Independent lodging professionals are known for their creativity, and sometimes the best ideas come from looking at your property’s to-do list in a fresh way. At a recent ALP Mastermind Meetup—an exclusive monthly gathering of premier-level members where lodging professionals share strategies and challenges and discuss hot topics—Peter MacLaren of West Hill House B&B in Vermont told a story that had the whole group leaning in.

Peter shared how his property once offered a special promotion at the end of fall: guests who booked a two-night (or longer) stay received 50% off their room rate if they helped rake leaves. The timing was key—once the foliage season was over and the last leaves had fallen, business typically slowed. By inviting guests to pitch in, Peter not only got the yardwork done but also filled rooms during a quiet stretch.

And it wasn’t just guests out there with rakes in hand—Peter and his wife, Susan, joined in the work too, turning the project into a lighthearted, fun event. One particularly unforgettable moment came when a couple who had just been married at the property joined in the next day—bride and groom, raking leaves together to save themselves some money. 

Another participant in the Meetup chimed in, noting she’d seen similar concepts tied to spring cleaning weekends, where guests lend a hand dusting, scrubbing, or washing windows in exchange for reduced rates. The same idea can easily extend to gardening and landscaping projects—weeding, planting, or sprucing up beds for the season.

Why It Works

• Fills Rooms in the Slow Season: Once the busy fall foliage rush is over and the last leaves have dropped, many properties face a lull. Offering a creative discount tied to light yardwork or spring chores can help boost occupancy during those quieter weeks.
  
• Creates a Connection: Guests feel more invested in your property when they’ve played a part in caring for it.
• Builds Stories Worth Sharing: “We got a discount for helping rake leaves!” is the kind of quirky, feel-good story guests can’t resist telling.
• Offers Value in Two Directions: Lodging professionals save time and resources, while guests enjoy a lower rate and a memorable, hands-on experience.
• Turns Chores Into Marketing: What might otherwise feel like a burden becomes an opportunity to stand out in your market.

Things to Consider

If you’re thinking about trying a labor-for-discount promotion at your property, here are a few best practices:

• Keep It Seasonal: Leaf raking works best once the trees are bare, spring cleaning when winter is gone, and gardening when it’s time to refresh beds. Timing matters. 
  
• Keep It Lighthearted: This should feel like fun, not work. Frame it as an optional, community-style activity.
• Be Clear About Expectations: Define how long or what type of activity qualifies for the discount (e.g., two hours of raking or an afternoon of gardening).
• Safety First: Provide gloves, tools, or any protective equipment needed, and make sure the tasks are safe and appropriate.
• Tie It Into the Guest Experience: Follow up with hot cider, lemonade, or a celebratory treat so the effort feels rewarding.
• Market the Story: Share photos and updates on your website and social media. Highlight the quirky fun to draw in future guests.

A Fresh Take on Hospitality

In an era where travelers are seeking experiences, not just overnight stays, labor-for-discount programs stand out as authentic, memorable, and community-building. Whether it’s raking leaves, weeding flower beds, or wiping down rocking chairs on the porch, these initiatives show off the collaborative, personal spirit that defines independent lodging.

As Peter’s story proved, sometimes the best marketing doesn’t come from ads or reduced rates alone—it comes from inviting guests to be part of your story.