In-room dining has come a long way from the days of bland sandwiches and limited options. As guest expectations evolve, hotels must reimagine their in-room dining experiences to cater to diverse tastes and modern preferences. With 2025 set to bring new trends and demands, staying ahead means offering more than just convenience — it’s about creating memorable, personalised, and immersive dining experiences.
In this article, we explore 9 innovative ideas to elevate in-room dining, blending creativity, technology, and guest-centric solutions. From mood-based menus to digital sommeliers, these strategies will not only enhance satisfaction but also drive revenue.
Table of contents
1. Healthy late-night options
2. Live chat for real-time customisation
3. Digital sommelier services
4. Mood-based dining options
5. Cook-along kits
6. Interactive food pairing suggestions
7. Subscription dining packages
8. Multi-course pairing experiences
9. Speedy small plates for business travellers
In this article, we explore 9 innovative ideas to elevate in-room dining, blending creativity, technology, and guest-centric solutions. From mood-based menus to digital sommeliers, these strategies will not only enhance satisfaction but also drive revenue.
Table of contents
1. Healthy late-night options
2. Live chat for real-time customisation
3. Digital sommelier services
4. Mood-based dining options
5. Cook-along kits
6. Interactive food pairing suggestions
7. Subscription dining packages
8. Multi-course pairing experiences
9. Speedy small plates for business travellers
1. Healthy late-night options
Late-night menus have long catered to cravings for indulgence, but today’s guests are increasingly health-conscious. By offering lighter options such as quinoa bowls, Greek yogurt parfaits, and veggie soups, hotels can address the needs of travellers arriving late or those who simply want to avoid heavy meals before bedtime. Emphasising freshness and aligning with health trends can position these offerings as a unique selling point, ensuring guests feel cared for even at odd hours.
2. Live chat for real-time customisation
Empower guests to personalise their orders with live chat / app tools. Guests can request extra toppings, adjust portion sizes, or ask about allergens instantly, ensuring their preferences are met without delays. Real-time customisation not only reduces order errors but also builds a more engaging relationship between staff and guests. Integrated solutions, like Hoop’s messaging tools, streamline communication and provide actionable insights into guest preferences for future improvements.
3. Digital sommelier services
Pairing the perfect drink with a meal can elevate the dining experience, but not every guest is a wine expert. A digital sommelier, accessible through an app or tablet, provides tailored drink suggestions for each menu item. Whether it’s recommending local wines, craft beers, or non-alcoholic options, this service offers expertise at guests’ fingertips. Including details about the drink’s origin or flavour profile can enhance the guest experience, turning each meal into a culinary journey.
4. Mood-based dining options
Take personalisation to the next level with mood-based dining. Offer menus designed to match how guests feel or want to feel. For example, a "Relax" option could include calming herbal teas and light dishes, while an "Energise" selection might feature protein-rich meals and a robust espresso. Categorising menus by mood taps into the emotional side of dining, creating a unique and memorable experience. Using tools like Hoop, hotels can refine these offerings by tracking guest feedback and preferences.
5. Cook-along kits
Instead of just delivering ready-made meals, hotels can provide high-end DIY cook-along kits for a gourmet dining experience. Guests receive pre-measured ingredients for simple yet impressive dishes like truffle risotto or gourmet tacos. QR codes link to chef-led tutorials, either live or pre-recorded, allowing guests to recreate the dish step by step. This concept is perfect for couples, families, or culinary enthusiasts and adds an entertainment element to in-room dining. It also creates Instagram-worthy moments, boosting the hotel’s visibility online.
6. Interactive food pairing suggestions
Enhance the meal experience by suggesting complementary activities or sensory experiences. For instance, pair a chocolate dessert with a curated playlist or a candlelit aromatherapy session. Beyond drinks, guests might receive suggestions for a specific tea blend, a soothing podcast, or even a stretching routine to enjoy post-meal. This holistic approach transforms in-room dining into an immersive experience. Tools like Hoop’s can track engagement with these pairings and refine suggestions based on guest feedback.
7. Subscription dining packages
For frequent travellers or long-stay guests, subscription-based dining packages offer both value and convenience. These could include pre-purchased credits for meals, with perks like exclusive menu items or priority service. Guests might enjoy daily breakfasts delivered to their room or curated dinner options each evening. Personalisation, such as accommodating dietary needs or preferences, ensures these packages feel bespoke, boosting loyalty and repeat bookings.
8. Multi-course pairing experiences
Recreate the elegance of fine dining in the privacy of a guest’s room with multi-course pairing menus. Deliver dishes in timed stages, complete with pairing suggestions for drinks, sauces, or sides. Notifications or calls can alert guests when the next course is ready, keeping the experience seamless and organised. Adding personal touches, such as a video message from the chef or a story about the dish’s inspiration, enhances the sense of exclusivity.
9. Speedy small plates for business travellers
Business travellers often value efficiency and prefer light, nutritious meals during busy schedules. Hotels can curate a selection of small plates, such as gourmet sliders, sushi rolls, or protein-packed bowls, that are ready for delivery within 10 minutes. These quick yet high-quality options allow travellers to recharge without wasting time. Offering pre-set combos for lunch or dinner meetings can also appeal to this demographic. Speedy service, combined with delicious offerings, helps the hotel stand out as a reliable choice for busy professionals.
Conclusion
As the hospitality industry adapts to ever-evolving guest expectations, upgrading in-room dining is no longer optional — it’s essential. By embracing innovative ideas, hotels can transform dining from a convenience into a memorable part of the guest experience. Whether it’s through personalised options, interactive tools, or immersive experiences, the opportunities to delight guests are endless.
Staying ahead of these trends doesn’t just improve guest satisfaction; it positions your hotel as a leader in hospitality excellence.
Staying ahead of these trends doesn’t just improve guest satisfaction; it positions your hotel as a leader in hospitality excellence.
