Play Licensed Music

Everyone has their favorite music streaming channel of choice. Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music–we know ‘em and we love ‘em. But playing music from one of these sources can get your hotel slapped with hefty fines and fees. Your hotel will need to acquire musical services from an Overhead Music provider who can provide fully licensed playlists. Once this is done, the same service provider can also help choose and adjust the music to best fit the atmosphere of your location. 

Know Your Audience

It’s vital to keep your guests in mind when choosing your overhead music. Is your hotel the hot spot for young professionals and girls’ nights out? A Top 40, modern mix might be the best fit for you. Or, is your location more popular with an older crowd, looking for a calm place to vacation? Pick out your best crooners and comfortable classics to keep them happy. Family-friendly hotels could benefit from a mix, keeping younger guests entertained while not irritating older visitors with anything too vulgar. 

Build a Playlist from Sunup to Sundown

Once you’ve established who will be listening to your hotel’s music, it’s important to also remember that what people like to listen to often changes throughout the day. Playing a classic rock guitar solo at 8 AM isn’t likely to please sleepy guests just emerging from their rooms. Well-designed overhead music software will allow your hotel to:

  • Play soft, instrumental or acoustic music in the morning.
  • Pick up the pace with upbeat, positive favorites in the mid-morning.
  • Ease into the afternoon with energetic and catchy tunes.
  • Maintain the atmosphere of your hotel’s nightlife, whether that involves sleepy jazz or electrifying pop. 

Pepper In Important Announcements Between Songs

Overhead music isn’t just about familiar songs and catchy beats. It can also be used as a tool to deliver important announcements about events, spa availability, pool rules, and more. On-premise messaging can be customized to fit your hotel’s brand, seamlessly integrating with your carefully chosen playlist. 

Does your hotel’s overhead music need a revamp? Schedule a demo with Spectrio today to learn more about how our blend of overhead music and messaging can boost your guests’ impression of your location.