Home Travel 14 Tips to Be The Perfect Host w/ Hampton #HamptonHoliday

14 Tips to Be The Perfect Host w/ Hampton #HamptonHoliday

by TerriAnn
Hampton Hotels Hamptonality #HamptonHoliday

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We’re entering the most stressful time of the year. Kids will be bouncing off the walls with 2-3 weeks off school, flights and roads will be packed with stressed out travelers, and homes will be bustling with family and friends constantly shuffling in and out. To top it off, some are even having a multitude of out-of-town guests staying with them and trying to figure out where to put everyone. Are you among them? How in the world will you retain your sanity let alone manage to be a gracious host? Hampton Hotels is coming to your rescue!

By bringing their ‘Hamptonality’ home, you can ensure that everyone, including you, has a wonderful time together.

Hampton Hotel’s Hamptonality

Hamptonality is Hampton-style hospitality. The five tenets of ‘Hamptonality’ are:

  • Unexpected delight
  • Being anticipatory
  • Sharing a compliment
  • Providing a moment of humor
  • Showing empathy

Hampton Hotels Hamptonality #HamptonHoliday

Helpful Tips from Hampton and Jenny Steffens

You can imagine how these will lighten a mood and make any stay run smoother. Hampton has partnered with entertaining expert, Jenny Steffens Hobick, to share some useful tips in making these tenets work for you:

  • Be the best OFF-SITE host ever . . .

It may be less stressful and more comfortable to book your guests at the closest Hampton. There are 1,900 locations to choose from.

  • Surprise your guests with welcome treats

Jenny likes to greet her guests with something personalized with their name on it, like a decorated sugar cookie or a decorated welcome sign. Hampton does something similar by adding a personal touch for a guest’s stay by offering a favorite local snack or fun local item when guests check in.

  • Be prepared with lots of snacks

No one’s happy when they’re hungry. Have afternoon and pre-dinner snacks available, including fresh options.

  • Post the plan

Make a schedule so everyone knows what to expect but include a lot of free time for guests, maybe even providing them with a list of nearby activities to try.

  • Make time for exercise and fresh air

Get that blood pumping and get reinvigorated. Most Hampton locations include complimentary fitness centers and swimming pools for guests.

  • Make time for resting

Guests will definitely appreciate some scheduled down time in the afternoons or early evenings. Naps are a traveler’s best friend.

Hampton Hotels Hamptonality #HamptonHoliday

  • Plan a daily ritual

After breakfast, you can let everyone go out and explore. Meet up later for music, games for the kids, and wine and cheese for the adults while sharing the day’s experiences.

  • Plan one special night for the adults

Hire a babysitter for the night so the parents can let their hair down.

  • Big breakfasts

Start the day right with a big breakfast. Hampton offers a free, hot breakfast every morning with fresh-baked waffles – yum!

  • Stock up on extras

Get extra toiletries just in case someone forgets theirs.

  • Make your home “help yourself” friendly

Instead of them feel like they’re in the way, set up an area for guests to easily get coffee, water bottles, portable snacks, etc. with a quick list of local places to check out. Jenny even mentions making a few extra sets of keys for them to come and go as they please.

  • Plan fun games

Games everyone can participate in can help make new memories of ‘relaxing, laughing, and having a great time’.

  • Make your guests do some work

Let guests help with tasks they’ll enjoy (i.e. decorating, cooking, etc.). It’s better to be a part of the fun than just a spectator.

  • Prepare!

Do what you can before they come. Plan menus for freezer-friendly, one-dish mealsl Do your laundry so the washer and dryer are free for your guests.

Hampton Hotels Hamptonality #HamptonHoliday

Start the Fun, Avoid the Stress

Let’s face it, very few can navigate all this without a few extra gray hairs but at least Hampton can help lessen them as you make new happy memories with your loved ones.

Enter below to win a Hampton Hotels “Be My Guest” Card which is good for one (1) FREE night stay at a U.S. Hampton location.

 
You can connect with Hampton Hotels on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube.

Compensation was provided by Hampton Hotel via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hampton or Momtrends.

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119 comments

Carol Norton December 19, 2013 - 12:37 pm

Thanks you for a great contest!

