Small Business SEO
SEO Keywords for Hotels
Ready to start connecting with customers online?
Learn which keywords to utilize in order to drive traffic to your website
Attract More Guests with the Right SEO Strategy for Hotels
Standing out in today’s crowded hospitality market requires more than just beautiful rooms and great service. To show up at the top of Google’s search results, your hotel needs a strategic approach to SEO—one that uses the right keywords to attract guests who are ready to book.
Your SEO campaign is only as strong as the keywords you target. For hotels, this means focusing on a blend of high-volume travel terms, local destination-based keywords, and service-specific phrases that reflect what guests are actually searching for.
Did you know there are millions of hotel-related searches every month across the United States? When people type in phrases like “best hotel in [City]” or “affordable beachfront resort near me,” you want your property to be one of the first they see. With the right keyword strategy, you can turn those searches into steady traffic, direct bookings, and more heads in beds—without relying solely on paid ads.
In This SEO Guide for Hotels, You’ll Learn:
-
The Top 50 SEO Keywords for Hotels
-
How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Amenities, Location, and Target Audience
-
Pro Tips to Improve Your Local SEO, Paid Campaigns, and Organic Search Rankings
Whether you’re a boutique hotel, a family-friendly resort, or a luxury property catering to business travelers, understanding how your ideal guests search online can unlock new growth opportunities for your brand. The foundation of it all? It starts with the right keywords.
How to Choose the Best Hotel Keywords for Your Business
Before you start adding every travel-related phrase to your homepage, take a step back and ask yourself an important question:
Who Is Your Ideal Guest?
Do you primarily serve business travelers looking for convenience and amenities? Are you targeting families on vacation, couples seeking a romantic getaway, or tourists exploring local attractions? Each type of guest searches differently, and understanding their intent is key to choosing the right keywords.
For example:
-
A couple looking for a weekend escape might search “romantic hotel in [City] with spa”
-
A family may look for “kid friendly hotel near [Attraction]”
-
A business traveler might search “hotel with free WiFi and breakfast near [Convention Center]”
When you understand what your guests want and how they search, you can target keywords that match their specific needs and booking intentions.
Start With Your Core Offerings
Identify the top reasons people book your hotel. These high-interest topics can become the foundation of your homepage, booking pages, and online ads. Examples include:
-
Hotels near [Landmark or Attraction]
-
Luxury hotel in [City Name]
-
Affordable hotel with pool
-
Boutique hotel downtown
Once you have your main keywords, use SEO tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to uncover related terms with strong search volume and manageable competition.
Study Your Competitors
Look at what the top hotels in your area are doing. What keywords are showing up in their page titles, descriptions, and headings? Use SEO tools to analyze what is driving traffic to their sites—and look for keyword gaps or unique selling points they may have missed.
Prioritize Long Tail Keywords
More than 90 percent of all Google searches are made up of long tail keywords. These are longer, more specific phrases that may have less traffic individually—but bring in users who are closer to making a decision.
Examples include:
-
Where to stay near [Event or Attraction]
-
Best hotel for couples in [City]
-
Hotels with free breakfast and airport shuttle
-
Pet friendly hotel near downtown [City]
These types of keywords are perfect for blog posts, FAQs, and detailed landing pages. They attract more qualified traffic and increase your chances of converting visits into bookings.
Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!
Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.
The Best SEO Keywords for Hotels by Category
Organizing your hotel keywords into categories allows you to build optimized pages, targeted campaigns, and high-converting content around what guests are actively searching for.
General Hotel Keywords
These are your high-volume, broad-intent search terms. They are ideal for your homepage, main booking pages, and pay-per-click ads. These keywords help capture travelers looking for general hotel accommodations.
-
hotel near me
-
best hotel in [City]
-
luxury hotel with spa
-
top rated hotel in [Area]
-
affordable hotels in [City]
-
places to stay nearby
-
hotels with free breakfast
-
family friendly hotels
Local SEO Keywords (Include Cities or Neighborhoods You Serve)
These keywords help your hotel show up in local searches. Use them for your city landing pages, local content, and your Google Business Profile.
