The Boutique Hospitality AI Starter Kit

A comprehensive, self-guided introduction to using AI thoughtfully in an independent hospitality operation. This free resource helps you assess your readiness, identify high-value use cases, and build a 90-day adoption plan—all without tech overwhelm or enterprise complexity.

Why This Kit Exists

Most AI resources are either too technical, too generic, or too focused on scale. This kit is designed specifically for boutique properties, inns, glamping operators, and independent stays—operations where every hour matters and brand consistency is everything.

What's Inside

1. AI Readiness Self-Assessment (Hospitality-Specific)

Evaluate your current operations across five key areas:

  • Front desk operations and guest check-in/out processes
  • Guest communication workflows and response times
  • Revenue management and pricing strategies
  • Marketing, reviews, and online reputation
  • Back-office admin and documentation

This assessment helps you identify where AI can have the most immediate impact without disrupting what already works.

2. 10 High-ROI AI Use Cases for Boutique Properties

Practical, proven applications including:

  • Guest pre-arrival messaging and personalization
  • Review response drafting and sentiment analysis
  • SOP creation and staff onboarding documentation
  • Vendor email triage and communication management
  • Seasonal staffing onboarding and training materials
  • Dynamic FAQ generation from guest inquiries
  • Local recommendation curation and updates
  • Event planning and coordination workflows
  • Housekeeping schedule optimization
  • Guest feedback synthesis and action planning

Each use case includes implementation difficulty, time savings estimates, and brand voice considerations.

3. Tool Stack Guide (Non-Technical)

Simple, practical recommendations organized by what you already use:

  • "If you use Gmail → do this"
  • "If you use Hostaway / OwnerRez → do this"
  • "If you manage bookings manually → start here"

Includes explicit guidance on what NOT to use—saving you from expensive mistakes and feature bloat.

4. Ethical & Brand Guardrails

Critical boundaries for maintaining trust and authenticity:

  • Where AI should never speak for you
  • How to maintain brand voice in automated communications
  • Transparency guidance for guests and staff
  • Data privacy considerations for small properties

5. 90-Day "No-Burnout" Adoption Plan

A phased approach designed for small teams and busy operators:

  • Weeks 1–2: Admin relief (email triage, basic automation)
  • Weeks 3–6: Guest communications polish (responses, FAQs)
  • Weeks 7–12: Strategic insight (reviews, feedback patterns, pricing support)

Each phase includes realistic time commitments, success metrics, and pivot points if something isn't working.