12 Reddit Content Ideas That Actually Drive Bookings for Hotels & Restaurants
Reddit users love pulling back the curtain on how things really work. Share genuine stories about your daily operations, interesting maintenance discoveries, or unique challenges your property faces. The Fairmont Banff Springs gained massive traction by sharing the story of how they handle wildlife encounters during wedding season. Post in subreddits like r/mildlyinteresting (22.8M members) or r/todayilearned (29.1M members) with titles like 'TIL our 150-year-old hotel still uses the original brass elevator that requires a specific key sequence.' Include photos and invite questions.
Create detailed guides about your city that only locals would know. Skip the tourist traps and share the coffee shop that doesn't show up on Google Maps, the best hiking trail that locals keep secret, or the neighborhood bar where visiting chefs actually hang out. The Graduate Hotels chain excels at this by having staff create 'Where [University] Students Actually Eat' guides for each location. Post in city-specific subreddits like r/Portland (515k members) or r/Austin (400k members). Include phrases like 'I work at [Hotel Name] and guests always ask me for real recommendations.'
Schedule regular AMAs with different staff members sharing their expertise. 'I'm a sommelier at [Restaurant Name], AMA about wine pairings' or 'I've been a concierge for 15 years, AMA about travel tips' perform exceptionally well. The key is choosing staff who genuinely enjoy talking about their craft. Post in relevant subreddits like r/wine (400k members), r/travel (4.2M members), or r/IAmA (22.3M members). Schedule these monthly and rotate between different team members. Always include proof and mention your property naturally in responses.
Share actual recipes (or simplified versions) of your most popular dishes. Redditors love trying to recreate restaurant favorites at home. Include the story behind the dish, modifications for home cooks, and invite people to share their attempts. Shake Shack's ShackBurger sauce recipe reveal generated thousands of upvotes and hundreds of comments. Post in r/recipes (1.8M members), r/food (27M members), or cuisine-specific subreddits. Always mention that the original is available at your restaurant and include location details.
If your property has history, Reddit users will eat it up. Share old photos, architectural details, famous guests, or renovation discoveries. The Stanley Hotel regularly shares content about their paranormal history and architectural evolution. Include before/after photos, historical documents, and interesting anecdotes. Post in r/OldSchoolCool (18.7M members), r/HistoryPorn (1.7M members), or r/architecture (900k members). Format as 'Found this photo from 1924 during renovations of our hotel' or 'TIL our hotel was a speakeasy during Prohibition.'
Share heartwarming stories about guests whose experiences exceeded expectations. Wedding proposals, anniversary celebrations, or business deals closed at your property. Always get permission first. Include photos when possible. The Ritz-Carlton's story about recreating a guest's childhood birthday cake went viral across multiple subreddits. Post in r/MadeMeSmile (7.8M members), r/HumansBeingBros (4.7M members), or r/wholesomememes (17.8M members). Focus on the human element, not the property features.
Preview upcoming seasonal menus with behind-the-scenes content about ingredient sourcing and dish development. Include photos of the chef testing recipes and explain the inspiration behind new dishes. Eleven Madison Park effectively uses this approach by sharing their farm relationships and ingredient stories. Post in food-focused subreddits like r/FoodPorn (4.3M members) or r/KitchenConfidential (1.2M members). Time these posts 2-3 weeks before menu launches.
Create detailed photo tours of your best rooms or spaces, highlighting unique features and amenities. Include lesser-known details like hidden storage, technology features, or view angles. W Hotels excels at showcasing their design details through Reddit posts. Use multiple high-quality photos and explain what makes each space special. Post in r/RoomPorn (1.8M members), r/InteriorDesign (3.2M members), or r/DesignPorn (1.1M members). Include booking information subtly in comments.
When issues arise (construction, service problems, negative press), address them head-on with transparency and solutions. Reddit appreciates honesty over corporate spin. Share what went wrong, how you're fixing it, and what guests can expect. Include concrete timelines and compensation offers. Post in relevant community subreddits where the issue was discussed. The key is getting ahead of the narrative with genuine accountability.
Document your partnerships with local businesses, charities, or events. Share behind-the-scenes content from community fundraisers, local artist showcases, or neighborhood initiatives. Include photos, impact metrics, and stories about community members. Post in local subreddits and community-focused spaces. The emphasis should be on community benefit, not self-promotion.
Share concrete sustainability efforts with measurable results. Document energy savings, waste reduction programs, or local sourcing initiatives. Include before/after data and photos of implementation. Patagonia's approach to environmental content provides a good model for hospitality. Post in r/ZeroWaste (800k members), r/sustainability (200k members), or environmental subreddits. Focus on specific actions and results, not vague commitments.
Share educational content about hospitality operations, training programs, or industry best practices. Document staff development initiatives or explain what goes into creating exceptional service. Include tips that other hospitality professionals can use. Post in r/jobs (1.8M members), r/careerguidance (1.2M members), or industry-specific subreddits. Position your property as an industry leader while helping others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Reddit content type for restaurants looking to increase foot traffic?
Recipe reveals and seasonal menu previews consistently drive the most restaurant visits. Sharing simplified versions of signature dishes creates viral potential while driving people to experience the original. The Shake Shack sauce recipe reveal generated thousands of restaurant visits from curious Redditors wanting to compare their homemade versions to the original.
How often should hospitality businesses post on Reddit?
Quality beats frequency on Reddit. Post 1-2 pieces of genuinely valuable content per week rather than daily promotional posts. Redditors quickly identify and downvote obvious marketing attempts. Focus on creating content that provides real value to the community, whether that's insider tips, interesting stories, or useful information.
Which subreddits work best for hotel marketing content?
City-specific subreddits like r/Portland or r/Austin generate the highest-quality leads for hotels. General travel subreddits like r/travel (4.2M members) work for broader awareness. Design-focused subreddits like r/RoomPorn are perfect for properties with unique aesthetics. Always check subreddit rules before posting and engage authentically with the community.
How can restaurants use Reddit without seeming too promotional?
Focus on education and entertainment rather than direct promotion. Share cooking techniques, ingredient stories, or industry insights. When you do mention your restaurant, make it contextual and helpful. For example, 'As a chef at [Restaurant Name], I've found this technique works best for home cooks because...' feels natural and informative.
What's the biggest mistake hospitality businesses make on Reddit?
Treating Reddit like other social media platforms. Reddit users value authenticity and community contribution over polished marketing messages. The biggest mistake is posting obvious promotional content without providing real value to the community. Always ask 'What's in this for Reddit users?' before posting.
How do you measure success for Reddit marketing in hospitality?
Track engagement metrics (upvotes, comments, shares) alongside business metrics (website traffic, booking inquiries, direct bookings). Use UTM parameters in any links to track traffic sources. Monitor brand mentions in comments and follow-up posts. Success often comes weeks later as content gets discovered organically.
Should hospitality businesses use their official brand accounts on Reddit?
It depends on your approach. For transparent, value-driven content like AMAs or educational posts, official accounts work well. For more casual community participation, individual staff accounts often perform better. Always disclose your affiliation when relevant, but don't lead with it in every interaction.