Mami2jcn December 19, 2013 - 3:18 pm

We would redeem it at the Hampton in Hilton Head.

alicia k (Petite Pilates Pixie) December 19, 2013 - 7:17 pm

in columbia, md!

Whitney Lett December 19, 2013 - 9:25 pm

Hubby and I could use a night without the kids and grand parents live in Branson MO. We would do the one at the Landing!

rod jackson December 20, 2013 - 3:42 am

Coralville, Iowa

Rosey December 20, 2013 - 5:51 am

I’d redeem mine in Lincoln, NE or WPB, FL. 🙂

Jacob December 21, 2013 - 1:35 pm

Hampton Inn Dallas/Lewisville – have stayed there before and love it!

Marcia Goss December 21, 2013 - 2:03 pm

In Savannah GA.

Jennifer H. December 21, 2013 - 2:47 pm

Traverse City Michigan.

Alaine December 22, 2013 - 11:36 am

I’d use mine in Kansas City.

Seth December 22, 2013 - 11:41 am

I would stay at the Cape Cod Yarmouth location.

Allie December 22, 2013 - 12:40 pm

I would use it in Baltimore

Laura P. December 22, 2013 - 2:51 pm

In Tilton, New Hampshire or one of the other New Hampshire locations. We are relocating and looking for a house in New Hampshire.

Kelly D December 22, 2013 - 7:23 pm

I think I would like to go to Lancaster PA

Kenny F December 22, 2013 - 8:25 pm

New york city

Crystal W December 22, 2013 - 10:58 pm

I think I’d use it in New Orleans!

The Mom Jen December 23, 2013 - 5:51 pm

I’d go to the one in Hermosa Beach!

molly December 23, 2013 - 5:54 pm

I would use it in PA!

christine jessamine December 23, 2013 - 6:09 pm

I would love to stay in denver, co

marian boll December 23, 2013 - 6:41 pm

In Aspen or Vail to see the snow and being warm at the same time.

Elizabeth Owens December 23, 2013 - 6:42 pm

I have been wanting to explore downtown Chicago for a while now, so I would want to stay there. Thank you Cookies and Clogs and Hampton! I would have so much fun

Elena December 23, 2013 - 8:01 pm

I would use it in San Francisco

Natalie yeoman December 23, 2013 - 8:44 pm

Columbus Ohio

Carolsue December 24, 2013 - 1:06 am

I would stay in Ontario, CA when I go to visit my relatives

Hampton Hotels FREE Night “Be My Guest” Card Giveaway | Just Sweep December 24, 2013 - 7:48 am

[…] CLICK TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY! –> […]

Mary Beth Elderton December 24, 2013 - 1:39 pm

I’d LOVE to use it in Galveston, TX…but I would probably use it near family in Missouri.

Tracy Robertson December 24, 2013 - 2:19 pm

I would use it in San Francisco. I live in that area but would love to have an overnight staycation!

steve weber December 24, 2013 - 3:27 pm

Milwaukee,WI is where I’d redeem it.

Sarah Ann Walker December 25, 2013 - 7:58 pm

I would redeem it in San Francisco, CA.

Jasanna December 25, 2013 - 11:54 pm

In Palmdale, CA when I visit family next year. 🙂

Shannon Baas December 26, 2013 - 10:40 am

In Minneapolis.

amy deeter December 26, 2013 - 11:14 am

in daytona beach florida

Margaret Smith December 26, 2013 - 11:37 am

Hilton Head SC, when I visit family.

Beth R December 26, 2013 - 11:55 am

I would redeem it somewhere in NH. Would make a great girl’s getaway.

Connie Lee December 26, 2013 - 12:23 pm

Somewhere in North Carolina when we go on vacation.

Alexa B. December 26, 2013 - 1:07 pm

i would use my free night in south carolina.

G Andolina December 26, 2013 - 2:15 pm

seattle –for sure

Stephanie V. December 26, 2013 - 4:52 pm

probably morgan hill, CA — need to visit a old friend . . .

Ann Fantom December 26, 2013 - 5:23 pm

I would like to stay at the Hampton Inn Manhattan-Times Square North

Lauren December 26, 2013 - 5:30 pm

New york city

Geoff K December 26, 2013 - 8:13 pm

I’d go for the Hampton Inn Boston/Cambridge — thanks for the chance!

harold December 26, 2013 - 8:13 pm

Biloxi, Mississippi is where I would redeem it!

