How long should hotel blog posts be?
Short answer
There's no ideal length for hotel blog posts. A post should be as long as it needs to answer its question completely and no longer. A practical tip — how to reach the hotel from the airport — might need 300 words and a map; a neighbourhood guide might need 1,500 words with sections. Google's helpful-content guidance warns against writing to a particular word count because you've heard it's preferred. Start with the reader's question, answer it directly at the top, add the details they need, and stop.
By Lodging Engine Editorial Team· Reviewed by Eric Zwanenburg· Last reviewed
What Google says about length
Google's guidance on helpful content asks whether you're writing to a particular word count because you've heard Google has a preferred one — and notes that it doesn't. What matters is whether the content satisfies the reader.
Let the question set the length
| Type | What it needs |
|---|---|
| Practical tip | The answer, steps, a map or times |
| Event page | Dates, location, how to get there, where to stay |
| Neighbourhood guide | Sections by theme, specific recommendations, practical details |
| Seasonal guide | What's on, what to book ahead, what's closed |
Structure beats length
- Answer the main question in the first paragraph.
- Use headings guests can scan.
- Put practical details in lists.
- Link to rooms and offers at natural points.
Signs a post is too long
- Repeats itself or pads with generic history.
- Buries the answer below an introduction.
- Includes sections nobody asked about.
Signs it's too short
- Leaves the obvious follow-up questions unanswered.
- Lacks specifics: times, distances, prices, opening patterns.
See writing destination guides.
Common mistakes
- Padding to hit a target word count.
- Splitting one useful guide into many thin posts.
- Long introductions before the answer.
Checklist
- Main question answered at the top
- Every section earns its place
- Practical details included
- Links to rooms or offers where natural
Sources
- Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content — Google Search Central
- SEO Starter Guide: the basics — Google Search Central