-
hotel in [City Name]
-
places to stay in [City or Neighborhood]
-
hotels near [Landmark or Event Venue]
-
best hotel in [Region or Zip Code]
-
hotel with free parking in [City]
-
boutique hotel in [Historic District or Area]
Hotel Amenities and Service Keywords
These keywords focus on specific features or services guests may be searching for. They are great for interior pages, blog posts, and search ad copy.
-
hotel with indoor pool
-
hotel with ocean view
-
pet friendly hotel in [City]
-
hotel with room service
-
hotel with shuttle to airport
-
hotel with kitchenettes
-
romantic hotel for couples getaway
-
extended stay hotel
Urgency and Booking-Related Keywords
These phrases attract high-intent users ready to book immediately. Use them for last minute booking pages, ads, and urgent callouts.
-
last minute hotel deals
-
hotel available tonight
-
same day hotel booking
-
book hotel now in [City]
-
hotel rooms open near me
-
best price hotel near [Landmark]
Commercial and Event Keywords
If your hotel caters to business travelers or events, these keywords help attract professional guests or event planners.
-
business hotel near convention center
-
hotel with meeting rooms in [City]
-
hotel near [University or Corporate HQ]
-
group hotel rates for conferences
-
wedding venue and hotel packages
-
hotel with event space
Long Form Keywords for Blog and FAQ Content
These detailed search phrases may have lower monthly volume, but they are highly targeted. They work well in blog posts, FAQs, and landing pages for SEO-rich content.
-
what is the best hotel near [Attraction]
-
where to stay in [City] for families
-
how to find hotels with free airport shuttle
-
are there pet friendly hotels in [City]
-
what to expect at a boutique hotel
-
hotels near [Festival or Seasonal Event] with free parking
How to Use the Top 50 SEO Keywords for Hotels Effectively
Once you have chosen the best keywords for your hotel, the next step is implementation. Placing the right terms throughout your website and online profiles will boost your visibility in search engines, increase traffic, and help convert more visitors into booked guests.
1. Optimize Your Website with Hotel Keywords
Start by integrating your most valuable keywords in the places that Google pays close attention to:
-
Page titles and meta descriptions
-
Main and secondary headings (H1 and H2)
-
URLs for location and room type pages
-
Image file names and alt text
-
Internal links between pages and blog posts
For example, if your hotel offers pet friendly rooms, spa amenities, or ocean view suites, those terms should appear naturally in your content. Avoid keyword stuffing. Instead, focus on user friendly content that reflects how real people search when planning a stay.
2. Build Location-Specific Pages
If your hotel serves more than one city or caters to different neighborhoods, do not try to optimize everything on a single page. Create a separate landing page for each location, event venue, or popular attraction nearby.
For instance:
-
Hotel near Times Square in New York
-
Luxury hotel in Miami Beach
-
Pet friendly hotel near Disneyland
These pages should feature area-specific details, include recognizable landmarks, and offer helpful content for travelers booking in those areas.
3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is essential for showing up in the map pack and local search results. To improve its performance:
-
Use the same terms travelers use when searching, like “boutique hotel in [City]” or “hotel with free breakfast near [Airport]”
-
Select the most relevant business categories
-
Post high quality photos of rooms, amenities, lobby spaces, and nearby attractions
-
Ensure all your contact information and hours are accurate
-
Encourage guest reviews and respond to them professionally
When you respond, include helpful phrases that reinforce your SEO, such as:
“We’re thrilled you enjoyed your stay at our beachfront hotel in Santa Monica.”
4. Create a Keyword Driven Content Strategy
Publishing regular content helps your hotel site rank for long tail search phrases that reflect high intent. Focus each blog post or FAQ on a single topic that travelers often search for.
