Amenities Hotels Can Focus On

Hotels are facing a constant need to add or update amenities to accommodate guests’ ever-changing expectations. Standard options such as sewing kits and mouthwash will no longer cut it—especially when it comes to the growing number of Millennials traveling. Hoteliers can focus on a variety of amenities in 2024 to keep pace with competitors and ensure their customers are satisfied and impressed. 

Here are some key areas to focus on if you are looking to up your amenity offerings this year.

Technology

Hotels are starting to go beyond just offering Wi-Fi access. Smart rooms are going to be a major trend. Apps will allow hotel guests to adjust lighting, room temperature, and TV—all from their phone. Some hotels are testing out voice-activated technology, as well as app-based concierge in multiple languages. Other tech-savvy amenities include app-based chats with hotel employees, on-demand requests, streaming in-room entertainment, and online check-in and check-out.

Local Experiences

Focus on local entertainment and cuisine is becoming increasingly popular. Airbnb’s rising popularity has inspired traditional hotels to embrace local opportunities for their guests, and some have even built local experiences into their rates. Guests want to experience what their destination has to offer and are not as interested in a generic hotel experience. Offering ideas for local attractions, suggesting events, and providing in-room local products are great ways to give guests the unique, local experience they are looking for. 

Holistic and Natural Products

As health and wellness continues to be an important focus to many travelers, hotels will need to adapt to this with their amenities. Awareness regarding toxins in body products is rising, and consumers want access to natural, non-toxic products. Providing organic and handmade soaps, shampoos, and lotions will become a must for health-conscious travelers. A lavender essential oil roller by the bedside is a great way for a guest to relax naturally at bedtime.

Millennials Want More

Millennials are the biggest generation of travelers. They travel more than the generations before them, and they are more passionate about it.  Hotel design is being shaped by Millennial travelers who want “Insta-worthy” décor and atmospheres. The aesthetic of their stay is important to them and sharing their experiences on social media is residual marketing for the hotel as well. 

Traveling Light

Millennial travelers aren’t just traveling solo; over 44% of traveling Millennials bring their kids along. Millennial families are the biggest travel opportunity to focus on. That said, bringing all the required items for small children can be a stressful way to start a vacation. Partnering with companies or local stores that rent items such as strollers, car seats, swings, and toys to guests is a convenience traveling families will appreciate.

Remember, when thinking about what changes and additions to make to hotel amenities this year, travelers aren’t looking for a cookie-cutter experience—they are looking for a curated experience. 

Sources:

• https://travel.usnews.com/gallery/6-hotel-trends-to-watch-in-2018?slide=7
• https://www.vogue.com/article/evolution-hotel-amenities
• http://www.successfulmeetings.com/News/Products-and-Services/Hotel-Chatbots-Aloft-Cosmopolitan-Hotel-Indigo-Four-Seasons/
• https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2018/02/hotels-lure-millennial-travelers.html?page=all
• https://skift.com/2017/01/03/10-hotel-trends-that-will-shape-guest-experience-in-2017/
• https://www.travelagentcentral.com/running-your-business/stats-44-millennials-travel-kids