In a survey conducted by Mews in collaboration with OnePoll, it has been found that a significant majority of travelers, nearly 80%, prefer hotels equipped with fully automated front desks or self-service kiosks. This shift reflects a growing preference among travelers for streamlined, digital experiences during their hotel stays.

The survey, encompassing 2,000 respondents evenly split between travelers and hotel workers, underscores the increasing demand for technology-driven hospitality solutions. Over 40% of respondents indicated a preference for checking in via a hotel's website, app, or digital kiosk, highlighting a preference for convenience and efficiency in the guest experience.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Guest Preferences: Travelers expressed a desire for in-room smart home devices (43%), keyless room entry (34%), mobile room entry (27%), and digital ordering services (24%) as features of an ideal hotel stay.

• Technology Adoption: A significant portion (36%) of travelers reported using AI for travel recommendations, indicating a reliance on technology for trip planning and decision-making.

• Remote Work Trends: Nearly a third (29%) of employed Americans admitted to working remotely while on vacation, with reasons ranging from personal enjoyment of work (39%) to meeting important deadlines (28%) or conserving paid time off (26%).

• Extended Stays: Almost half (48%) of respondents have extended work trips into vacations, blending business with leisure, a trend favored by hotels for its positive impact on guest spending and engagement.

Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews, commented on the evolving trends in hospitality, noting a resurgence in travel prioritization and the luxury segment's resilience amid market shifts. "Hotels are increasingly integrating personalized guest experiences and diverse amenities to cater to varying guest needs," Valtr stated, emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing these offerings.

Ryan Krukar, VP Sales & Marketing at Gravity Haus, highlighted the importance of anticipating guest needs through technology. "Understanding and meeting guest preferences before their arrival enables us to deliver exceptional hospitality and create memorable experiences," Krukar noted, emphasizing the value of pre-arrival guest data in enhancing service delivery.

Andrew Gauthier, General Manager at The Incline Lodge, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of technology in enabling seamless and contactless guest interactions. "Efficient check-in processes and personalized service are pivotal in providing a curated guest experience," Gauthier remarked, underscoring the benefits of technology in optimizing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

The Mews survey provides valuable insights into evolving guest preferences and the transformative impact of technology in shaping the future of hospitality. As hotels continue to innovate and adapt to changing guest expectations, technological integration remains key to delivering enhanced guest experiences and driving operational efficiencies.

For further information on Mews and its hospitality solutions, please contact Katie Halfhead, Senior Communications Manager at Mews, via katie.halfhead@mews.com.