Some examples:
-
Best time to visit [City] for outdoor events
-
What to pack for a weekend stay in [Location]
-
Family friendly activities near our hotel in [City]
-
Tips for finding hotels with airport transportation
Search engines love fresh, keyword rich content that answers questions clearly. These posts not only support SEO but also build trust with potential guests by showing that your hotel understands their needs.
Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!
Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.
The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Hotels – 2025
| Keyword | Avg. Monthly Searches | Competition |
| hotels | 45,500,000 | Low |
| hotels near me | 16,600,000 | Low |
| marriott | 1,830,000 | Low |
| motels near me | 1,830,000 | Low |
| great wolf lodge | 1,830,000 | Low |
| expedia hotels | 1,500,000 | Low |
| hilton | 1,500,000 | Low |
| cheap hotels near me | 1,220,000 | Medium |
| holiday inn | 1,220,000 | Low |
| Marriott bonvoy | 1,000,000 | Low |
| hampton inn | 1,000,000 | Low |
| motels | 1,000,000 | Low |
| bookings | 823,000 | Low |
| best western | 823,000 | Low |
| quality inn | 823,000 | Low |
| hyatt | 673,000 | Low |
| embassy suites | 673,000 | Low |
| hilton garden inn | 673,000 | Low |
| choice hotels | 550,000 | Low |
| la quinta | 550,000 | Low |
| days inn | 550,000 | Low |
| home2 suites | 550,000 | Low |
| home2 suites by hilton | 550,000 | Low |
| extended stay | 450,000 | Low |
| red roof inn | 450,000 | Low |
| bellagio las vegas | 450,000 | Medium |
| google hotels | 450,000 | Medium |
| motel 6 near me | 450,000 | Low |
| hilton hotels | 450,000 | Low |
| Marriott hotel | 450,000 | Low |
| hampton inn near me | 450,000 | Low |
| casear palace | 450,000 | Medium |
| cheap hotels | 368,000 | Medium |
| hotels near disneyland | 368,000 | Low |
| wynn las vegas | 368,000 | Medium |
| disneyland hotel | 368,000 | Medium |
| mgm grand | 368,000 | Medium |
| wyndham | 368,000 | Low |
| comfort suites | 368,000 | Low |
| econo lodge | 368,000 | Low |
| homewood suites | 368,000 | Low |
| rodeway inn | 368,000 | Low |
| springhill suites | 368,000 | Low |
| holiday inn near me | 368,000 | Low |
| booking hotel | 301,000 | Medium |
| extended stay america | 301,000 | Low |
| flamingo las vegas | 301,000 | Medium |
| mandalay bay | 301,000 | Medium |
The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Hotels
| Keyword | Avg. Monthly Searches | Competition |
| hotels | 11,100,000 | Low |
| hotels near me | 2,740,000 | Medium |
| booking | 1,000,000 | Medium |
| hilton honors | 823,000 | Low |
| motel | 550,000 | Low |
| holiday inn | 550,000 | Low |
| expedia flights | 673,000 | Low |
| motels near me | 550,000 | Medium |
| best western | 368,000 | Low |
| cheap hotels | 450,000 | Medium |
| cheap hotels near me | 368,000 | Medium |
| hilton garden inn | 246,000 | Low |
| comfort inn | 201,000 | Low |
| all inclusive resorts | 201,000 | Medium |
| mgm grand | 165,000 | Low |
| mandala bay | 165,00 | Low |
| orbitz flight | 201,000 | Medium |
| ritz carlton | 110,000 | Low |
| grand hotel | 90,500 | Low |
| residence inn | 135,000 | Low |
| motel 6 near me | 135,000 | Low |
| cheap motels near me | 165,000 | Medium |
| hyatt regancy | 90,500 | Low |
| disneyland hotel | 135,000 | Low |
| borgata | 135,000 | Low |
| crowne plaza | 90,500 | Low |
| hotel trivago | 74,000 | Medium |
| golden nugget | 110,000 | Medium |
| econo lodge | 110,000 | Low |
| jw marriott | 74,000 | Low |
| priceline hotel | 135,000 | Medium |
| springhill suites | 110,000 | Low |
| comfort suites | 110,000 | Low |
| hilton lobby | 110,000 | Low |
| booking hotel | 60,500 | Medium |
| hotels near disneyland | 90,500 | Medium |
| google hotels | 74,000 | Low |
| renaissance hotel | 74,000 | Low |
| venetian | 74,000 | Low |
| pet friendly hotels | 90,500 | Low |
| kayak hotels | 74,000 | Medium |
| inn | 49,500 | Low |
| intercontinental | 49,500 | Low |
| hotel indigo | 74,000 | Low |
| park mgm | 74,000 | Low |
| disney hotels | 74,000 | Low |
| marina bay sands | 40,500 | Low |
| hyatt place | 60,500 | Low |
| hard rock hotel | 49,500 | Low |
| hotel rooms | 49,500 | Low |
Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!
Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.
Utilizing the Top SEO Keywords for Hotels
Unlock more direct bookings and improve your hotel’s visibility with smart keyword strategy. To succeed with SEO for hotels, it is essential to go beyond simply listing keywords on a page. Strategic implementation across your digital presence will help search engines understand your offerings and position your hotel in front of travelers when they are actively planning their stay. Here are seven essential strategies to put your hotel SEO keywords to work:
1. Make Sure Your Website is Fast, Secure, and Mobile Responsive
Most travelers search for hotels on their smartphones. If your site is slow, unresponsive, or lacks security, it will turn potential guests away and hurt your rankings. Ensure your website loads quickly, functions smoothly on all devices, and uses HTTPS for secure browsing.
2. Use Your Keywords Where Google Looks First
Strategically include hotel-related keywords in:
-
Page titles and meta descriptions
-
Headings and subheadings
-
URLs for each page
-
Alt text for images
-
Anchor text within internal links
For example, if your property is a luxury beachfront resort in Miami, you might optimize with phrases like luxury hotel in Miami Beach or ocean view suites near South Beach. These keywords should appear naturally and help users understand your value quickly.
3. Optimize and Complete Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first impression your hotel makes in local search. Optimize it with the same precision as your website:
-
Use consistent business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
-
Choose categories like Hotel, Resort, or Boutique Hotel
-
Add high resolution photos of rooms, common areas, and amenities
-
Keep your business hours and contact info up to date
-
Write a compelling, keyword friendly business description
4. Be Consistent Across Local Listings
List your hotel on relevant online directories and travel platforms. Use the exact same NAP across all listings to build trust with Google. Key platforms include:
-
Yelp
-
TripAdvisor
-
Expedia
-
Apple Maps
-
Bing Places
-
Chamber of Commerce directories
-
Booking platforms like Hotels.com or Agoda
5. Create Location Specific Pages
If your hotel brand operates in multiple cities or has different properties, do not try to optimize all locations on a single page. Instead, create unique pages for each destination.
Each page should include:
-
Keywords like family friendly hotel in Orlando or business hotel near Chicago airport
-
Local landmarks, attractions, or neighborhoods
-
Guest reviews and testimonials specific to that location
-
Photos of that property’s rooms and amenities
These pages signal relevance to search engines and help potential guests feel confident that you are truly local.
6. Maintain a Blog with Keyword Rich Content
Create helpful blog posts or travel guides that incorporate long form, conversational keywords. Topics might include:
-
Things to do near our hotel in San Diego
-
The best restaurants within walking distance of our hotel
-
Tips for planning a romantic weekend getaway in Charleston
Blogs allow you to target long tail phrases and build authority over time.
7. Use Visual Content with SEO in Mind
Images and videos help convert browsers into bookings. Optimize them by:
-
Using compressed files that load fast
-
Including descriptive file names (e.g. deluxe-suite-new-york.jpg becomes deluxesuitenewyork.jpg)
-
Writing alt text that includes location or room type keywords
This improves SEO, supports accessibility, and can increase your visibility in Google Images.
