Survey reveals hotel guests want Wi-Fi over everything else

By Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY

Updated 4/10/2012 1:38 PM

What is your favorite hotel amenity?

Survey says: Free Wi-Fi.

OK, no surprise there, but according to a new Hotels.com survey, hotel guests would overwhelmingly take Wi-Fi over high-end coffee makers, an iPod dock, video game systems and workout equipment/DVDs. Over high-end coffee makers? That surprised me, but clearly I'm addicted to caffeine.

Many of the 415 guests polled reported that the availability of Wi-Fi factored into their decision on which hotel to book. More than one-third—38%--said free Wi-Fi was a must when staying at a hotel, 35% said it is the single amenity they want to see more of in hotels, and 31% said they want it to become a standard amenity at hotels this year.

"Given the explosion of mobile use in the past few years, it is no surprise that travelers are requiring free and fast Wi-Fi," said Taylor L. Cole, director of public relations and social media for Hotels.com. "Many guests never travel without their tablets, smartphones and laptops. It's as intuitive as packing a toothbrush. Guests use these items in their rooms to plan activities for the next day."

Cole also said she's noticed an uptick in mobile booking the day of a stay. "It is only natural that they'd want to stay connected while in their hotel rooms," she said.

The survey revealed some more interesting tidbits:

23% of guests said their favorite modern in-room amenity was the use of iPads. • 45% reported that their favorite new amenities are happy hours, wine tastings or any other activities involving free food and drinks.
31% of travelers want complimentary bottled water in their hotel rooms (34% of female travelers and 24% of male travelers).
Some guests admitted to stealing linens/towels (14%) or magazine/books (12%) from hotel rooms. But the majority— more than 66% — have never stolen an item from their hotel room.
Travelers felt extra luxuries like turndown service and bath menus were "not worth the hype." (44% of female respondents and 30% of male respondents)
The bathroom phone is the least-used hotel amenity, with 37% of total respondents saying they never touch it.
When asked about amenities at luxury hotels, women prefer designer toiletries (23%) and men prefer the fitness center and spa (27%).
When asked if they could stay celebrity-style, the top option for both men (35%) and women (38%) was to have their kitchen pre-stocked with their favorite food and beverages. A close second was the ability to have a private pool and hot tub in the room (37% of women and 34% of men.) These options beat out an arcade, fresh flowers everywhere, private staff or a movie screening room.