Free Wi-Fi is favourite hotel amenity – survey
Free internet connectivity is the most important hotel amenity, according to a recent poll.
The study, conducted by US airport transport company Go Airport Express, polled travellers on the hotel offering they valued most highly, not including breakfast.
The result found that 57% of respondents identified free Wi-Fi as their preferred perk, followed by free airport transfers (30%). In-room coffee- and tea-making facilities ranked third (25%) followed by a health club and pool (17%) and complimentary newspaper (15%).
“Today’s travellers are increasingly more savvy and are demanding more from their choice of lodging,” says John McCarthy, president of Go Airport Express. “In order to differentiate from other properties and build loyalty, hotels need to be responsive to traveller needs in their offered amenities.”
While the poll only reflected the views of travellers in the US, it backs up other guest studies. Earlier this year a TripAdvisor survey determined a similar result, and hoteliers are apparently taking notice. Complimentary Wi-Fi is now standard across several major companies including Carlson Rezidor and Best Western.