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Free Wi-Fi availability is more important than complimentary breakfast and free parking when choosing a hotel, new research reveals.
The study, conducted by online accommodation booking site Hotels.com, reveals how our obsession with technology has spilled over into our holidays as well as everyday life. 66% of respondents chose free Wi-Fi as the hotel amenity they most wished would become standard across the industry.
56% named it as the facility they most look out for when travelling on business and a further 34% deemed it the most important amenity on leisure stays. Just 11% of respondents said they would be willing to pay for Wi-Fi services. Kate Hopcraft of Hotels.com said: “With an increase in airlines and airports offering free Wi-Fi, tech-savvy travellers expect the experience to continue upon arrival at their hotel.
“They are using their tablets, smartphones 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 study, which surveyed 8,600 people across 28 countries, found that free Wi-Fi ranked above even complimentary breakfast when it comes to choosing a hotel for business or leisure purposes.
It also revealed an upward trend towards complete reliance on technology – and the growing number of technology-oriented demands from hotel guests. 28% of respondents said they would like to have fully-connected rooms which can be controlled by a single remote, while 15% said they would like hotels to provide information on handheld tablets.
The top non-tech facility that travellers want to see become standard across the board was free breakfast, with 31% citing this as their preference. The most popular recent innovation was the emerging trend of ‘happy hours’ which offer free evening drinks and snack, bagging 42% of the vote. If you are jetting off abroad this year, be sure to purchase a travel insurance policy before you go.
Date Created: 25/02/2013
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