Free Wi-Fi reigns, but wanes as top hotel amenity

Free Wi-Fi reigns, but wanes as top hotel amenity

Free Wi-Fi is still the top amenity for Aussie travellers when selecting accommodation, but Hotels.com says that it is slowly making way for other must-haves.

With the increased availability of free public Wi-Fi hotspots and comprehensive mobile data plans, travellers seem less reliant on free hotel Wi-Fi and are looking to other essentials in their hotel selection process. For example, complimentary breakfast and free parking.

In a global survey of some 5000 travellers, Hotels.com found that while complimentary Wi-Fi is still a priority for 26% of Australian leisure travellers, this is down significantly from 41% in 2013.

42% of respondents said free Wi-Fi is their must-have when travelling for business, also down from 47 per cent two years ago.

But the reign of Wi-Fi isn’t over yet.

“It’s no secret that both leisure and business travellers rely on technology to make their travel experience easier. The results of our survey show travellers are using the Internet more than ever and they really do want to see this offered as a complimentary amenity in the hotels they select,” regional director of the Hotels.com brand in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, Katherine Cole, said.

Not as much can be said for minibars and bathroom phones, which remain the most unloved room items.

Image: IMDb

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