Homewood Suites by Hilton’s Workstyles Study survey of more than 550 frequent business travelers found they want room to spread out, the ability to maintain a normal routine, and opportunities to interact with associates and fellow travelers.
Full survey results are available on the Homewood Suites Media Center.
According to Christian Kuhn, Homewood Suites by Hilton vice president of marketing, the most telling Workstyles Study results focused on business travelers desiring the comforts, amenities and routines of home. Top-line findings from the study included:
- Thirty-two percent of respondents missed their “normal routine” most (up 12% from the 2010 study); with “kitchen” coming in second at 25% (up 18% from 2010)
- Thirty-four percent of travelers say biggest obstacle of business travel is “being away from home,” the top response to the question
- Two-thirds of travelers unpack their suitcase when traveling for work
Value of travel
The Workstyles Study also evaluated the value of travel and how these individuals work while away from home. Results included:
- Seventy-three percent of respondents think traveling for work is the most effective way to do business
- One-third of travelers have made an important business connection while socializing at a hotel
- Seventy-seven percent of business travelers chose “desk or living room” as the most desired location for in-room work; the same percent of respondents said they work at least one hour or more per day in their hotel room
The bottom line
While travelers seek a strong value proposition from hotels, they continue to redefine which amenities deliver the most bang for the buck. In addition to respondents saying Internet was the most used amenity (88%) and that they would prefer healthier food options versus enhanced fitness facilities (69%), the study also reported the following:
- Value and location were the two most important factors in booking a hotel (34% each)
- Sixty-three percent of respondents said a “large, comfortable room” was the most valuable hotel offering.
The independent, external study was conducted in May 2012 using an eRewards panel. A total of 553 travelers responded to the survey, representing an even male/female split. All respondents have taken three or more trips of four or more days in the past 12 months.