There is a fine line between "capturing data" and "holding a guest hostage." The traditional Wi-Fi splash page—where a guest must enter their email just to get online—often crosses that line. It feels extractive. It’s the digital equivalent of a toll booth at the start of a vacation.
The superior approach is the Value Exchange. Instead of a barrier, create an incentive. Use your digital guidebook or guest portal as a "Digital Concierge." When a guest logs in to see the best coffee spots or the instructions for the fire pit, offer them a "Loyalty Perk" for joining your community.
Maybe it’s a 10% discount on their next stay or a complimentary bottle of wine for their return visit. By framing data capture as a way to "Unlock Rewards," you turn a friction point into a brand-building moment. You aren't just getting an email address; you’re starting a membership.
Meta info. question=What's the best way to collect guest emails during their stay without annoying them? • intent=in-stay guest engagement
