A new survey, commissioned by Choice Hotels International, takes a look at business travelers’ preferences and practices and shows location and connectivity are top priorities.
Choice Hotels survey reports that in a poll of 529 travelers, 73 percent said hotel location was most important for choosing where they stay, while 61 percent said a room's quality was most critical. Free Wi-Fi came in third at 55 percent, but complimentary Internet access remains "an important amenity for the business traveler ... More and more people are using multiple devices when they travel, and I think the expectation is, whether they're in a hotel room or on an airline, you can access free Wi-Fi most anywhere you go," said Robert McDowell, Choice Hotels' SVP of global distribution.
Additionally, 84 percent said they preferred to stay in their room to work, compared with 14 percent who would rather work in a hotel's business center, lobby or other common area.
"More hotel brands are looking at improving their common areas,'' McDowell said. Although "the common area is likely more for social interactions with other guests.''
Newer technology appears to be more popular than older devices. Among those polled, 76 percent book rooms online, and 60 percent have checked in to a hotel with a smartphone or tablet.
Additionally, 84 percent said they preferred to stay in their room to work, compared with 14 percent who would rather work in a hotel's business center, lobby or other common area.
"More hotel brands are looking at improving their common areas,'' McDowell said. Although "the common area is likely more for social interactions with other guests.''
Newer technology appears to be more popular than older devices. Among those polled, 76 percent book rooms online, and 60 percent have checked in to a hotel with a smartphone or tablet.
