From Boardroom to Beachfront: How Hotels Can Win with Bleisure and Hybrid Travelers
- Florida Custom Merch
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
In the post-pandemic travel era, the line between business and leisure is blurrier than ever. Once a niche market, the "bleisure" (business + leisure) trend has exploded into a major opportunity for hotels—especially those that cater to the modern, mobile professional. According to recent industry insights, more than 60% of business travelers now extend their trips for leisure purposes, while over 70% of remote workers have expressed interest in working from hotels.
But as the work-from-anywhere movement gains momentum, hotels must go beyond offering fast Wi-Fi and a desk. Today’s hybrid traveler is looking for an experience—one that seamlessly integrates productivity, relaxation, and local culture. For hotels, that means it’s time to reimagine everything from amenities to aesthetics, and yes—even the merchandise.
Why the Bleisure Traveler Is a Game-Changer?
Unlike the traditional business guest, the bleisure traveler is a hybrid thinker. They may log into a Zoom meeting at 9 a.m. but spend their lunch break paddleboarding or exploring the local farmers’ market. They want access to reliable tech and comfortable workspaces—but they also crave personalization, storytelling, and memorable keepsakes from their stay.
This mindset shift opens the door for hotels to connect with guests in more lifestyle-oriented ways. It’s not just about convenience anymore. It’s about how the hotel feels—and how guests can take a piece of that feeling home.
The Rise of Resort-Core and "Lifestyle Light"
Enter the resort-core aesthetic—a cultural movement that blends escapism, wellness, and intentional design. It’s soft linens, sunset tones, artisan coffee, and brand experiences that don’t feel like marketing. Bleisure travelers are resonating with this aesthetic not just in how they choose accommodations, but in what they buy, wear, and post.
Hotels embracing resort-core and hybrid hospitality are also seeing greater engagement in their retail programs. Where lobby shops once sold utilitarian souvenirs, they now showcase curated, custom-branded collections that reflect the ethos of the property: linen robes embroidered with the resort’s signature motif, locally sourced skincare products in eco-conscious packaging, sunglasses with custom-printed microfiber pouches featuring in-house art.
This is where smart merchandise strategy can make all the difference.
How Branded Merchandise Enhances the Hybrid Guest Experience
As the founder of Florida Custom Merch, I’ve seen firsthand how hotels and resorts are adapting their retail and amenity offerings to serve today’s multi-dimensional traveler. Custom merchandise isn’t just about slapping a logo on a hat anymore—it’s about translating the vibe and vision of your property into physical items that feel exclusive, functional, and emotionally connected.
Here are four key ways branded merchandise can elevate the bleisure experience:
1. Work-Friendly Welcome Kits
Hotels are now offering “remote-ready” welcome kits that cater to business-leisure guests. These might include branded blue-light glasses, portable laptop stands, reusable water bottles, or notebooks—all custom-designed to match the hotel’s branding and aesthetic. These items help the traveler feel prepared, supported, and part of something thoughtful.
2. On-Brand Relaxation Essentials
After a long Zoom day, your guest isn’t just ready to relax—they’re ready to indulge. Think plush hotel-branded robes, aromatherapy sprays, branded Turkish towels, or yoga mats with subtle local flair. When the product feels elevated and aligned with the hotel’s experience, it drives both guest satisfaction and retail interest.
3. Social Media-Worthy Souvenirs
A huge portion of hybrid travel is shared online. Guests want to tag their location, snap product photos, and build narratives around where they stayed and how it felt. Creating items that are visually engaging—like branded sun hats, poolside drinkware, or totes printed with the hotel's custom artwork—can turn guests into brand ambassadors without even asking.
4. Collaborative Pop-Ups and Limited Editions
Another way hotels are making hybrid travelers feel part of something special is by collaborating with local artists or artisans to develop co-branded merchandise. A limited-edition print, a small-batch local candle, or a seasonal capsule tee tells a story of time and place—and encourages guests to shop, share, and return.
Aligning Your Hotel's Merch Strategy with the Bleisure Boom
To meet the expectations of today’s hybrid traveler, hotels must adopt a lifestyle-first approach to their retail and branded items. That starts by asking:
Does our merchandise reflect the aesthetic and story of our property?
Are we creating product experiences that support both work and relaxation?
Are we tapping into the seasonal trends and local culture our guests care about?
At Florida Custom Merch, we help hotels design, source, and deliver custom merchandise that captures your brand’s identity while delighting your guests. Whether you’re looking to refresh your in-room kits, stock your boutique with retail-ready products, or co-create a summer capsule for your rooftop bar, we bring ideas and execution together in one streamlined process.
The Future of Bleisure Is Branded
As hybrid work continues to evolve, so will the expectations of guests who mix business with pleasure. The hotels that win in this new space won’t just offer high-speed internet—they’ll offer identity, inspiration, and immersion. With the right merchandise strategy, your property can go from a stopover to a story—and from a memory to a movement.
With so many options available, choosing the right branded promotional item can be overwhelming. Since 2016, we, at Florida Custom Merch, have helped numerous businesses achieve success through the use of custom branded promotional merchandise. Hiring an expert can help you select the perfect item, save time and money, and, most importantly, maximize your results.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful!
Most Popular Types of Custom Merch
(click on image to get more info)
Comments