Survey: Frequent Travelers Cite Priorities for Hotel Stays
A new national survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) shows that a number of improvements to health and sanitation protocols at U.S. hotels would have a considerable impact on guests’ comfort levels, according to a news release.
Among the key findings from the survey of travelers staying in hotels five or more nights per year:
Cleanliness is the Top Priority: Out of a list of nine options, frequent travelers most often chose cleanliness as the most important factor when determining their next hotel stay, and 81% of travelers are more comfortable staying at hotels now with enhanced protocols and standards implemented.
Guests Prefer Housekeeping by Request Only: Nearly nine out of ten (88%) frequent travelers say that limiting in-room housekeeping to “by request only” would increase their comfort level. Nearly three-in-five (58%) of guests do not want daily housekeeping; and 58% would not be comfortable with housekeeping staff entering their room without advance permission.
The Use of Face Coverings is a Priority: The majority of guests (62%) are a lot more comfortable if hotels require face coverings and 66% of guests are a lot more comfortable if hotels require employees to wear face coverings and gloves.
The pandemic has decimated the hotel industry as travel has slowed significantly throughout the last few months. The fall looks to be equally as challenging, with only one-third of frequent travelers (33%) expecting their next hotel stay to be within the next three months, 18 percent within three to six months, and 25 percent in 6-12 months.
“The hotel industry united to enhance our already rigorous cleaning protocols for the health and safety of our guests, and it’s working,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “It’s more important than ever that guests follow our Safe Stay Guest Checklist so they understand what is expected of them no matter where they stay. Travelers across the country looking to include a hotel stay in their upcoming vacation plans know that with the implementation of Safe Stay, hotels will be safer and cleaner than ever before.”
To read the full recap of the survey, click here. Click here to access TRSA’s Hospitality Safety Guide for linen, uniform and facility services companies serving the hotel sector. For more COVID-19 news, information and resources for your linen, uniform and facility services company, visit www.trsa.org/covid19.