Hotel Dates and Marriage Connection
hotel dates are a fresh take on “date Night” (and here’s how to make it happen
Date night is such a gift to your marriage, but with crazy busy lives we’ve found a fresh way to find connection. The hotel date! Between kids, work, chronic illnesses, and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy for connection and intimacy to take a backseat. That’s why hotel dates—just a few intentional hours away—are one of my favorite ways to create space for connection (without the pressure and extra work needed for an overnight stay).
What Is a Hotel Date?
A hotel date is exactly what it sounds like—escaping to a hotel, even just for an afternoon, to focus on your relationship. It’s not just about physical intimacy (though that’s a gift, too!). It’s about rest, reconnection, and rediscovering each other away from the daily grind.
I shared this idea on Instagram and got so many questions. “How do you do it? Why do you do it? When do you do it? How much does it cost?” The truth is, it’s simpler than people think. You don’t have to book a full weekend away—sometimes just a few hours in a fresh environment can breathe new life into your marriage.
Why Hotel Dates build connection
One of my listeners recently shared how she and her husband had drifted apart after having their baby. Life felt overwhelming, and their relationship had taken a hit. But after listening to the podcast, she shared it with her husband, and suddenly, they found a new way to prioritize their connection.
“We have an eight-month-old, and so we have drifted apart. It’s been so rough. Anyways, your podcast has changed my husband's attitude and mine for the better… We took a walk yesterday evening and it was so good.”
Sometimes, all we need is a fresh environment to breathe life back into our marriage. That’s where hotel dates come in. Just stepping away for a few hours can help you see each other again—not just as parents, but as partners.
When you are planning a date night, a nice dinner and a movie can easily cost $$$$—without truly giving you space to connect. You're sitting in a dark theater, staring at a screen, then heading home to the same responsibilities.
A hotel date, on the other hand, can often be found for similar prices with day-use rates or budget resources. But instead of just eating and watching, you get uninterrupted time to truly relax, talk, and be together. No kids knocking on the door, no dishes in the sink—just a few sacred hours of space to breathe, reconnect, and enjoy each other. And the best part? You walk away refreshed, instead of just entertained.
Our Not-So-Perfect Hotel Date Story
Once, Wyatt and I planned a hotel date to rest, connect, and invest in our marriage. We finally got to our room, settled in, and just as we were about to relax—BAM! The fire alarm went off. 🔥
We looked at each other and we’re like, Are you kidding me? We’re so tired. We dragged ourselves here, trying so hard to connect and make space for our marriage to have some oxygen… and as soon as we get settled into the room, we hear this distant beeping in the hallway.
We grabbed our bags, walked down seven flights of stairs, and ended up in the back parking lot with the kitchen staff. It was ridiculous. It was frustrating. But in the end, we laughed about it, and despite the interruption, we still made space for intimacy.
That’s the thing—life will always throw distractions our way. But choosing to show up for each other, even when things don’t go as planned, is what makes the difference.
How to Plan Your Own Hotel Date
Pick a time that works – Even just an afternoon can be enough. No need to plan an overnight getaway.
Find a hotel within your budget – Some offer day rates or discounts for short stays!
Create a no-distraction rule – No phones, no work talk, just each other.
Set the intention – Whether it’s rest, fun, or deep conversation, be intentional.
Embrace the unexpected – Even if your fire alarm moment happens, make the most of it.
Your Marriage Deserves This
Yes, you are busy and there are a million things pulling at you…but, investing in your marriage connection has a beautiful ripple effect. Creating margin for connection and rest is a fruitful habit, and it has been such a difference maker in my own marriage. Hotel dates are not about luxury—they’re about prioritizing your connection in a world full of distractions.
So, when’s your next hotel date? 😉 Listen to the podcast episode I did on hotel dates to hear more.