Jason Vaughn December 27, 2013 - 1:28 am

Louisville, KY

robyn paris December 27, 2013 - 3:33 am

i would like to redeem my room in wisconsin.

debbie December 27, 2013 - 4:18 am

grand rapids michigan

Cynthia C December 27, 2013 - 4:31 am

I would use it in Asheville NC to visit Biltmore Estate.

Nicole Newby December 27, 2013 - 5:27 am

I am not sure where I would redeem this voucher at! I would love to go on a vacation, but realistically the finances aren’t there. Maybe my husband and I could get a baby sitter for the night and stay at a local (Detroit, MI) Hampton and enjoy some adult time!

Kim H December 27, 2013 - 5:36 am

I would go to the nearest one just to get a night out…but if I could I would go to the beach

Katherine December 27, 2013 - 9:20 am

Williamsburg VA

Tracie Trump December 27, 2013 - 10:05 am

In the Orlando, FL area

Kathy B December 27, 2013 - 10:45 am

The Hampton Inn at Myrtle Beach

Alex Willis December 27, 2013 - 10:56 am

Atlanta, GA

Kathleen December 27, 2013 - 12:13 pm

pittsburgh, pa

kport207 at gmail dot com

Katie Roch December 27, 2013 - 2:14 pm

I would redeem a free night in Front Royal, VA when I go to visit my sister and my newborn niece.

Chris Martinez December 27, 2013 - 2:27 pm

In Sacramento California, my cousin works there.

Suzanne K December 27, 2013 - 5:09 pm

I’d want to redeem my night in San Francisco!

Donna Dennis December 27, 2013 - 5:46 pm

I would stay in Dallas, Texas.

Robyn L December 27, 2013 - 7:13 pm

I would love to stay at the Hampton Inn in Pigeon Forge TN!

Brittney House December 27, 2013 - 7:57 pm

I would use mine in Florida.

Rebecca Graham December 27, 2013 - 8:36 pm

I would redeem it at their Fayetteville TN location.

Kimberly Kihega December 27, 2013 - 11:35 pm

I would use it in either Tyler or Dallas, TX.

danielle marie December 28, 2013 - 1:34 am

san francisco for me. love it there.

Robin December 28, 2013 - 6:04 am

I would use it in Orlando Fla.

jayrod December 28, 2013 - 10:16 am

I would stay at the Hampton in Chicago, Illinois for this upcoming 2014 Valentines day holiday with my girlfriend. Please pick me it is only four day from my birthday so it would also make an unforgettable birthday memory.

Katie K December 28, 2013 - 3:48 pm

I’d use it in San Francisco

Susan Smith December 28, 2013 - 4:53 pm

In Omaha to visit my family.

Patricia Wojnar Crowley December 28, 2013 - 5:18 pm

We’d go to Columbus!

Laura F. December 28, 2013 - 5:19 pm

I would use my free night at the Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla.

Michelle Weaver December 28, 2013 - 5:37 pm

We stay at the closest one to Disney in Orlando.

Lori C. December 28, 2013 - 5:52 pm

Myrtle Beach, SC

William Krawic December 28, 2013 - 6:00 pm

I’d use it while in FL this year!

rachel travis December 28, 2013 - 7:06 pm

I would use it somewhere on my road trip from VA to MI! 🙂

Amy Hall December 28, 2013 - 10:24 pm

1400 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas, 66111

Angela Cisco December 28, 2013 - 10:25 pm

I’d probably take an overnight trip to Ann Arbor.

Mya Murphy December 28, 2013 - 11:29 pm

Close to the Smoky Mountains, maybe Gatlinburg.

Katie Seymour December 29, 2013 - 12:37 am

Fond memories…my late husband & I would escape from the family for one nite every other month or so. Always ended up at the Hampton Inn on Hwy 100 in Milwaukee, WI. Loved the pool and jacuzzi!

joseph gersch December 29, 2013 - 1:31 am

i would use it in Philly

Sarah December 29, 2013 - 3:51 am

I would use it in Washington DC

Jo Ricker December 29, 2013 - 5:57 am

I would use it while we went to visit family.

