In 2024, these are questions many hoteliers continue to ask themselves.
While there’s no single answer, these questions often arise from a common observation: hotels are filled with amenities whose usefulness to guests—and impact on satisfaction—is unclear. Not everything needs to be discarded, but one thing is certain: what your guests truly seek isn’t always in their room.
According to a study by 99camping.com, 60% of travelers prioritize experiences over material goods. It’s time for hoteliers to rethink their offering and focus on what truly excites guests.
Instead of overwhelming you with a never-ending list of 50 amenities to stock in your hotel (which could also break the bank), we’ll show you what really matters.
Based on recent studies and current trends, we’ll explore:
- The most sought-after amenities
- What’s most relevant for your hotel
- Guest preferences by traveler type
Let’s dive in!
1. What’s Your Hotel’s Vibe?
Yes, you read that right: what’s your hotel’s vibe? According to the Expedia Group study “What Hotel Guests Want in 2024", travelers increasingly prioritize a hotel’s overall ambiance when booking.
But what exactly defines a hotel’s vibe? According to the same study, the service provided by staff is the most important factor in shaping a hotel’s ambiance, outranking music, interior design, and lighting.
Photo credit: Mama Shelter disrupts traditional hospitality norms.
- What feelings do you want your guests to experience as they walk through your doors?
- Which aspects of your hotel are most appreciated in guest reviews?
- Do your décor and music align with the experience you aim to offer?
Ensure your hotel stands out with unique qualities. Whether it’s exceptional guest service, an outdoor setting ideal for relaxation, or a trendy, dynamic vibe featuring a rooftop terrace overlooking Paris, these distinctive traits make all the difference.
It’s worth noting that the lifestyle hospitality segment has mastered these principles, which is why it remains one of the most sought-after categories among travelers.
2. Personalized Welcome
Gone are the days when personalized welcomes were reserved for luxury hotels. Today, they’re a standard expectation for modern travelers.
A personalized welcome shows guests that you understand and care about them. It makes them feel valued, fostering trust and satisfaction that almost guarantees return visits and referrals.
Using the information you have about your guests (e.g., their origin, the purpose of their trip, or their companions), you can prepare tailored welcome kits or in-room gifts that show you’re paying attention.
A honeymooning couple would appreciate a bottle of champagne and chocolates.
A business traveler might value a relaxation kit.
Even a handwritten card can create an immediate connection.
Finally, pay special attention to the members of your loyalty program. According to a study conducted with Radisson Rewards members, 97% of them state that being recognized as loyalty program members is very important to them. In fact, guests who receive this recognition generate 39% more stays and 35% more revenue.
3. Personalized Experiences Throughout the Stay
Personalization shouldn’t stop at check-in. To truly leave a lasting impression and build loyalty, it’s crucial to maintain this attention throughout the guest’s stay.
For many, personalized offers are considered top-tier hotel amenities. Beyond the classic pillow menu (down feather or hypoallergenic?), personalization can extend to countless services and amenities: steak preparation, beverage choices, or in-room entertainment options. Modern guests love having choices that reflect their individuality.
The example of the Halcyon Hotel in Denver is truly unique. This hotel offers a "plant menu," allowing travelers to choose the plants they’d like to have in their room. Once delivered, each plant comes with specific care instructions and guidance on where it should be placed in the room.
Offer activities and services tailored to your guests' specific interests that set your hotel apart. Why not organize a mixology workshop where guests can learn to craft their own cocktails? As for the minibar, instead of stocking it with standard drinks (and wondering why they don’t appeal), fill it with the ingredients needed to recreate the workshop's cocktail recipes. This way, guests can enjoy making their own cocktails in the comfort of their room.
4. Wellness Is a Priority
Wellness has become a top priority for many modern travelers.
Today’s travelers aren’t just looking for a place to sleep—they’re seeking spaces that help them recharge and relax. Incorporating wellness amenities into your hotel offering can transform your guests' experience and build loyalty.
Accor’s wellness strategy, shared by Hotel Dive, serves as an excellent example.
Emlyn Brown, Vice President of Well-Being at Accor, explained that the group has decided to expand its wellness offerings “beyond the walls of hotel spas and gyms, adopting a more holistic approach to provide personal and meaningful wellness experiences throughout the guest journey.”
“This means that, at the hotel level, there is a stronger focus on smart design, sleep quality, nutrition, and support for mental and emotional health,” Brown added. “In 2024, travelers can expect even deeper integration of health and fitness with mobile apps, yoga mats and equipment in rooms, outdoor running maps, and experiential fitness programs.”
Wellness also extends to dining. According to Brown, Accor’s culinary teams are stepping up their efforts to “cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, ensuring that guests have access to a variety of nutritious meals—including more plant-based options, low- or no-alcohol cocktails, and custom menu choices.”
