Memory Map – Turning Local Places into Lasting Memories

We connect guests to local gems through interactive Google Maps-powered guest books, enhancing stays while boosting community businesses.

Comment

Inspiration

At St Annes Beach Huts & Apartments, we welcome thousands of families each year to our award-winning seaside retreats. Guests often ask where to eat, shop, or explore, especially when visiting for the first time. We wanted to go beyond handing out leaflets – to create a seamless digital experience that connects guests to the best local spots while supporting the small businesses that make our town special.

What it does

Memory Map transforms our digital guest book into an interactive, Google Maps-powered experience where guests can:

  • Instantly discover our handpicked local cafés, attractions, and shops.
  • Navigate effortlessly from their hut or apartment with built-in Google directions.
  • Access live details like opening hours, reviews, and photos pulled straight from Google Places.
  • Share their own tips and memories, enriching the guide for future visitors.

How we built it

We integrated Google Maps Platform with our digital guestbook to deliver curated local recommendations in an interactive way.

  • Google Places API imports live data, images, and reviews.
  • Custom interactive map layers showcase clickable pins with directions and insider notes.
  • QR codes in every hut and apartment ensure instant, mobile-optimised access.
    The result is a frictionless experience that blends powerful mapping tools with our brand’s personal touch.

Challenges we ran into

  • Data overload: Filtering Google Places to show only trusted, high-quality recommendations.
  • Offline usability: Ensuring the map remains helpful when mobile signal is weak by caching key data.
  • Brand consistency: Making a third-party-powered experience feel distinctly “ours.”

Accomplishments that we’re proud of

  • Elevated guest experience with instant, personalised local recommendations.
  • Strengthened local business ties, boosting footfall to community favourites.
  • Created a scalable model ready to replicate across other seaside destinations.
  • Earned national recognition, including being voted one of the UK’s top 10 seaside experiences.

What we learned

This project taught us that technology doesn’t replace tradition – it enhances it. By blending a simple guest need with powerful mapping APIs, we created something both innovative and human. We learned how to harness Google Maps to solve real-world problems and how community-led design delivers the biggest impact.

What's next for Memory Map – Turning Local Places into Lasting Memories

We’re just getting started. Our next steps:

  • Expand coverage: include hidden gems, scenic walks, and cultural highlights.
  • Enable guest contributions: let guests add photos, ratings, and personal stories directly on the map, building a living memory archive.
  • Leverage AI: use Google Maps’ AI features to suggest places based on profiles, trip length, and weather conditions.
  • Replicate at scale: roll out the Memory Map to other coastal towns to help more communities thrive.
  • Perfect offline-first: refine caching so the map works flawlessly even without signal.

Our vision is simple – to turn every stay into an unforgettable story, powered by Google Maps and the people who bring each town to life.

Share this project:

Updates