Case Study: Hotel Grinnell boosts guest engagement and community outreach with Kipsu text messaging

How this boutique property in Iowa 'Surprises and Delights' its guests and community with the help of text messaging

Hotel Grinnell, a 45-room boutique hotel in Grinnell, Iowa, faced a modern guest-communication challenge after opening a converted schoolhouse property without in-room telephones. Looking for a contemporary alternative, the hotel partnered with Kipsu to provide text and digital messaging so they could meet guests where they already communicate.

Kipsu’s messaging platform enabled Hotel Grinnell to handle nearly 3,000 conversations in 17 months, speeding service, empowering staff, and expanding outreach beyond guests to the local community—most notably using text RSVPs to host a free Thanksgiving dinner attended by over 300 Grinnell College students. By using Kipsu, the hotel was able to resolve requests faster, coordinate surprise guest experiences, and maintain consistent, personalized contact that improved operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Hotel Grinnell

Amelia Nickle

Development Manager