Without going as far as Accor, you can still offer healthy and balanced food options in your restaurant. Today, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific dietary menus are a must. Additionally, using local and organic ingredients can help you create flavorful and nutritious dishes that guests will appreciate.
5. Hotel Amenities: Technology Matters More Than Ever
By now, it should go without saying that in 2024, free and reliable Wi-Fi in hotels is as essential as shampoo: guests expect it, and they don’t want to pay for it.
Similarly, well-placed power outlets and USB ports in rooms are a must. Guests want to charge their devices easily without searching for outlets hidden behind furniture.
But technology in hospitality goes far beyond Wi-Fi and charging ports. In recent years, innovative technologies have emerged, and experts believe they will soon define the new standards of hospitality.
Some of these technologies include:
- Online check-in/check-out solutions for a seamless arrival and departure experience, avoiding reception queues.
- Digital locks that allow guests to access their rooms directly with their smartphones.
- Web apps enabling guests to order room services from their smartphones, book spa treatments or restaurant tables, request local recommendations, chat with the reception to report issues, and more.
- In-room tablets offering entertainment options such as on-demand movies, interactive games, and eBooks.
- Smart air purifiers to ensure a healthy and pleasant room environment.
- Smart home systems allowing guests to customize their environment to their preferences (lighting, temperature, playlists, etc.).
Not convinced? According to Oracle Hospitality, “nearly three-quarters of travelers want to use their mobile device to manage their hotel experience, including check-in and check-out, payment, food orders, and more.”
Beyond meeting guest expectations, this is great news for hoteliers looking to leverage technology to address staffing shortages without compromising guest engagement and service quality.
Online Check-In and Digital Locks with Bowo
6. Sustainable Amenities
One of the major trends set to grow further in 2024 is eco-responsibility. More and more, guests are seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options, and this naturally extends to hotel amenities.
According to a Booking.com report, 77% of French travelers want to travel more responsibly.
Laurent Marchand, CEO of the GM Group, emphasizes that this trend is leading to significant changes in packaging choices and product formulations. The shift toward sustainable, large-format solutions, the promotion of clean formulas with natural ingredients, and the responsible selection of materials are becoming pivotal practices.
Eliminating single-use plastics has become a priority. Replacing individual shampoo and shower gel bottles with refillable dispensers helps significantly reduce plastic waste.
Lastly, think local by prioritizing seasonal, locally sourced products for your menus. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supports local producers.
>> Read more: Luxury hospitality and sustainability: Can they truly compatible?
The Best Amenities for Your Hotel Are the Ones Your Guests Want
Before diving into catalogs of hotel supplies, take the time to determine what’s truly suited to your property and the type of guests you want to attract.
Start by identifying what makes your hotel unique and the types of travelers you cater to. Create a list of your establishment’s distinctive strengths and ensure your amenities reflect these qualities. Is your hotel particularly appealing to business travelers, families, or those seeking unique experiences? These factors should guide your selection of amenities.
Next, tailor your choices based on your budget and the local competition.
To assist you, Hotelbeds provides a comprehensive list of amenities tailored to five traveler segments on their website. Here’s a summary of their recommendations.
| Luxury Guests | Eco-conscious Travelers | Business Travelers | Families | Wellness Travelers |
| Expectation of attentive service catering to every need | Looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly options | Need comfort and efficiency for work | Need a stress-free and enjoyable stay | Looking for relaxation and rejuvenation |
| Personalized welcome baskets | Bulk dispensers for toiletries | High-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB ports | Connecting rooms or family suites | Spa with multiple pools, jacuzzi, and saunas |
| Local products in welcome kits | Elimination of single-use plastics | Comfortable desks and adequate lighting | Pet-friendly facilities | Special packages including massages and health treatments |
| Pillow menu tailored to preferences | Glass or metal water bottles | Coworking spaces and well-equipped meeting rooms | Free bike rentals, pool toys | Soundproofing measures |
| Air purification systems in rooms | Biodegradable trash bags | Free parking and airport shuttles | Entertainment shows (clowns, theater, concerts) | Premium bath products as welcome gifts |
| Cocktail bar instead of a mini-bar | Seasonal and local products in menus | Early check-in and flexible check-out | Activities for kids (playgrounds, game rooms) | Nail art and beauty treatments |
| Exclusive workshops (cooking, floral arrangements) | Free or low-cost bicycles | Free local and international calls | Streaming services for kids | In-room massages |
| In-room tablets for service requests | Reusable cups and fabric laundry bags | Express laundry services | Partnerships with wellness platforms for guided workouts and meditation | |
| Private shopping experiences |
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