No Brainer: Low Room Rates Equals Happy Hotel Guests
We got this room at the Affinia Chicago for $159 a night. And we liked it!
A new report released by J.D. Power & Associates says hotel guests are more satisfied this year with their hotel stays and hoteliers have reasonable room rates to thank for that.
Because of the recession, hotels have had to drop room rates and as we've known here at HotelChatter for quite some time, when we get good deals on rooms, we're happier guests. Also thanks to the recession, hotels have had lower occupancy levels so more guests have gotten room upgrades at check-in. J.D. Powers' Mark Schwartz told the LA Times:
“If occupancy is lower, we find satisfaction with the speed of check-in is higher,” he said. “Guests are spending less time in line, are less likely to face overbooking and are more likely to be able to get an upgrade because more rooms are available.”
And guests are probably happier because hotels are rolling out all sorts of new amenities and services to keep them happy, from free WiFi to wine-tastings to cool in-room technology and upgraded lobby cafes.
Now already some hotels have been trying to slow crank up that room rate again but we think it will be hard to go back to the years of '06 and '07 when room rates were appallingly high. Once you've given us a taste of the affordable room rate (not to mention there's a ton more hotels out there today), it's going to be hard for us to pay more.
Some other big results from the report
· Omni Hotels won the best in guest satisfaction guest for upscale hotels. Aloft Hotels made its first appearance on the list in fourth place.
· Ritz-Carlton beat out Four Seasons in the luxury category
· Drury Inn and Suites has won Mid-Scale Limited Service category for the fifth year in a row while Hilton Garden Inn took the Mid-Scale Full Service for the second year in a row. Best budget brand for the NINTH year in a row? Microtel Inns & Suites.
Why do you think guests are happier with hotels than last year? And have you ever stayed in a Microtel before? Let us know in comments below!
Comments (0)
Post a CommentReturn to » No Brainer: Low Room Rates Equals Happy Hotel Guests
Join the conversation!