How to Drive More Traffic to Your Hotel’s Online Ordering Platform

Today’s hotel guests expect convenience at every touchpoint—from booking their stay to ordering food, drinks, and amenities. Online ordering has quickly become a powerful revenue channel for hotels, but simply offering it isn’t enough. To maximize adoption and increase spend, hotels must actively drive traffic to their online ordering platforms throughout the guest journey. 

Below are proven strategies hotels can use to increase visibility, engagement, and revenue from online ordering. 

1. Promote Online Ordering at Every Guest Touchpoint 

The most effective way to drive traffic to online ordering is to make it impossible to miss. Successful hotels integrate ordering links and QR codes across both digital and physical guest touchpoints. 

Key opportunities include: In‑room materials such as tent cards, TV screens, and welcome guides 

Strategic Placements in Guest Rooms 

Bedside Tables & Nightstands: This is the most effective location for capturing late-night cravings or breakfast pre-orders before a guest goes to sleep. 

TV Welcome Screens: Configure your in-room entertainment system to display a large QR code on the home screen. Guests often turn on the TV immediately upon entering, making this a prime first-contact point. 

Bathroom Mirrors: Place a small, high-contrast decal in the corner of the mirror. This targets guests as they prepare for the day or wind down at night, prompting them to order coffee or a late-night snack. 

We have even had a hotel put QR code above the T.P. roll 

Room Key Cards & Sleeves: Since guests carry their keys everywhere, printing a QR code directly on the card or its holder ensures they have the menu “in their pocket” at all times. 

Coffee & Beverage Stations: Place “Order Refills” or “Pastry Pairing” QR codes on coasters or near the in-room coffee machine to encourage add-on food orders during morning routines. 

Window Clings: If your rooms have a view, place a subtle transparent cling on the glass near seating areas, suggesting a “Private Dining Experience” with a direct link to order. 

Strategic Placements Beyond the Room

• Key cards and key sleeves 

• Elevators, lobby signage, poolside loungers, and bar areas 

• The hotel website, booking confirmation pages, and pre‑arrival emails and text messages at check in. 

• Ice Stations & Water Refill Points 

• Vending machines 

QR Code Decals: Apply durable QR Code Decal Stickers directly to the machine’s glass or payment panel. The message should highlight hot food options the vending machine lacks: “Craving more than a snack? Get a hot pizza delivered in 20 minutes. Scan to order now!”. 

When guests see consistent reminders like “Order from anywhere, anytime”, they quickly understand the convenience and are more likely to engage. 

2. Leverage Pre‑Arrival and On‑Property Communications 

Online ordering doesn’t start at check‑in—it starts before guests arrive. Including ordering options in pre‑arrival emails sets expectations and builds anticipation. 

Best practices include: 

• Highlighting room service, poolside ordering, or grab‑and‑go options in pre‑stay emails 

• Training front desk staff to mention online ordering during check‑in 

• Sending push notifications or SMS messages featuring daily specials or happy hour offers 

This multi‑touch communication ensures guests know online ordering exists and understand its value. 

3. Optimize Your Hotel Website for Ordering Traffic 

Your website is one of the most important drivers of online ordering traffic. Many hotels hide ordering links deep within menus or subpages—making them hard to find. 

To improve visibility: 

• Add clear “Order Now” buttons on your homepage 

• Include ordering links on restaurant, bar, and amenities pages 

• Ensure ordering is mobile‑optimized for guests browsing on phones 

When ordering is easy to find and easy to use, conversion rates increase significantly. 

4. Use Visuals and Menu Design to Increase Engagement 

The quality of your digital menu directly impacts ordering behavior. Guests are far more likely to order when menus are visually appealing and easy to navigate. 

Effective menu strategies include: 

• High‑quality food and beverage photography 

• Clear item descriptions that highlight flavors and ingredients 

• Logical category organization to reduce friction 

A well‑designed menu doesn’t just look good—it encourages upsells and higher average order values