
Guest Experience, Resources, Training
10 Better Ways to Greet a Guest — Beyond “Hi, Welcome”
First Impressions Are Everything
At PEAK Hospitality, we often say: the guest experience begins before the key hits the lock. A front desk greeting isn’t just transactional—it’s your opening line in the story the guest will remember. In an industry where experience is the product, your welcome matters more than you think.Here Are 10 Simple (But Powerful) Alternatives to “Hi, Welcome”:
At PEAK Hospitality, we often say: the guest experience begins before the key hits the lock. A front desk greeting isn’t just transactional—it’s your opening line in the story the guest will remember. In an industry where experience is the product, your welcome matters more than you think.Here Are 10 Simple (But Powerful) Alternatives to “Hi, Welcome”:
- “Welcome to [Hotel Name], we’re glad you’re here.”
Personal, warm, and hotel-specific. It anchors the guest in your brand immediately. - “Have you stayed with us before?”
This signals care and cues the right kind of conversation—returning vs. new guest. - “We’ve been expecting you—how was your journey?”
Adds elegance and recognition without being overdone. - “Let’s get you settled in comfortably.”
Calm, confident language that implies hospitality without pressure. - “Thanks for choosing us today—anything I can take off your hands?”
Engages the guest physically and emotionally, especially if they’ve been traveling. - “We’ve got a great room for you—let me walk you through a couple details.”
Pairs enthusiasm with immediate value and direction. - “We’re excited to have you. Do you need help with dining, directions, or anything else?”
Offers proactive help without sounding robotic. - “It’s a beautiful evening—are you in town for business or something fun?”
Builds a light connection and can lead to upsells or recommendations. - “We’ve added a little touch to your stay—just our way of saying thanks.”
Even if it’s just water or a better room view, this makes a guest feel like a VIP. - “You’re all checked in—anything we can do to make your stay extra special?”
Ends the greeting with warmth and a subtle invitation to speak up.
The Why Behind the Words
These greetings aren’t scripts—they’re springboards for human connection. By swapping out generic phrases for intentional ones, your team creates more than a check-in moment… they create loyalty. And in an age where experience trumps everything, that loyalty is your true competitive edge.
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