Wi-Fi and creature comforts are hotel amenity must haves according to Hotels.com survey
TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Global travellers are looking for a home-away-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
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 while on vacation. In fact just 11 per cent of global travellers said they would be willing to pay for Wi-Fi when staying in a hotel. For Canadian travellers, standardized free Wi-Fi tops 70 per cent of their wish lists.
"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 Taylor L. Cole, director public relations and social media, North America at 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
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). While the above also stands true for Canadian travellers, they are also interested in relaxing during their travel, with 13 per cent hoping for massage chairs added to their rooms.
It's the Little Things that Count - Most Appreciated Simple Amenity
Only respondents from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Brazil rated free power adaptors above bottled water. Although Canadians love the simplicity of a refreshing bottle of water, they also want to feel secure when on the road and 13 per cent said they would like their room to come with a safe for their belongings.
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Hotels.com makes it easy to book the type of accommodations with amenities travellers want through theme/type and amenities filters to help guests find the perfect home away from home they desire.
Editors Note: The survey was conducted in January 2013, using a weighted average based on a sample size of more than 8,600 respondents across 28 countries/cities: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, USA.
About Hotels.com®
Hotels.com (also known in Canada as Hotels.ca) is a leading online accommodation booking brand. Through its global network of websites, Hotels.com, LP connects travellers with over 160,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com, LP benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, obtaining the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 7 million Guest Reviews on the websites from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through Hotels.com, LP's industry-leading loyalty program Welcome RewardsTM, customers can earn a free night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 85,000 hotels. Under its Price Match Guarantee, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com, LP will refund the difference. Travellers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Hotels.comCA, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcomca and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. Hotels.com, LP is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.
Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2013 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50
Image with caption: "Free Wi-Fi and premium coffee topped the list for Canadian travellers. (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130220_C6637_PHOTO_EN_23834.jpg
SOURCE: Hotels.com
Press contacts:
Samantha Sabatini
energi PR for Hotels.com
Phone: (416) 425-9143 ext. 22
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @energiPR
Taylor L. Cole, APR
Hotels.com North America
Phone: (469) 335-8442
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TravelwithTLC
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