What do Aussies really want in hotels of the future?

Aussies have voted on what they want from hotels in the future – and it won’t be futuristic technology or an ultramodern aesthetic.

In fact, according to a new survey, Aussies are seeking hotels with larger, indoor-outdoor spaces that come with free technology. That’s not so futuristic!

The findings come from a nationally representative survey of 1000 Australian adults conducted by an independent research agency and commissioned by HotelsCombined.

The survey aimed to uncover the hotel facilities and features Aussie travellers would like in the future. Nearly three-quarters of respondents would like to see the hotel of the future bring the outdoors in.

For instance, 37 per cent of respondents would prefer more outdoor areas like rooftops, courtyards and bigger balconies, and 38 per cent would prefer natural ventilation such as windows they can open.

Rooms are unlikely to become smaller, in the way of Japanese capsule hotels, as 36 per cent of respondents desire, and would expect, hotel rooms to become bigger.

Beautiful Seascape

In addition, rather than more advanced technology, respondents expect existing technology to be offered as complementary add-ons.

For instance, 62 per cent of respondents would expect faster complimentary Wi-Fi, 47 per cent would expect free movie streaming, 37 per cent free device chargers and international adaptors, and just 25 per cent would like centralised in-room tech stations connected to TV, movies, music, lighting and climate control.

Twenty-one per cent want to see more ‘welcoming’ features in their hotels such as plants and rugs, and 28 per cent would want larger bathroom toiletries.

The survey further asked what services respondents would like to see in hotels in the future. Faster or automated check-in and check-out was popular for one in three respondents (34 per cent), but interestingly, the findings revealed there will be demand for a hotel-funded person to be a tour guide (among 28 per cent of respondents), provide in-room pampering (among 20% of respondents), a personal travel assistant to book restaurants and all activities (17 per cent of respondents), and hotel-funded care hire or driver services (among 20 per cent of respondents).

“It was interesting to see that when Australian travellers think of the future of travel, they are not thinking of futuristic hotels packed with technology just yet,” said Chris Rivett, Head of Marketing for HotelsCombined Australia and New Zealand.

“It seems that the traditional offerings of a comfortable room, a bit of luxury and the opportunity to relax and recharge will always be core to the guest experience.”

Hotel room with wifi access sign

The future is now: The top 7 best-value hotels that incorporate the outdoors available now through HotelsCombined

1. Akyra Manor Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai, Thailand), from $221 per night, which brings the outdoors in with floor to ceiling glass windows surrounding a luxurious bathtub

2. Fairmont Orchid Hawaii (Waikoloa, Hawaii), from $524 per night, featuring a golf course as well as private beach with sandy-white lagoon.

3. The Prince (St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia), from $195 per night, with outdoor cabanas, an indoor pool and an art collection most people can only dream about owning.

4. Adelphi Hotel Melbourne (Melbourne, Australia), from $335 per night, which has an art gallery of modern collectable furniture.

5. Aman Tokyo (Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan), from $1226 per night, which includes a pool that overlooks the city skyline and indoor plants to keep you grounded.

6. Soho Grand Hotel (New York City, United States), from $495 per night, featuring a rooftop garden as well as hotel rooms with comfortable furniture, rugs and a collection of coffee table books.

7. Peppers Beach Club & Spa (Cairns Australia), from $298 per night, with lush tropical gardens and expansive balconies.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest comments

Peter Hook says:
May 9, 2017 at 12:36 pm
The crucial follow up question is “how much will you pay for these add-ons?” Speaking on behalf of my client Tank Stream Hotel. It has the benefit of being Sydney’s newest and best located international hotel – a rarity in the Sydney accommodation drought – and not only offers free internet, but offers HIGH SPEED free internet. Rooms might not be the biggest in Sydney, but they don’t “stinge” on facilities – you get free minibar (non alcoholic), quality bathroom products, Nespresso coffee, and free in-room movies – amazingly (in the age of portable devices) guests love this. Ask people what they want and they will want everything from a hotel – without paying for it. Sydney is an expensive city for hotels, so – yes – you can have everything, but it comes at a price. It is really time that the Australian tourism industry woke up and understood it’s not how big a hotel/room is, it’s what do with it that counts.
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