Hotels risk being left behind as guests' expectations change

19 November 2013 by
Hotels risk being left behind as guests' expectations change

Hotels risk failing to adapt to a new breed of guest who values experiences and "being connected" over traditional hotel luxuries.

That's the conclusion of a new study by hotel consultancy HVS London, which has looked into the changing nature of hotel guests.

The report, entitled A New Breed of Traveller, said that the impact of rising affluence, globalisation and technology had led to modern hotel guests valuing experiences and the feeling of "being connected" over traditional hotel luxuries.

"It seems that many hotels have barely changed over the last decades, still consisting of the same in-room amenities, the same heavy curtains, the same check-in process, and the same small desk. This is no longer a place where the modern-day traveller feels at home," said report co-author HVS associate Veronica Waldthausen.

"This new segment of traveller is no longer looking for white-linen service, bellboys to carry their luggage up to their room or a concierge. When the current generation of young travellers enter a hotel, they want to feel completely at home, connected and to be in a setting where they can be part of an experience," she added.

The study, which includes interviews from leading hotel executives, outlines the fact that the new generation of travellers see luxury more in the storytelling of having an experience, rather than in the abundance of luxury items. For instance, they are much more satisfied with a hotel lobby they can sit in and drink coffee surrounded by other people, than having a coffee machine in their room.

"You can buy status symbols, but buying an experience is much harder. Whereas leading hotels used to be equipped with gadgets and technology, the new breed of traveller wants the confidence of places that understand them, and to be surrounded by a community of like-minded people, wherever they go," added Waldthausen.

Meanwhile, the changing nature of hotel guests is also prompting change in the traditional layout of hotels. Lobbies are becoming larger, more open social hubs and gathering spaces, with a mix of comfortable couches, communal workstations and meeting spaces.

Formal divisions between the lobby, restaurant and bars are also disappearing with guests able to sit where they like or help themselves to what they want.

Many lifestyle hotels also have smaller rooms as guests spend more time in social places. Desks are becoming less necessary in the room, as people prefer to sit on chairs or on beds to work when using their laptop or tablet.

Meeting rooms are becoming less formal and more ‘homely' with brighter colour schemes and comfortable chairs.

And hotel service is becoming more intuitive and casual, albeit with the same level of respect. Some hotels are abandoning uniforms and scripted responses to guests.

"Guests are looking for home-from-home. The new era is about participating in an experience, rather than flaunting wealth. Travellers today don't want to feel like they are in a corporate setting, but thrive in environments where they can interact with people, be it face-to-face or virtual. They want everyone to participate and don't mind interacting with new people," said co-author Arlett Oehmichen, HVS London director.

"The new-breed of ‘lifestyle' hotels have adapted, differentiating themselves in both style and service and are offering a new kind of product that is comfortable and simple, a place where guests can become part of an experience by interacting with the people that live there as well as staff. There will always be a market for wall-to-wall luxury, but it is lifestyle hotels that are prompting change throughout the industry," Oehmichen added.

The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking