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In today’s experiential travel landscape, culinary experience ranks among the top decision drivers for guests - in some cases, on par with room quality or location. As travellers increasingly seek immersive experiences, food often becomes the spark that turns a stay into a memory.

Why culinary excellence matters in hotel reservations

Culinary excellence plays a pivotal role in hotel reservations, as travellers increasingly seek more than just a place to sleep, they want a complete, immersive experience. Hotels with standout restaurant services are becoming key decision-makers for guests who view dining as central to their stay, often selecting accommodation based specifically on a property’s food and beverage reputation.

Dining venues are now seen as gateways to local culture, and this has elevated the importance of a hotel’s culinary offering in the booking process. The statistics underscore this trend with 86% of customers saying they are willing to pay more for exceptional hospitality experiences, while 88% say their in-hotel experience influences their decision to return. Additionally, 70–75% of travellers rely on reviews when selecting a hotel, with high ratings boosting bookings by approximately 20%.

In the culinary space specifically, 86% of consumers are prepared to spend more on quality dining, 70% are influenced by online reviews, and 75% say guest experience directly impacts their loyalty. With 93% of travellers engaging in food and beverage activities during trips and food accounting for 15–35% of tourism spending, it’s no surprise that hotels offering bundled culinary packages or chef-led events see higher revenue, increased brand awareness, and stronger appeal among “foodie” guests.

“Today’s travellers aren’t just booking a room - they’re booking an experience. At Radisson OR Tambo, we see food as the heartbeat of that experience. Whether it’s a sky-high dinner or a locally inspired plate, our goal is to serve more than a meal, we serve a sense of place, culture, and connection. Great hospitality starts on the plate,” says Stanley Jacobs, Executive Chef, Radisson OR Tambo.

Embrace the city around the hotel when making the menu

Hotel restaurants have a unique opportunity and responsibility to act as cultural ambassadors for the cities they serve. By drawing inspiration from local flavours, ingredients, and culinary traditions, these establishments don’t just feed guests - they offer them a taste of place.

When a dish tells the story of its surroundings, it deepens the guest’s connection to the destination and elevates the overall travel experience. Incorporating regional influences into menus also supports local farmers, producers, and food artisans, helping to sustain and celebrate the area's heritage. More than ever, travellers are craving authenticity and food remains one of the most powerful ways to deliver it.

As Jacobs explains, “When we create dishes inspired by our surroundings, we do more than satisfy appetites, we tell the story of our city. Our kitchen becomes a reflection of the culture outside our doors, and that connection is what truly resonates with guests.”

Restaurants that embrace this philosophy not only enhance their own identity but also contribute to the broader cultural narrative of their city, turning each meal into an invitation to explore, appreciate, and remember.

What is the most popular thing on any hotel menu?

One of the most consistently popular items on hotel menus across the globe is a well-executed signature burger. Whether served in an upscale restaurant, lobby bar, or via room service, the burger strikes the perfect balance between comfort and customisation. Guests gravitate toward it because it’s familiar, satisfying, and endlessly versatile, often elevated with premium ingredients like aged cheddar, truffle aioli, or locally sourced beef. For many travellers, especially after a long flight or a packed day of meetings or sightseeing, the signature burger offers a dependable yet indulgent option that feels both casual and gourmet.

The power of culinary craftsmanship, from innovative menus to themed spreads and alluring atmospheres of transformative dining, turn any hotel into a distinctive marketing asset. Anchored by strong guest experience and review-driven credibility, these culinary offerings elevate a hotel from a place to book into a place to experience.

It is vital to position a restaurant not as an add-on, but as a cornerstone of the hotel experience. When food, ambiance, and hospitality converge, don’t just gain bookings - you earn enthusiasts.