Global travellers are looking for a home-from-home experience when they stay in a hotel according to the latest research from leading online accommodation booking service, Hotels.com. Topping the list of must-have hotel amenities are free Wi-Fi and free food and beverages, with caffeine being a must. All the rest is just well... extra.
Staying Connected…for Free
- 34 per cent of global travellers say free Wi-Fi is the number one factor in choosing a hotel even on leisure stays.
- While 56 per cent of the global respondents said free Wi-Fi was their number one must-have when travelling for business.
- 66 per cent global travellers indicated free Wi-Fi is the amenity they most wish would become standard at all hotels in 2013.
Free Wi-Fi trumps both free parking and complimentary breakfast when it comes to choosing a hotel for both leisure and business travel, showing that access to the online world is a necessity for modern-day travellers with over a third still looking to stay connected whilst on their holidays. In fact just 11% of global travellers said they would be willing to pay for Wi-Fi when staying in a hotel. Among Indian travellers, 26 per cent consider Wi – Fi as an important amenity while looking for hotel accommodation during leisure travel. The demand for free Wi-fi doubles to 55 per cent for business travellers.
“With an increase in airlines and airports offering free Wi-Fi, tech-savvy travellers expect the experience to continue upon arrival at their hotel,” said Zoe Chan, Senior PR Manager APAC, Hotels.com. “They are using their tablets, smart phones and laptops to plan activities, stay connected to family and even order a delivery meal straight to their hotel room, so it’s no surprise they require free and fast Wi-Fi.”
The Perk of New Technology – Favourite “Modern” In-Room Amenity
It would seem that the technological creature comforts of home are also high on the priority list for travellers with 23 per cent of global respondents choosing high-end coffee makers as their top modern in hotel room amenity. Totally wired rooms which are completely controlled by one remote for any need took 20 per cent of the vote. Guests also indicated they would like to enjoy that much-wanted free Wi-Fi on hotel-provided tablets for guest information, room service and local guides (15 per cent). But for Indian travellers the preferred ‘modern’ in room amenity is massage chairs or foot massagers (36 per cent) and 25 per cent of them would like to have totally wired rooms which are completely controlled by one remote
It’s the Little Things that Count – Most Appreciated Simple Amenity
Keeping hydrated when travelling is important to hotel guests globally with 43 per cent choosing complimentary bottled water as the most appreciated simple amenity. Sharing the same sentiment, 42 per cent of Indian travellers too appreciate complimentary bottled water.Only respondents from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Brazil rated free power adaptors above bottled water.
The Way to Hotel Guests’ Hearts – Through Their Stomachs!
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