How to Write Hotel Room Descriptions That Sell

Want to learn how to write hotel room descriptions that make guests book? I share my best tips for crafting vivid, engaging copy.

I’ve read my fair share of hotel room descriptions. You probably have, too. They often sound like they’ve been written by someone who’s never actually set foot in the room — or any room, for that matter. “Well-appointed,” they’ll say. “Luxurious amenities.” “Breathtaking views.” These phrases don’t tell you much. They’re placeholders, empty words trying to sound elegant without really saying anything.

But when you’re scrolling through dozens of hotel options, those words start to blur together. Every room sounds the same. And if every room sounds the same, you start making decisions based on price alone. That’s the problem: uninspired descriptions make your hotel just one more forgettable option.

The issue goes beyond missed bookings. A vague description sets false expectations. A “spacious” room that turns out to be barely bigger than a supply closet leaves guests feeling cheated. A “breathtaking view” that overlooks a parking lot creates disappointment. Words shape experience — and when those words mislead, they shape it badly.

Why Do Hotel Room Descriptions Fall Short?

When I book a hotel room, I want to know what I’m getting myself into. I want more than a square footage estimate and an assurance that there’s “ample natural light.” But too often, hotel room descriptions sound like they were written by someone who’s never actually been inside the room. Or possibly by someone who has, but only in spirit.

Over-Reliance on Generic Language and Clichés

You’ve seen them — the “tastefully appointed” rooms, the “breathtaking views,” the “unparalleled comfort.” These phrases sound impressive until you realize they mean almost nothing.

Tell me about the leather armchair by the window and how it’s wide enough to pull your legs up into. Describe to me the scent of eucalyptus rising with the steam in the bathroom. Or how the light slants through linen curtains just before sunset. Let me be there.

Not Focusing on the Guest’s Perspective and Needs

I don’t book a room just for the sake of it. I book it because I need something—maybe a place to rest, a quiet corner to disappear into, or a Wi-Fi signal that won’t drop in the middle of a call. But hotel room descriptions often talk about what they have, not what I need.

You can tell me about your 500-thread-count sheets, but unless you explain why that matters, it’s just a number. Talk to me about what I’ll experience, not just what you offer.

Lack of Storytelling That Evoke Emotion and Desire

Don’t just say the room has a balcony — tell me about sipping coffee there as the city wakes up. Don’t just mention blackout curtains — paint a picture of sleeping in so late that morning becomes afternoon. You’re not just selling a room. You’re selling the life someone wants to live, even if just for a night.

Guests want to know what they’re getting — and vivid, concrete language helps them picture it. People choose based on the emotions your description evokes.¹ A well-written description can evoke anticipation, comfort, excitement — feelings that turn browsing into booking.

Failing to Balance Creativity and Factual Accuracy

There’s a line between vivid storytelling and misleading marketing, and it’s thinner than you think. You want to paint an attractive picture without promising what you can’t deliver. If your “spacious” room barely fits a king-size bed, that’s something your guest deserves to know.

But there’s a way to be honest and appealing at the same time. Describe the room’s intimacy, the way the design makes smart use of space. You don’t need to exaggerate when you know what’s worth highlighting.

When hotel descriptions fall short, it’s often because they forget the reader. You’re writing for a human — a tired traveler, a hopeful honeymooner, a stressed-out parent who just wants five minutes of peace. Show them why your room is the place they’ve been looking for.

How Do You Write Hotel Room Descriptions That Sell?

Writing a hotel room description isn’t the same thing as writing a love letter, but the principle is similar. You’re trying to woo someone with words that persuade, intrigue, and promise. 

Determine Your Hotel’s Unique Value

Every hotel has something that sets it in a class of its own. Maybe it’s the balcony view of the city’s skyline, the 800-thread-count sheets, or the fact that the bathroom tiles were hand-painted by an artist whose work now hangs in the National Museum. But too often, hotel room descriptions sound luxurious but does not say anything worthwhile. Skip the clichés and get to the point.

What’s the story of this room? What’s the feeling you want guests to have when they walk in? If your hotel is built in a century-old building with original hardwood floors, say that. If the room’s design was inspired by mid-century modern aesthetics with custom-made furniture, say that too. People want to know what makes your hotel different from the 10 others they’re considering.²

Make Your Descriptions Clear, Appealing, and Engaging

There’s a fine line between informative and overwhelming. Too many hotel descriptions read like someone copied the entire inventory of the room’s contents and called it a day. Yes, it’s good to know there’s a hairdryer. No, I don’t need a paragraph about it. 

Talk about the overarching theme. Is it a romantic oasis perfect for couples wanting a weekend break? Or is it a sophisticated space with amenities business travelers need? Then, get to the details—the king-sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, the balcony where you can watch the sun scrape against the skyline, the shower that rains down hot water and the scent of something handmade and expensive. 

And after all that, the practical essentials: the Wi-Fi works, the air conditioning isn’t just for decoration, and the curtains actually keep the light out.

Use Sensory Language and Vivid Imagery (But Don’t Lie)

Good descriptions make people feel something. The smell of freshly brewed coffee drifting up from the hotel café. The cool touch of marble floors on bare feet. The way afternoon light pools across the reading nook’s velvet armchair. Sensory details turn a room into an experience.

But this is where you have to be careful. There’s a difference between painting a picture and selling a fantasy that doesn’t exist. If the “ocean view” requires leaning precariously over the balcony and squinting, don’t call it an ocean view. Be vivid, but be honest.

Balance Practical Details with Aspirational Elements

The best hotel room descriptions balance what people need to know with what they want to feel. Practical details matter, but they shouldn’t be the only thing you talk about.

At the same time, aspiration without practicality can backfire. If you wax poetic about a room’s timeless elegance but forget to mention there’s no air conditioning, you’re setting up a very sweaty kind of disappointment.

Weave both elements together. Say the bed is king-sized, then describe how the linen is soft enough to make insomniacs believe in miracles.

Mention the high-speed Wi-Fi, then paint a picture of guests streaming their favorite movies as they sink into a plush sofa. How to write hotel room descriptions that make people want to book? Make them want the room and reassure them it has everything they need.

A good hotel room description makes you feel the weight of the sheets, the smell of coffee in the morning, or the sound of waves. That’s the difference between a room you book and a room you remember.

1. Sun, Z., Yuan, M., Zhang, J., Kou, S., & Hou, Y. (2025). The Role of Awe on Booking Intention in Short-Term Rentals. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 49(2), 298-308. https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480231179996 ↩︎
2. Lee, S. W., & Sharma, A. (2024). Beyond rate parity: Examining offer uniqueness and channel credibility in hotel pricing. Tourism Economics, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/13548166241273881 ↩︎