In today’s travel market, families want more than just a comfortable room. Families are looking for the hotels that surprise them, delight them and stand out from the rest. Augmented Reality (AR) gives hotels a quick way to deliver these moments and help turn existing spaces into interactive adventures.
With AR, even the most ordinary corners of your property can offer small but memorable surprises that spark curiosity. Here are five creative ways AR can help make your hotel a must-visit destination for families.
5 Ways AR Can Turn Every Corner into an Adventure
1 - Launch AR Scavenger Hunts
Encourage families to explore every corner of your hotel with an AR-powered scavenger hunt. Guests can use their smartphones or tablets to scan logos, paintings, photographs or even menu covers to unlock clues and discover digital gifts.
Each discovery can reveal new clues or trigger fun animations, character appearances and mini-challenges that keep kids engaged and parents entertained. You can theme these hunts around seasons, local culture or special events, making each experience fresh for returning guests. This not only creates memorable and shareable experiences but also encourages families to explore more of your property.
2 - Make Artwork Come Alive
Transform your hotel’s art collection into an unforgettable interactive experience for your guests. With augmented reality (AR), paintings and photographs can come to life when viewed through a smartphone or tablet. Guests can watch historic photographs animate with scenes from the past or listen to stories about the artwork narrated by art historians.
You can even create a themed trail, where scanning each artwork unlocks a new chapter in a digital narrative. This approach adds magic and meaning to your décor, engaging both children and adults. It also provides your hotel with a unique signature experience that sets it apart from others.
3 - Create Shareable Photo Opportunities
Transform everyday spaces into must-snap moments with AR-powered photo opportunities. Guests using their phone or tablet, see themselves surrounded by animated characters, branded props or seasonal scenes. These AR moments can even be enjoyed before or after the stay, giving guests a way to capture the magic from anywhere.
You could feature your hotel mascot, playful local icons or interactive frames that allow guests to pose within them. Photos can be instantly saved and shared on social media, providing families with a fun keepsake and giving your hotel valuable word-of-mouth exposure. Regularly changing themes keeps the experience fresh and encourages guests to return for the next great photo opportunity.
4 - Provide Branded Interactive Entertainment
Engage your guests with AR-powered games that showcase your hotel’s personality and style. These interactive experiences can be activated by simple gestures, body movements or facial expressions — from personality tests triggered by head movements to playful games that involve opening and closing the mouth. They provide a fun and memorable way for families to connect with your brand.
Since these games don’t require a dedicated physical space, they can be enjoyed anywhere in the hotel using just a smartphone or tablet. By blending entertainment with your hotel’s unique identity, you create moments that guests will remember and talk about long after their stay.
5 - Share Educational Facts & On-Site Stories
Enhance your guests' experience by using augmented reality (AR) to create a captivating layer of learning and storytelling. By scanning key points of interest throughout your property—such as historic photographs, architectural details, garden plants or cultural décor—families can unlock bite-sized educational facts or 3D models that bring each subject to life.
These interactive experiences transform casual exploration into a richer and more meaningful activity, engaging both children and adults. Whether showcasing your hotel’s heritage, local culture or natural surroundings, AR makes learning feel like an integral part of the adventure, creating memorable moments for guests long after their stay.
Making Magic Part of Every Family Stay
Augmented Reality (AR) is not just a fun addition. It is a powerful tool for transforming the guest experience and distinguishing your hotel from the competition. By incorporating interactive adventures, animated art and playful educational elements into your spaces, you can create family-friendly magic that is both memorable and shareable.
In an industry where word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable, AR can give you a competitive edge. With today’s technology, creating these AR experiences is more affordable and accessible than ever, making it easier for hotels of all sizes to bring them to life.
Check out the article below to discover more ideas to elevate your hotel property's family offerings:
Wan Tsau
Wan Tsau
Wan Tsau
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