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How can hotels use video content?

Short answer

Hotels can use video to show what photos can't: the walk from the station, the size and light of a room, the sound of the garden, an event setup. The most useful videos are short and practical — room tours, arrival directions, and genuine local experiences. To help videos appear in search, put each important video on its own indexable page with a clear title and description, and follow Google's video guidance. Keep videos from slowing your site: avoid autoplaying large background videos, especially on mobile.

By Lodging Engine Editorial Team· Reviewed by Eric Zwanenburg· Last reviewed

Useful video types for hotels

  • Room tours: one short video per room type, shot honestly.
  • Arrival guides: from the station, airport, or car park to reception.
  • Spaces: restaurant, spa, meeting rooms, event setups.
  • Local experiences: a walk your staff recommend, a market, a view.
  • Practical tips: how to use the parking, early check-in options.

Making videos findable

Google's video guidance includes:

  • The video should be on an indexed watch page; indexing the page doesn't guarantee the video is indexed.
  • Use standard HTML video embedding, a good thumbnail, and a descriptive title and description.
  • Add VideoObject structured data or a video sitemap to help Google understand it.

Keep the website fast

  • Don't autoplay large hero videos on mobile; they can delay the main content. See how fast a hotel website should be.
  • Use a lightweight player or click-to-play.
  • Host long videos on a video platform and embed them on the relevant page.

Accessibility

Add captions, and avoid sound that plays automatically. See making your website accessible.

Keep it honest

Show the real property in current condition. Heavily edited or misleading footage leads to disappointed guests and poor reviews.

Common mistakes

  • One long brand film instead of short practical videos.
  • Autoplay background videos that slow the homepage.
  • Videos without titles, descriptions, or captions.

Checklist

  • Short practical videos for rooms and arrival
  • Each key video on a relevant indexable page
  • Title, description, thumbnail, and captions
  • No heavy autoplay on mobile
  • Footage reflects current condition

Sources

  1. Video SEO best practices — Google Search Central
  2. Web Vitals — web.dev (Google)
  3. Optimize Largest Contentful Paint — web.dev

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