Americans want bathtubs, free breakfast and family friendly amenities, and are less concerned about free Wi-Fi or a robust business center.
A new report from Hotels.com is shedding light on how travelers' search patterns and preferences have changed over the course of the pandemic. The review compared internal search data on its U.S. sites and mobile app from January 1 to February 7, 2022 with the same time period in 2019, 2020 and 2021.Here are the key findings from the report.
Trending Up
Family Friendly Amenities
Family travel is back in a big way this year, with renewed interest in amenities such as cribs (+65%), childcare (+45%), connecting rooms (+20%). Furry family members seem to be part of travel plans, too, with search for pet-friendly accommodations up 35%.
Bathtub: +25%
Many Americans are in search of a good soak. Bathtub was among the most-searched hotel amenities during the peak of the pandemic, and searches are up 25% this year compared to 2019.
Spa: +35%
After the unpredictability of the past few years, pampering appears high on the agenda for many travelers. Search for spa is up 35%.
Ski-In/Ski-Out: +50%
Spring travel isn't only about beach. For those headed to the slopes, the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access is a major draw. Further, interest in properties with ski shuttles and storage jumped 20% within the last year.
Kitchen: +15%
As those who took up cooking during the lockdown prepare to travel, kitchens are proving an important component of their stay, coming in as the second-most searched amenity in 2021, and continuing to be hot in 2022, up 15% YOY.
Free Parking: +70%
Road trips were one of the defining travel trends of 2021, with Americans hitting the highway in record numbers. This year will likely hold more of the same. As a result, free parking continues to be an important amenity to many.
Free Airport Transfer: +105%
As travelers return to the skies, many hope to save a few bucks between the airport and their accommodations. Search for properties with free airport travel is twice as popular as it was a year ago.
Gym: +65%
Though search for gyms was down in 2020, wellness is again top of mind. Interest in accommodations with fitness facilities is up 65%.
Free Breakfast: +75%
Grab-and-go continental eats were a hallmark of the global health crisis, but the quest for breakfast is back. Search for properties boasting free breakfast is up 75%.
Trending Down
Free Wi-Fi: -50%
Maybe it's video call burnout. Travelers appear to be just fine with disconnecting. Search for free Wi-Fi is down by half.
Business Facilities: -40%
With so many working from home during the pandemic, it’s no surprise that many Americans want their vacation to be a true getaway. Interest in hotels with business facilities has dropped more than 40%.
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Americans want bathtubs, free breakfast and family friendly amenities, and are less concerned about free Wi-Fi or a robust business center.
A new report from Hotels.com is shedding light on how travelers' search patterns and preferences have changed over the course of the pandemic. The review compared internal search data on its U.S. sites and mobile app from January 1 to February 7, 2022 with the same time period in 2019, 2020 and 2021.Here are the key findings from the report.
Trending Up
Family Friendly Amenities
Family travel is back in a big way this year, with renewed interest in amenities such as cribs (+65%), childcare (+45%), connecting rooms (+20%). Furry family members seem to be part of travel plans, too, with search for pet-friendly accommodations up 35%.
Bathtub: +25%
Many Americans are in search of a good soak. Bathtub was among the most-searched hotel amenities during the peak of the pandemic, and searches are up 25% this year compared to 2019.
Spa: +35%
After the unpredictability of the past few years, pampering appears high on the agenda for many travelers. Search for spa is up 35%.
Ski-In/Ski-Out: +50%
Spring travel isn't only about beach. For those headed to the slopes, the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access is a major draw. Further, interest in properties with ski shuttles and storage jumped 20% within the last year.
Kitchen: +15%
As those who took up cooking during the lockdown prepare to travel, kitchens are proving an important component of their stay, coming in as the second-most searched amenity in 2021, and continuing to be hot in 2022, up 15% YOY.
Free Parking: +70%
Road trips were one of the defining travel trends of 2021, with Americans hitting the highway in record numbers. This year will likely hold more of the same. As a result, free parking continues to be an important amenity to many.
Free Airport Transfer: +105%
As travelers return to the skies, many hope to save a few bucks between the airport and their accommodations. Search for properties with free airport travel is twice as popular as it was a year ago.
Gym: +65%
Though search for gyms was down in 2020, wellness is again top of mind. Interest in accommodations with fitness facilities is up 65%.
Free Breakfast: +75%
Grab-and-go continental eats were a hallmark of the global health crisis, but the quest for breakfast is back. Search for properties boasting free breakfast is up 75%.
Trending Down
Free Wi-Fi: -50%
Maybe it's video call burnout. Travelers appear to be just fine with disconnecting. Search for free Wi-Fi is down by half.
Business Facilities: -40%
With so many working from home during the pandemic, it’s no surprise that many Americans want their vacation to be a true getaway. Interest in hotels with business facilities has dropped more than 40%.
Did you enjoy the read?
Get original hospitality industry insights delivered to your inbox. Sign up to receive Screen Pilot’s "Unpacking" Newsletter.
