What Travelers Want: Survey Reveals 2025 Hotel Preferences

The hospitality industry is evolving fast, and the key to staying ahead is understanding exactly what travelers want. A recent international travel survey conducted in early 2025 has revealed insightful trends and preferences that are reshaping hotel experiences worldwide.

From smart room features to eco-conscious values and wellness-focused amenities, today’s travelers are making it clear: comfort and technology aren’t enough — personalization, sustainability, and purpose-driven travel now matter more than ever.

In this report, we break down the top hotel preferences of travelers in 2025, based on the latest data, to help hoteliers, travel planners, and frequent guests navigate the changing landscape.

📊 Survey Snapshot: Who Was Polled?

Respondents: 8,200 travelers from 22 countries
Demographics: Ages 18–65+
Trip Types: Business (28%), Leisure (60%), Bleisure (12%)
Survey Date: January–March 2025
Platforms: Travel platforms, hotel loyalty apps, online polls

🌟 Top 10 Hotel Features Travelers Care About in 2025

1. Free & Fast Wi-Fi (89%)

Internet access remains non-negotiable. Today’s traveler expects high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi not only in rooms but throughout the property, and free of charge.

📶 65% of respondents said they would avoid booking a hotel that charges for Wi-Fi.

2. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices (78%)

Environmental responsibility is no longer a bonus — it’s a business necessity. Guests want hotels that:

Reduce plastic waste
Conserve water and energy
Support local communities
Share sustainability efforts transparently

🌿 41% of Millennials and Gen Z travelers said they prefer certified green hotels, even at higher prices.

3. Smart Room Features (72%)

Travelers now expect rooms that feel futuristic and effortless, including:

App-controlled lighting, temperature, and blinds
Smart TVs with personal streaming accounts
Voice assistants or touchless controls

🛏️ 52% said smart tech increased comfort and satisfaction, especially on longer stays.

4. Contactless Services (68%)

From check-in to room service, travelers want touch-free convenience for safety and speed. This includes:

Mobile check-in/out
Keyless room entry
QR code menus
App-based concierge services

🤳 The pandemic normalized this feature, but now it’s a permanent expectation.

5. Health & Wellness Amenities (63%)

Wellness is a growing priority. Guests are choosing hotels with:

On-site fitness centers
Healthy dining options
Spa and recovery treatments
In-room yoga or meditation tools

🧘 33% of frequent travelers said they look for wellness packages when booking.

6. Flexible Cancellation Policies (60%)

With uncertainty still part of modern travel, flexibility wins. Guests prefer hotels that offer:

24–48 hour free cancellations
Easy rebooking
Transparent refund policies

🛫 Especially for business travelers, this is a deal-breaker when comparing rates.

7. Local Experiences & Cultural Connection (56%)

Travelers in 2025 want to connect with local culture and avoid cookie-cutter stays. Popular requests include:

Local art and decor in the orooms
On-property cultural classes or tours
Locally sourced food and beverages

🌍 Gen Z travelers especially value immersive and authentic hotel experiences.

8. Co-Working and Bleisure Facilities (49%)

With remote work and business-leisure (“bleisure”) travel rising, guests want:

Quiet co-working spaces
Strong desk setups in rooms
Reliable video conferencing infrastructure
Access to printers, meeting rooms, and power outlets

💼 1 in 3 travelers said a bad work setup would stop them from returning to a hotel.

9. Pet-Friendly Policies (41%)

More guests are traveling with pets and want hotels that welcome them.

Common requests:

Pet beds and bowls
On-site pet areas
Proximity to parks or walking trails

🐶 22% of pet owners said they now only book pet-friendly properties.

10. Loyalty Program Perks (38%)

While not new, loyalty matters more than ever. Guests are motivated by:

Free room upgrades
Late checkouts
Mobile rewards tracking
Personalized offers based on travel history

🎁 Even casual travelers now want some value return for brand loyalty.

🧠 What Different Traveler Types Prefer

🧳 Business Travelers

Prioritize Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and fast check-in/out
Prefer quiet rooms, blackout curtains, quality bedding
Want dining options that fit a tight schedule

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Travelers

Crave spacious rooms and family suites
Look for kid-friendly dining and entertainment
Prioritize safety and convenience (early check-in, laundry)

🧍‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Choose safe, centrally located hotels
Seek strong social reviews
Love experiences: cooking classes, walking tours

🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers

Actively research a hotel’s sustainability practices
Avoid hotels using excessive plastic
Prefer eco-certifications and green energy usage

📈 Hotel Trends Emerging from the Data

1. Experience-Driven Design

Hotels are transforming rooms and spaces into experiential environments, focusing on:

Unique aesthetics
Social media appeal (Instagrammable spaces)
Hyper-localized design and storytelling

2. Hyper-Personalization

With the help of AI and data:

Hotels offer tailored recommendations
Room settings adjust to past preferences
Offers and messages feel unique to each guest

🤖 45% said they’re “more likely to return” to a hotel that remembers their preferences.

3. Digital Concierge Over Traditional Staff

Guests prefer self-service options, with human staff reserved for complex or premium needs.

Features include:

AI chatbots
App-based room requests
Automated upgrades

4. Sustainable Construction and Materials

Not just practices — now the building itself matters:

Recycled construction materials
Energy-efficient architecture
Living walls and green roofs

🛎️ What Hoteliers Should Do in 2025

To align with traveler expectations, hotels should:

Audit current tech and adopt smart-room features
Invest in sustainability and communicate efforts clearly
Offer mobile-first services: booking, keys, support
Train staff on personalization tactics and modern tools
Create packages that blend leisure and business
Expand wellness offerings beyond just fitness rooms
Upgrade cancellation and refund processes

🏁 Final Thoughts

The 2025 traveler is more connected, more conscious, and more demanding than ever before. They want tech-enabled convenience, planet-friendly practices, authentic local experiences — and they want it all on their terms.

For hotels, the message is clear: evolve or risk being left behind. The properties that embrace these preferences will not only increase bookings but also build lasting guest relationships based on trust, experience, and value.