Sometimes, it’s the little touches that turn a great guest experience into an unforgettable one. During a recent ALP Hospitality Huddle, Brenda Needham from Sugar Tree Inn in Vesuvius, VA shared a simple, brilliant idea that does double duty: delighting guests and marketing your property.

Here’s how it works: Brenda keeps a stack of postcards in a common area. On the front is a beautiful image of her property, and the back is set up for guests to write a quick note to friends or family alongside the mailing address. A small sign lets guests know they can take one, postage already affixed, and the property will happily mail it for them. For international travelers, Brenda also offers the correct international stamp when needed.

It’s an old-fashioned gesture in a digital age, and that’s exactly why it works. Guests love the novelty and thoughtfulness. Plus, when that postcard lands in someone’s mailbox, it’s a little piece of marketing magic—a personal recommendation wrapped in a beautiful picture of your property.

Creating postcards is easier (and cheaper) than you might think. Tools like Canva or Vistaprint make it simple to design and print in small or large quantities. Include a signature image of your property, your website address, and a touch of personality—and you’ve got a keepsake that doubles as a conversation starter.

Next time you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to make guests feel special, think about giving them something they can send to the people they care about. A postcard becomes more than a pretty picture—it’s a personal recommendation, straight from your guest, landing in the hands of friends, family, and future travelers. Guests can even mail one home to themselves as a memento—something to hold onto that brings those special moments rushing back long after their stay. That’s hospitality that keeps working long after checkout.

5 Quick Tips for Creating Perfect Guest Postcards

1. Pick a signature image.
Choose a photo that captures the essence of your property—your most photogenic view, a cozy guest room, or a seasonal scene that makes people say, “I want to be there.”

2. Keep the front text short.
A simple phrase like “Greetings from [Property Name]” or “Wish You Were Here” lets the image shine while still sharing your name or location.

3. Design a guest-friendly back.
Include clear space for writing a short message, lines for the address, and room for a stamp. The simpler and cleaner, the more likely guests will use it.

4. Make it easy.
Provide postage (domestic and international) and a clear sign letting guests know you’ll mail it for them. The less they have to do, the better.

5. Add your contact info subtly.
Include your website or social media handle in a discreet spot—such as along the bottom edge—so recipients can easily find you without taking away from the postcard’s keepsake feel.

Optional Bonus Tip! Change it up seasonally.
Rotate the image on the front to match the time of year—fall foliage, winter snow, spring blooms, summer sunsets—so returning guests always see something fresh and timely.