Local SEO for Hotels
Show up when guests search in your area
Most travelers search for accommodations with a strong local intent. Phrases like “hotel in downtown Nashville” or “best place to stay near Disneyland” are common. Optimizing your online presence for these types of searches can place you in the Google Map Pack—one of the most valuable positions in search results.
How to Improve Your Local Visibility
Claim and Enhance Your Google Business Profile
This is often your first impression. Make sure it is complete, accurate, and appealing. Include:
-
Business name, phone number, and exact address
-
Current photos of rooms and amenities
-
A description that includes phrases like “family friendly hotel in [City]”
Post Regular Updates and Promotions
Sharing updates about seasonal deals, special events, or holiday packages helps show Google that your business is active and engaging.
-
Share photos of recent renovations or new features
-
Highlight packages such as romantic getaways or group bookings
-
Promote local partnerships with nearby attractions or restaurants
Encourage Reviews and Respond to Them
Ask satisfied guests to leave reviews. Be sure to respond promptly, using relevant keywords when appropriate. For example:
“We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay at our pet friendly hotel near downtown Charleston.”
Get Listed in Travel and Tourism Directories
Being listed in trusted directories enhances your authority. Focus on:
-
Expedia
-
TripAdvisor
-
Booking.com
-
Local tourism websites
-
Chamber of Commerce listings
Create Pages for Specific Locations or Audiences
If your hotel has branches or targets different traveler types, build separate landing pages for each. For example:
-
Family friendly hotel in Orlando
-
Hotel near the Las Vegas Strip
-
Business hotel near San Francisco Convention Center
These pages improve relevance for specific search queries and help guests feel like your hotel is designed with them in mind.
On Page SEO for Hotels
Make your hotel website easy for Google to understand and hard for travelers to ignore
On page SEO is the process of optimizing your website’s structure, content, and keyword placement to ensure that search engines can properly index your pages and deliver them to the right audience. For hotels, strong on page SEO helps you rank higher in travel related searches and convert more visitors into bookings.
Where to Use SEO Keywords for Maximum Impact
To get the most out of your hotel SEO strategy, place your keywords in areas that both search engines and guests pay close attention to:
-
Page Titles: Use location based titles like Luxury Hotel in Miami or Boutique Stay in New Orleans
-
Meta Descriptions: Write enticing summaries with relevant keywords, such as Planning a beach getaway? Book your stay at our oceanfront hotel in Santa Monica
-
Headings (H1, H2): Use naturally written, keyword rich headers like Waterfront Hotel Rooms in Key West or Pet Friendly Suites Near Central Park
-
Body Content: Incorporate keywords into your descriptions of amenities, room types, and local attractions. Be informative and avoid keyword stuffing
-
URLs: Keep URLs short and descriptive, such as /hotel-rooms-orlando or /meetings-events-chicago
Create Dedicated Pages for Hotel Services and Amenities
Rather than crowding everything onto one general services page, create individual pages for specific offerings. This allows your website to rank for more search terms and gives guests a clearer path to the information they want.
Examples include:
-
King Suites with Ocean View
-
Hotel Conference and Meeting Rooms
-
Rooftop Bar and Lounge
-
Spa and Wellness Center
-
Shuttle Services and Parking Options
Each page should be optimized with unique content and local keywords that reflect what travelers are searching for. Include strong calls to action like Book Your Room Today or Check Availability Now.
Improve Site Speed and Mobile Usability
Travelers often search for hotels while on the go. A slow or difficult to use website can cause them to leave before booking. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to check your site’s performance.
Your hotel website should:
-
Load in under three seconds
-
Function smoothly on smartphones and tablets
-
Feature clear call to action buttons such as Check Rates or Call to Book
Add Schema Markup for Hotels
Schema markup helps search engines display enhanced information like star ratings, pricing, and availability directly in search results. This can improve your click through rate and help your site stand out.
Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper and include details such as:
-
Hotel name and contact info
-
Room types and pricing
-
Guest ratings and reviews
-
Amenities like free breakfast, pool access, or pet friendly rooms
Optimize Hotel Photos for Search
Photos play a huge role in the booking decision and can also help your SEO when properly optimized.
Ensure that each image:
-
Is compressed to maintain fast loading times
-
Uses a descriptive file name such as beachfront-room-miami.jpg
-
Includes alt text like King suite with ocean view in Miami hotel
Optimized images improve your visibility in Google Images and reinforce keyword relevance throughout your site.
Off Page SEO for Hotels
Build trust, expand visibility, and boost your hotel’s reputation across the web
Off page SEO focuses on the actions you take outside of your own website to improve your search engine rankings and digital authority. The more your hotel is mentioned by reputable sources online—and the more high quality websites link back to you—the more likely Google is to recommend your property to travelers.
How to Strengthen Your Off Page SEO Strategy
Earn High Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are one of the most powerful ranking signals in SEO. When trusted websites link to your hotel site, they are essentially vouching for your credibility and relevance.
To earn valuable links:
-
Submit your hotel to travel directories such as TripAdvisor, Expedia, Kayak, Yelp, Booking dot com, and local tourism boards
-
Reach out to travel bloggers, lifestyle publications, and local influencers to contribute guest posts or hotel features
-
Offer to provide expert insights for articles about travel tips, local destinations, or hotel booking strategies
-
Get mentioned in roundups such as “Top Hotels in [City]” or “Best Weekend Getaways Near [Location]”
Promote Your Hotel on Social Media
Social platforms help amplify your brand while generating engagement and inbound traffic. Active participation can lead to shares, mentions, and even backlinks.
To get started:
-
Share professional photos of your rooms, amenities, events, and nearby attractions
-
Highlight seasonal packages, limited time discounts, or exclusive upgrades
-
Post content that answers questions travelers often ask, such as What is the best time to visit [City] or Family friendly activities near our hotel
-
Use geo specific hashtags like #MiamiHotels or #StayInNapa to reach a local audience
-
Engage with followers by responding to comments, reposting guest photos, and encouraging reviews
Connect With the Local Community Online
Hotels thrive on local connections. Building partnerships with nearby businesses can enhance your SEO and boost referral traffic.
Consider these strategies:
-
Sponsor local festivals, marathons, or cultural events and request a listing on the event’s website
-
Join your city’s business associations or visitor bureaus and get listed in their online directories
-
Partner with restaurants, spas, tour guides, or wedding venues and offer cross promotional packages or reciprocal links
-
Ask nearby colleges, event venues, or corporate offices to include your hotel on their accommodations or vendor recommendation pages
Encourage Reviews and Mentions from Guests
Online reviews influence both your reputation and local search visibility. Encourage guests to leave positive feedback after their stay.
-
Send follow up emails asking for reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, or Facebook
-
Thank each reviewer and respond professionally, using relevant keywords where it makes sense (e.g., Thank you for your kind words about your romantic weekend stay in our downtown Boston suite)
-
Share standout reviews on your site or social media to boost credibility and engagement
Monitor and Maintain Your Backlink Profile
Not all backlinks are beneficial. You want to track who is linking to your site and ensure those links come from relevant, trustworthy sources.
Use SEO tools such as:
-
Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to monitor your backlink health
-
Google Search Console to identify referring domains
-
Disavow low quality or spammy links that could harm your site’s performance
Pro Tip: Tie It All Together With Google Analytics
Track your performance by monitoring:
-
Which keywords are bringing traffic
-
Which pages get the most visitors
-
What search terms trigger your Google Business Profile
By tying in tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Business Profile Insights, you can refine your SEO strategy over time and continue climbing the ranks.