Melissa Tippie December 29, 2013 - 7:39 am

If I would be the chosen lucky winner I would redeem it for a weekend stay at the Hampton in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Jan Hammersmith` December 29, 2013 - 8:00 am

Ohio

Lynde F. December 29, 2013 - 8:04 am

Virginia Beach!!

Sarah Hirsch December 29, 2013 - 8:29 am

i would love to go to new york city

Breanne December 29, 2013 - 9:08 am

In Honolulu

Sky Sparkle December 29, 2013 - 12:39 pm

I’d redeem it in my home town!

Judy Estrin December 29, 2013 - 1:28 pm

I would use it somewhere in California on a break from work.

Chavonne H December 29, 2013 - 3:30 pm

I would use it for Valentines Day.

Tricia December 29, 2013 - 3:32 pm

I’d see if there is a property on Long Island so that I could visit a friend.

Megan December 29, 2013 - 4:05 pm

In Ohio!

Deborah R December 29, 2013 - 4:13 pm

I need a day someplace warm!

Natalie December 29, 2013 - 4:24 pm

I would spend the night in Minneapolis

Candie L December 29, 2013 - 4:37 pm

I would use it for Branson (only 2 hours away). Thank you

Wendy Rozema December 29, 2013 - 5:05 pm

Traverse City, MI

vickie turner December 29, 2013 - 5:30 pm

i would use it in indiana

amy rouse December 29, 2013 - 5:37 pm

Mrtinsburg WV

melissaandkeith miller December 29, 2013 - 5:40 pm

somewhere in OHIO

kathy dalton December 29, 2013 - 5:48 pm

In Daytona Beach florida

Karen Gonyea December 29, 2013 - 6:13 pm

Maybe somewhere in Maine….I’ve always wanted to take a road trip up that way 🙂

Carl White December 29, 2013 - 6:30 pm


I would either use it in the fantasy land that is Boise Idaho or I would take a break for a night from my life and stay in the Hampton Inn down the street.

Jennifer J December 29, 2013 - 6:35 pm

Probably Annapolis MD, we go there quite a bit.

Lauren-Olivia Wood December 29, 2013 - 6:40 pm

I would redeem my free night in North Carolina, near Biltmore.

carol j December 29, 2013 - 6:51 pm

in Il or in WI

Allison December 29, 2013 - 6:52 pm

In Virginia beach!

Jessica December 29, 2013 - 7:10 pm

I’d stay in Orlando, fl

Heather Dawn December 29, 2013 - 7:15 pm

I would stay at the Hampton Inn St. Louis/Sunset Hills location!

jeannine s December 29, 2013 - 7:34 pm

I would use it in Pittsburgh Pa!

Mary Worley December 29, 2013 - 7:36 pm

Cherokee NC

Barrett Caldwell December 29, 2013 - 7:42 pm

Oh my gosh anywhere I need a vacation

Kimberley Meier December 29, 2013 - 8:00 pm

I’d use it in Des Moines so I can go see my bestie for my birthday!

Rebecca Caruso December 29, 2013 - 8:00 pm

Boston, MA…my home away from home!

Donna L December 29, 2013 - 8:01 pm

I would go to San Luis Obispo, CA.

klynn December 29, 2013 - 8:06 pm

We have a handful of friends we are hoping to visit this Summer, and our friends live in Missouri, Minnesota, and North Carolina. We would either use it while visiting them there are travelling to visit them. (as a halfway/resting spot for the night)

Gianna December 29, 2013 - 9:01 pm

Probably in SD.

Tim Moss December 29, 2013 - 9:14 pm

I’d probably redeem it at Myrtle Beach, SC.

Emily R. December 29, 2013 - 9:33 pm

I would choose the Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Green Hills!

Barbara Long December 29, 2013 - 9:46 pm

I would redeem my free night at the Birch Run/Frankenmuth location in Michigan.

longbarb11@aol.com

AEKZ2 December 29, 2013 - 10:04 pm

I’d like to stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Los Angeles/Anaheim-Garden Grove

Pauline Milner December 29, 2013 - 11:03 pm

If I were lucky enough to win, I would redeem it in North Conway, New Hampshire so I could go on a tax free shopping spree. Thanks for the super giveaway opportunity. Keep up the terrific blogging.

Lily Kwan December 29, 2013 - 11:55 pm

I would use it at Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Arcadia/Pasadena.

Comments are closed.