How Hospitality Tech is Reshaping the Hotel Experience
A recent survey by Mews reveals a surge in travel enthusiasm amongst Americans in 2024. Three out of four travelers (and a whopping 75% of hotel workers!) agree – that wanderlust is taking center stage this year. Hospitality Tech
But here’s the twist: travelers are planning an average of 11 trips in 2024, and they’re not just seeking relaxation. The concept of the “bleisure” trip – merging business with leisure – is on the rise, with employed respondents incorporating workcations into their itineraries.
The Rise of the Remote Workcation: Blending Business with Pleasure
The lines between work and vacation are blurring. Nearly half (48%) of employed respondents admitted to extending work trips into full-fledged vacations. Is the “hush workcation” the new trend? The survey suggests it might be – a concerning 29% of Americans confessed to working remotely on vacation without telling their bosses!
But for many, the appeal is clear: nearly 40% cited simply enjoying their work as a reason to work on vacation. Others juggled important deadlines (28%) or aimed to save on precious paid time off (26%).
Hotels are taking note. The survey indicates hotel workers see guests traveling for work or bleisure as the easiest to cater to, anticipating these guests will tip more, extend stays, and utilize hotel amenities more frequently.
Tech-Savvy Travelers: Ushering in a New Era of Hospitality
Technology is fundamentally reshaping the hospitality landscape. The survey overwhelmingly indicates travelers are embracing digital experiences. Imagine checking in with a tap on your phone, skipping the front desk entirely. A staggering 80% of respondents said they’d be happy with a completely automated front desk, and nearly half prefer digital check-in via a hotel app or website.
But tech goes beyond convenience. A third of travelers yearn for in-room smart home devices, and a significant portion crave keyless room entry and mobile room service ordering. Interestingly, a third of respondents even admitted to using AI for travel recommendations!
Hotels are listening. Industry leaders are moving beyond a room-centric model, focusing on immersive guest experiences and fostering a sense of community. Think co-working spaces, yoga classes, and bike rentals alongside exceptional local recommendations – all tailored to individual needs.
The study also found that a large majority of hotel staff surveyed (85%) saw locals come to their hotel to use the amenities, often to get access to the hotel pool (47%), restaurants (43%), lobby (39%), gym (31%) and parking (26%).
Local amenities appear to go both ways — 79% of hotel workers said guests “always” or “often” ask for local recommendations.
“The most innovative hotels are moving away from a room-centric vision of hospitality into one which embraces experiences, communities and lifetime brand relationships. They offer different spaces and amenities, from coworking to yoga classes and bike rental, paying close attention to what each guest needs,” said Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews. “We love it when hotels use technology to solve their operational pain points and create immersive and truly remarkable guest experiences.”
What Makes the “Perfect” Hotel in 2024?
The survey dives into what truly matters to travelers. According to travelers in the US, what should “perfect” hotels offer?
- Fast Wi-Fi – 70%
- A king-sized bed – 55%
- Having a smart TV – 54%
- Being near attractions – 48%
- An in-building restaurant – 47%
- A fitness center/gym – 38%
- Online or self-service check-in/check-out – 37%
- A personal hot tub – 37%
- A personal bathtub – 37%
- A spa – 36%
The Future of Hospitality: A Symbiosis of Technology and Human Touch
The future of hospitality lies at the intersection of innovative technology and genuine human connection. By leveraging technology to streamline operations and personalize experiences, hotels can cater to the tech-savvy traveler while simultaneously fostering a welcoming and memorable environment. Hospitality Tech
Hospitality thrives on human connection. Remember, the best hotels don’t just offer amenities – they create lasting memories.
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 1,000 American travelers and 1,000 American hotel workers was commissioned by Mews Systems, Inc. between January 30 and February 8, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
