Are the Cooking Classes suitable for beginners?

Yes! The classes are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cooks.

Do I need to speak Spanish to join?

No. All classes are conducted in English and Spanish.

Can I take my food home?

Most dishes are enjoyed during class, but small portions can be packed if requested.

How long is a typical class?

Classes range from 2 to 5 hours depending on the menu and type of experience.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Can Hotels Refer Guests to GAB LAB Culinary Experiences?

Sep 23

5 min read

Yes, hotels can refer guests to GAB LAB culinary experiences. This is one of the most common and effective partnership models available. It is simple to set up, requires minimal operational effort, and generates revenue from an activity your concierge team is likely already recommending.

The short answer is clear. The longer answer explains how the referral process works, why it benefits hotels, and how to implement it effectively.

This guide covers everything hotel managers and concierge teams need to know.

Why Hotels Should Refer Guests to GAB LAB

Hotels sit on a valuable asset: a captive audience of travelers looking for things to do. Most guests ask the front desk or concierge for recommendations. The question is what you recommend.

Generic recommendations waste the opportunity. Telling a guest to "walk down Las Ramblas and find a restaurant" adds no value. It does not generate revenue. It does not create a memorable experience.

A referral to GAB LAB changes that. You offer a specific, high-quality, bookable experience. The guest gets something authentic. The hotel earns a commission. Everyone benefits.

What Makes GAB LAB a Strong Referral Partner

Not every experience provider is worth recommending. Your reputation is on the line. GAB LAB offers several advantages.

Award-Winning Reputation. Recognized as Barcelona's top-rated cooking class with TripAdvisor Best of the Best awards in 2025 and 2026.
Private Experiences. Most partner bookings are private, giving guests exclusive attention.
Multilingual Team. Chefs and hosts speak the languages your guests speak.
Daily Departures. Experiences are available throughout the year.
Dietary Accommodation. Menus can be adjusted for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy needs.
Central Location. Easily accessible from most hotels in the city center.
Fast Booking Support. Responsive support for quotes and special requests.

When you recommend GAB LAB, you recommend a business that reflects well on your hotel.

How the Referral Process Works

The referral model is straightforward.

Step 1: Sign the Partnership Agreement. The hotel signs an agreement with GAB LAB outlining commission rates and terms.

Step 2: Receive Your Referral Code. GAB LAB issues a unique referral code and booking link for your hotel.

Step 3: Train Your Team. Your concierge and front desk staff learn about the experience and how to recommend it.

Step 4: Recommend to Guests. When guests ask for activity recommendations, your team suggests GAB LAB.

Step 5: Guest Books. The guest books using your referral code or link.

Step 6: Earn Commission. GAB LAB tracks the booking and pays your commission.

What the Concierge Team Needs to Know

Your front desk and concierge staff are the frontline of the referral program. They need to be prepared.

Know the Experience Types.

Paella cooking class
Tapas cooking class
Market visit and cooking class
Flamenco and paella night
Wine tasting
Dessert and baking class

Know the Key Selling Points.

Private and exclusive
Hands-on and interactive
Authentic Spanish cuisine
Suitable for all skill levels
Accommodates dietary needs

Know How to Book.

Use the referral code or link
Contact GAB LAB directly for large groups
Confirm details with the guest

Know the Answers to Common Questions.

How long does the class last?
Is it suitable for children?
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Where is the venue located?
How do guests get there?

Commission Structure

Commission rates for hotels typically range from 10 to 20 percent of the booking value. The exact rate depends on volume and the terms negotiated.

How Commissions Are Tracked.

Unique referral codes
Dedicated booking links
Manual attribution for verbal referrals

How Commissions Are Paid.

Monthly or quarterly
Via bank transfer
Detailed reports provided

How to Maximize Commission Revenue.

Train staff to recommend proactively
Display brochures in guest areas
Include the experience in pre-arrival emails
Feature it on your website

How to Implement the Referral Program

Implementation is straightforward.

Step 1: Contact GAB LAB. Reach out through the partnership page.

Step 2: Sign the Agreement. Review and sign the partnership agreement.

Step 3: Receive Materials. Get your referral code, booking link, and marketing assets.

Step 4: Train Your Team. Hold a training session for front desk and concierge staff.

Step 5: Display Materials. Place brochures in the lobby, rooms, and guest areas.

Step 6: Integrate into Communications. Add the experience to pre-arrival emails and in-room materials.

Step 7: Launch and Monitor. Start referring and track your bookings.

Marketing the Referral Program Internally

Your staff needs reminders and incentives.

Regular Updates. Share booking reports with the team.
Incentives. Consider bonuses for staff who generate the most referrals.
Recognition. Acknowledge top performers.
Refresher Training. Periodically review the experience details.

Marketing the Referral Program to Guests

Guests need to know the experience is available.

Pre-Arrival Emails. Mention the experience in your pre-arrival communications.

Welcome Packets. Include a brochure in the guest welcome packet.

In-Room Materials. Place a flyer or card in the room.

Concierge Recommendations. Train staff to suggest the experience proactively.

Website. Feature the experience on your hotel website.

Social Media. Share content about the experience on your channels.

What Guests Gain from the Referral

The guest is the most important part of the equation. What do they get?

A Memorable Experience. Cooking a paella in Barcelona is a highlight of any trip.
Authentic Culture. They connect with Spanish cuisine and traditions.
A Skill to Take Home. They learn recipes they can recreate.
Convenience. The experience is booked through the hotel.
Trust. They book through a source they already trust.

Common Questions Guests Ask

Prepare your team to answer these.

How long does the class last?Most classes last three to four hours.

Is it suitable for children?Yes. Many classes welcome children, especially private family bookings.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?Yes. Menus can be adjusted for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy needs.

Where is the venue?The venue is centrally located. Details are provided at booking.

How do guests get there?Taxi, metro, or walking, depending on the hotel location.

What should guests wear?Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

Do guests need cooking experience?No. Classes are designed for all skill levels.

Measuring Success

Track the program to understand its impact.

Number of Referrals. How many bookings came from your hotel?
Revenue Generated. Total booking value from referrals.
Commission Earned. Total commission income.
Guest Feedback. What did guests say about the experience?
Repeat Referrals. Are guests booking again?

Review these metrics regularly. Adjust your approach based on what works.

How GAB LAB Supports Hotel Partners

GAB LAB is structured to make hotel partnerships easy.

Dedicated Support. A point of contact for your hotel.
Fast Responses. Quick replies to booking inquiries.
Marketing Materials. Brochures, digital assets, and booking links.
Flexible Booking. Support for last-minute and large group requests.
Regular Reporting. Clear reports on bookings and commissions.

The Bottom Line

Hotels can refer guests to GAB LAB culinary experiences. The referral program is simple to set up, generates revenue, and enhances the guest experience. With award-winning experiences, multilingual support, and flexible booking, GAB LAB is an ideal partner for hotels in Barcelona. Train your team, display the materials, and start earning commissions.

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