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Hotel guests rate free Wi-Fi at top of amenity list
The latest survey proves what many have assumed for some time: Free Hotel Wi-Fi is at the top of the list when guests choose where they will stay.
"It is overwhelmingly factored into the decision," says Hotels.com, which conducted the survey.
Thirty-eight percent of travelers reported that free Wi-Fi played a part in their decision as a "must" to stay at a specific hotel, while 35 percent reported it is the simple amenity they want to see more in hotels. Another 31 percent say they wish it would become a standard in all hotels in 2012.
"Given the explosion of mobile use in the past few years, it is no surprise that travelers are requiring free and fast Wi-Fi," said Taylor L. Cole, APR, director of public relations and social media for hotels.com. He added:
"Many guests never travel without their tablets, smartphones and laptops. It’s as intuitive as packing a toothbrush."
Trailing behind Wi-Fi, 23 percent of guests stated their favorite modern in-room amenity was the use of iPads for guest services, local information and personal use.
This ranked above air purifiers/humidifiers, high-end coffee makers, iPod dock, massage chairs, video game systems, universal remote rooms and workout equipment/DVDs.
Second to technology, guests are most pleased when their favorite food and beverages are provided during their hotel stay," says Hotel.com.
Forty-five percent reported that their favorite new amenities are happy hours, wine tastings or any other time with free food and drinks. Just less than one-third of travelers expressed their wish to see more complimentary bottled water in their hotel rooms.
Travelers felt like extra luxuries like turndown service and bath menus were "not worth the hype," according to 44 percent of female respondents and 30 percent of male respondents.
Despite some guests stealing linens/towels (14 percent) or magazine/books (12 percent) from hotel rooms, over 66 percent of hotel guests have never stolen an item from their hotel room.
By David Wilkening
David
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