Guests think these services would be easier via mobile device

More than half of U.S. hotel guests, 63 percent, would most like to access a map of their respective hotel and surrounding area via mobile, according to a new study. Fifty-eight percent of guests want to use their mobile device to book a hotel restaurant reservation.  

Taxi2Airport.com analyzed the latest findings from market research firm YouGov, which surveyed 1,116 Americans to determine the hotel guest processes (e.g. check-in/out, room services etc.) they would prefer to conduct over a mobile phone rather than doing so through the conventional means.

Nearly half (48 percent) of guests seeking to sightsee and explore think it will be easier for them to gain information and book tours/cruises/activities (affiliated with the hotel) that are of interest on their cell phone than doing so in-person. 

“When researching and booking, people spend hours on end trying to find the right hotel for them,” Taxi2Airport.com co-founder Yoon Sterkenburg said in a statement. “Rightfully so, as they want their stay to be as smooth and relaxing as possible. This research certainly shows that there are a range of hotel guest processes holiday makers would opt to conduct over their mobile phone rather than through the conventional methods. If hotels were to implement some of these preferences, it will not only provide more convenience for their customers but also improve overall satisfaction levels.” 

Forty percent would choose to use their mobile to mark their hotel room as unoccupied for cleaning, as opposed to hanging the "please make up my room" sign outside the door.

For travelers conscious about their spending, 38 percent are in favor of a mobile phone application that would enable them to monitor as well as pay for purchases around the hotel—such as drinks at the bar or souvenirs from the gift shop. 

In addition, 29 percent are open to utilizing their mobile phone as a means to enter their hotel room. Equally, 29 percent desire the ability to access and control hotel appliances (lights, air conditioning, entertainment system etc.) over their mobile device. 

A majority of U.S. guests would happily pay more for the option of flexible check-in/check-out times.
Photo credit: Taxi2Airport.com 

Taxi2Airport also sought to identify the services that hotel guests are interested in paying an additional charge for to make their hotel stay more pleasurable and memorable. A majority of U.S. guests would pay more for the option of flexible check-in/check-out times (74 percent). Subsequently, 58 percent don’t mind paying a premium for self-check-in via kiosk or mobile. 

To achieve good-quality sleep, 57 percent of American venturers would pay an additional sum on a better bed and/or pillow (i.e. memory foam pillows). In addition, 47 percent would pay an added charge to access a 24-hour digital concierge so their needs can be attended to around the clock.