Room service: once a sacred ritual for weary travelers and late-night snackers alike, it’s now under siege from a new breed of food-delivery apps that bring street eats and chef’s specials to your door faster than you can say “UberEats.”
Yet, with the global online food delivery market poised to hit $1.79 trillion by 2028, hotels have a golden opportunity to take room service from tired to inspired. Here’s how to serve up something unforgettable—something that makes guests rethink that delivery app on their phone.
1. Go Digital, but Make it Personal
In the age of swipe, tap, and click, it’s high time to rethink those bulky room service menus (especially the ones hiding behind curtains). Imagine instead an intuitive, app-based ordering system where guests can select dishes, track their orders, and tweak their meals in real time.
Picture a few “Today’s Chef’s Choice” recommendations based on past stays or preferences. Because nothing says “welcome back” like a nod to the fact that, yes, you know they’re a sucker for the gluten-free chocolate lava cake.
2. Health is Wealth—and It’s on the Menu
As health and wellness go mainstream, so should your menu. It’s time to ditch the token salad and get serious with plant-based power bowls, low-sugar juices, and maybe even a turmeric latte or two.
With functional health drinks on track to become a $306.76 billion market by 2029, offering wellness options isn’t just considerate—it’s profitable. And if you’re going to have a smoothie section, make sure it has flair: a “Green Glow Smoothie” is somehow more exciting than “Kale and Spinach Blend,” don’t you think?
3. Make Room Service Hours More Like New York—Always Awake
Today’s guests are more accustomed to 24/7 food delivery than ever. That “late-night menu” from 10pm to midnight? It’s got to go. Whether it’s partnering with local restaurants for all-night bites or having an in-house menu that doesn’t quit, expanding availability is key to staying relevant.
And as for variety, why not a rotating themed menu? Tacos on Tuesday, a Mediterranean mezze spread on Thursday. A little excitement goes a long way.
4. Streamline with Style (And Keep It Hot)
Let’s face it—no one loves waiting 45 minutes for a lukewarm burger. Streamlined, high-tech food prep and delivery processes mean guests get their food as hot and fresh as they’d expect from any restaurant.
Throw in real-time tracking for good measure, too, because nothing says “luxury” like knowing exactly when your food is rolling down the hall.
5. Sustainability: The New VIP Treatment
Today’s traveler loves a side of sustainability with their meal, so give your room service the eco-conscious treatment. Local sourcing? Absolutely. Compostable packaging? Definitely.
If you’re feeling ambitious, try a “farm-to-room” menu, with dishes featuring ingredients from local farms and gardens. Show guests that your hotel cares as much about the planet as they do—it’s a great way to turn the feel-good factor up a notch.
6. Prioritize Local Flavor and Seasonal Ingredients
Today’s travelers are seeking more than just convenience; they’re on the lookout for authentic, memorable experiences. One way to make room service stand out is by integrating local flavors and seasonal ingredients into the menu.
Think regionally inspired specials like New England clam chowder for a Boston hotel or spicy tacos in a Texas locale. Guests will feel more connected to the area, and showcasing these dishes creates a point of distinction that external delivery services simply can’t replicate. Additionally, seasonal ingredients bring a fresh twist to the menu and reduce environmental impact by reducing food miles.
7. Use Data to Predict and Satisfy Guest Needs
Technology can be a hotelier’s best friend when it comes to room service innovation. With a powerful property management system (PMS), hotels can collect and analyze guest preferences from past stays, dining habits, and special requests. A PMS is also known as a hotel’s heartbeat.
This data isn’t just valuable for personalizing the guest’s current stay—it’s an opportunity to build loyalty over time. For example, knowing that a repeat guest prefers vegan options can lead to a tailored, plant-based welcome meal upon arrival. Personalized touches like this demonstrate a level of care that encourages return visits.
8. Offer Creative Beverage Pairings
Food may be the main attraction, but beverages can elevate the experience even further. With the rise of the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and tea market, projected to reach $133 billion by 2027, there’s a clear opportunity to cater to a wider array of tastes.
Consider offering unique, on-trend drink pairings with room service meals, such as a locally crafted beer with a burger, or a CBD-infused tea with a dessert. For a touch of sophistication, a “mocktail of the day” or a pairing of artisanal sodas can add fun and creativity to a traditional meal.
9. Rethink the Delivery Process
Room service doesn’t have to be as formal as it once was. Hotels could experiment with new formats like “contactless” delivery, especially appealing to solo travelers or guests who may want a bit more privacy.
Streamlining the packaging with attractive, sustainable materials can make the meal feel thoughtful yet relaxed. And for those wanting the luxury touch, offering an optional “plated service” where a server sets up the meal in-room with a flourish can cater to special occasions.
10. Test and Adapt New Offerings Frequently
To stay competitive in the food service landscape, hoteliers should adopt a mindset of continuous improvement. Testing new menu items, gathering guest feedback, and adapting quickly ensures that room service remains fresh, relevant, and a delightful part of the guest experience.
Regular updates also help create buzz and allow hotels to stay aligned with emerging food trends, like the increased popularity of plant-based dishes and superfoods.
For hotels looking to streamline and personalize their room service offerings, Booking Ninjas’ property management system provides the perfect toolkit to seamlessly integrate digital menus, guest preferences, and real-time data insights.
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