Staycations, “Bleisure,” and the New Shape of Travel in 2025

How Hotel Managers and Restaurants Capture the Modern Local and Hybrid Traveler

The travel landscape of 2025 looks very different from what it did just five years ago. The word staycation—once synonymous with pandemic-era compromise—has evolved. While travelers are again crossing borders in record numbers, local and regional Hotels remain a powerful trend. At the same time, the rise of “bleisure travel”—the blending of business and leisure trips—has redefined how and why people travel.

Modern Hotel leaders now face a dual opportunity: attracting nearby residents looking for restorative weekends close to home, while appealing to remote professionals who want to extend business trips into personal getaways. Understanding both audiences—and adapting operations accordingly—can help hotels, resorts, and restaurants drive consistent revenue year-round.

Are Staycations Still Relevant in 2025?

Yes—but they’ve evolved. The staycation is no longer about being “stuck at home.” It’s now part of a broader movement toward local luxury, short-format travel, and sustainable leisure. Many travelers are choosing destinations within driving distance to save time, money, and carbon footprint.

Recent Longwoods International data (2024) shows that roughly 70% of U.S. travelers plan at least one trip within 200 miles of home each year, and road travel still accounts for more than two-thirds of domestic vacations. This trend is driven by convenience, affordability, and a growing desire to reconnect with community and regional culture.

For the hospitality industry, that means local guests are no longer an afterthought—they’re a core customer segment.

Hotel Managers Adjust to The Rise of Bleisure Travel

At the same time, the “bleisure” market—professionals who combine work and vacation—has exploded. The hybrid-work revolution has untethered employees from traditional offices, and many now build travel around flexible schedules. According to Expedia Group’s 2024 Traveler Insights, 62% of business travelers extended at least one work trip for leisure, and half said they would pay more for hotels offering remote-work amenities.

These guests are unique: they expect reliable connectivity, productive workspaces, and leisure options for downtime. They’re willing to spend, but they demand efficiency and authenticity.

To attract them, properties must operate like lifestyle ecosystems—offering both professional functionality and emotional restoration.

How Hotel Managers can Leverage These Trends

1. Evaluate and Modernize Your Offerings

Look at your property through a local’s eyes. Would someone who lives 20 minutes away find value in staying overnight or using your facilities for a weekend recharge? Evaluate your amenities:

• Curate wellness retreats, spa weekends, or chef’s table experiences to make short stays feel luxurious.

• Offer day-use packages for locals who want to “get away” without staying overnight.

• Add work-from-anywhere features like ergonomic workstations, noise-reducing rooms, and strong Wi-Fi to appeal to bleisure travelers.

Even small updates—comfortable coworking spaces or late Sunday checkout—can transform your property into a desirable short-stay destination.

2. Craft Irresistible Local Packages

A well-designed package can turn nearby residents into repeat guests. Combine local flavor with thoughtful perks to make your offers stand out:

• “Work + Wellness” stay that includes daily breakfast, workspace access, and a massage.

• “Date Night Downtown” with dinner, movie, and overnight stay for couples.

• “Family Recharge Weekend” featuring a pool pass, kids’ club, and local attraction tickets.

Track each offer’s performance through unique promo codes and adjust seasonally. The best campaigns speak directly to local emotion—comfort, curiosity, or celebration—rather than discounts alone.

3. Partner with Local Businesses

Collaboration amplifies reach. Partner with neighborhood spas, art galleries, theaters, or restaurants to create integrated experiences. Cross-promotion benefits everyone—especially in mid-sized cities where tourism boards and downtown alliances are hungry for revitalization.

For example, a boutique hotel in Florida could pair with a local surf school for weekend packages, while a luxury property in New York might team up with a Broadway show or wine bar. Partnerships turn local travel into cultural immersion.

4. Promote Your “Hybrid Office” Advantage

Bleisure guests need more than Wi-Fi. They crave comfort, privacy, and professional support. Promote amenities such as:

• Quiet work lounges or private meeting pods.

• Printers, scanners, and conference-ready AV setups.

• On-demand business services or concierge tech support.

Advertise these through your website and business-travel networks. Market to companies offering “work-from-anywhere” stipends—many now allocate travel budgets for employee wellness and mobility.

5. Focus Marketing on Proximity and Experience

Local marketing is about storytelling, not selling. Use social media and email to show locals what’s new, seasonal, or exclusive. Replace generic travel ads with geo-targeted campaigns that emphasize experience over distance—“Your weekend oasis, 30 minutes from home.” Hotel Managers need to improve the experience, especially for business stays.

Invest in visual storytelling: video tours, chef interviews, and user-generated content showcasing real guests enjoying your amenities. The goal is to remind locals that rejuvenation is closer than they think.

6. Embrace Sustainability and Community Connection

Today’s travelers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—favor businesses that care for their surroundings. Make your staycation or bleisure program part of a sustainability narrative. Highlight local sourcing, energy conservation, and partnerships with regional nonprofits. Community impact isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a marketing asset.

7. Train Staff for New Travel Patterns

Staff should understand that post-pandemic guests have diverse motivations. Some want solitude; others seek social reconnection. Train front-line employees to read cues, personalize recommendations, and balance efficiency with warmth. For bleisure guests, emphasize attentiveness without intrusion—respecting both their professional and leisure time.

The Strategic Takeaway for Hotel Managers

Staycations aren’t fading—they’re maturing. And bleisure travel is no longer a niche; it’s the new normal. Both reflect a global desire for flexibility, convenience, and emotional balance.

For hotel and restaurant managers, the path forward is clear:

• Recognize local and hybrid travelers as distinct, high-value audiences.

• Adapt amenities, marketing, and staffing to serve both.

• Deliver consistent excellence through personalized, emotionally intelligent service.

When done right, this strategy drives repeat business, builds community loyalty, and strengthens brand trust. Travelers may go farther again, but they’ll always return to the places that made them feel at home.