Smarter choices, higher revenue: AI-powered add-on recommendations

Guests love add-ons that enhance their stay, from champagne on arrival to family bike rentals.

But too many choices can overwhelm them, leading to indecision. That’s where AI comes in.

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    Your guests love add-ons. They’re not just practical—like a cot for the baby—they’re the thoughtful extras that make a holiday unforgettable. A bottle of champagne, a bike rental, or a surprise can turn a good stay into something special.

    You’ve likely put a lot of thought into your add-ons, offering creative options for pets, kids, or couples. They make guests happy and help boost your revenue.

    But here’s the tricky part: too much creativity can lead to too many choices. Meals, drinks, activities, bedlinen, souvenirs—it doesn’t take long for the list to feel overwhelming. And while your guests love having options, too many can leave them paralysed, and unable to decide. In the end, they might choose nothing at all.

    That’s where AI helps. It narrows the options, matching the right add-ons to the right guests and turning an overwhelming list into a personalised, effortless selection. 

    Narrow it down

    Imagine a family arriving after hours on the road. The kids are squabbling, the parents are exhausted, and everyone is frazzled. But when they step into their accommodation, everything is already sorted.

    The beds are made, rented bikes are waiting outside, and breakfast delivery is scheduled for the next morning. There’s no need to rush to the shop or queue at reception – just a chance to relax and settle the kids into bed.

    It’s what they need. They don’t even realise it, but it’s what they need. The trouble is, without a nudge, they might not have known these extras were even available, let alone chosen them.

    Here’s the thing: more choice isn’t always better. In fact, it’s often worse. George Miller famously said the human brain can handle about seven options at a time (give or take). So, when you present guests with 25 add-ons, they’re likely to tune out. But if with the help of AI, they get to see the right five, they’re far more likely to engage.

    And the best part? Guests still feel in control. They’re not being sold to; they’re choosing. Humans are wired to make decisions—it’s not just something we can do, it’s something we need to do. When guests actively make a choice, it lights up the reward centres in their brains, making the experience even more satisfying than if they were simply handed the same thing.

    Create a Netflix-like experience 

    Maxxton’s AI works behind the scenes, analysing data to predict your guests’ preferences. By incorporating details like the travel party, stay dates, and guest history, it offers an experience that feels as intuitive as Netflix—where the resort seems to know their tastes better than they do. Here’s how:

    Travel Party

    Who’s coming matters. Maxxton analyses the group size and composition to recommend add-ons tailored to their needs. A family with two kids might see a child-friendly package featuring bedding, a highchair, or even a chocolate fountain. Larger groups could be nudged towards extra towels or a barbecue kit, while couples booking a quiet retreat might find wellness activities. And, of course, there’s always the basket for the dog.

    There’s nothing random about it. The AI learns from past bookings, prioritising add-ons that similar groups tend to choose, ensuring the options feel relevant.

    Stay dates

    Timing matters, and Maxxton’s AI adjusts suggestions based on when guests are visiting. In July, they might see options like bike rentals or beach towels, while in December, a gourmet Christmas package or champagne could be promoted. While that might seem obvious, it’s worth noting that weekends, weekdays, and holidays also factor in.

    Guest history

    For returning guests, the AI uses past bookings to make future stays personal. Frequent requests like extra towels or bike rentals are recommended for their next visit. For first-time guests, it analyses details about the travel party, such as ages and gender, to provide tailored recommendations.

    It’s Only Getting Better

    The beauty of Maxxton’s AI is that it never stops learning. It doesn’t just track what one guest books—it identifies patterns across your business.

    If families staying in spring start booking pancake buffets, the AI spots the trend and recommends them more often. If a new add-on isn’t getting much attention, it might include it occasionally to test the waters. This keeps recommendations fresh and ensures no idea is overlooked.

    For you, it’s a way to personalise every guest’s stay while increasing revenue. For guests, it feels like you understand their needs, making their holiday smoother and more enjoyable.

    Over 60% booked via AI

    Our early data shows that over 60% of booked add-ons come directly from the system’s suggestions. Guests trust these recommendations because they feel relevant and personal.

    The impact goes further. Add-ons like a breakfast hamper, extra towels, or a barbecue set, which might have been overlooked, are now front and centre, helping businesses generate more revenue effortlessly. 

    For example, one Maxxton customer saw 460 recommended add-ons booked compared to just 305 predefined favourites in a short period. The numbers speak for themselves: personalised suggestions drive more bookings than generic lists. 

    A Win for Everyone

    Add-ons are the little extras that make a big difference. They save time, solve problems, and make holidays seamless. With Maxxton, there’s no guessing—the system does it for you. Guests get exactly what they need, and you gain more revenue.

    If that sounds like a win, give Maxxton a try. Your guests will thank you, and your team will wonder how you managed without it.

    Book a demo with the only reservation and property management system you’ll need. 

    How to make add-ons work in Maxxton

    No one has time to fiddle with complex systems, so Maxxton makes the recommendations simple to implement. The recommendations appear exactly where they’re most useful, requiring minimal effort from your team.

    1. Booking process
      Add-ons pop up naturally in the booking process. They don’t interrupt or feel like a hard sell. Guests see suggestions that fit their trip. With just a couple of clicks, they can add what they need.
    2. Pre-arrival nudges
      A friendly email arrives in the guest’s inbox a week before their trip, featuring personalised add-on options that are also shown when they log into the guest portal. These gentle reminders encourage guests to plan ahead and make their stay even easier.
    3. Reservation Manager
      Staff can suggest add-ons while managing bookings, such as the receptionist or customer support team; they have the tools to upsell options that make sense for each guest.

     

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