What Clients Want Most From Their Hotel Stays

Whether it’s a certain kind of bathtub, room layout, or balcony view, when it comes to travelers’ accommodation requests, the list can go on and on. But these fine details, no matter how specific, help travel advisors book the right clients at the right hotels. 

Hotel choice can make or break a trip, and finding a match is key. When advisors open a dialogue with clients about their expectations of a property they’ll be staying at, it gives them insights as to exactly where to book them. 

We heard from travel advisors about the most requested hotel features and amenities among their client bases. Though requests vary depending on the type of traveler, quite a few still stood out. So, take notes, advisors, because as Micheal Salazar, of Michael The Travel Guy Powered by Travelmation, puts it, “Clients do not want the best hotel; they want the right hotel.” 

Location 

Location, location, location – that is what more than half of the dozen travel advisors who we received feedback from noted as a top priority for their clients. For Hannah Blouin, owner of Star Pass Travel, location is “key in all traveler types I work with.” 

Still, this was especially true for families with children who want the journey from hotel-to-attraction to be as seamless as possible. Quite a few travel advisors also said that clients often request hotels with shuttle service from airport to hotel to cruise ship or attractions.  

“My clients are really focused on how a hotel fits their overall vacation experience,” said Larisa Mannino, of Wondermakers Travel. “Location is always a top priority. Being close to attractions, parks, or having easy transportation makes a huge difference.”

Some advisors also mentioned that they take location heavily into account for their clients who request off-the-beaten path accommodations or hotels with a boutique, local feel. 

“In more remote destinations like Chile or Iceland, I’m seeing growing demand for ‘off-the-beaten-path’ properties that offer extraordinary views, a strong sense of place, and immersive experiences in nature,” said Wallis Fairvalley, co-owner and travel advisor of Red Letter Travel. 

Comfort 

Pair an ideal location with a cozy room that fits everyone in the travel party comfortably, and you may just have a satisfied client. After all, feeling at ease at homebase can be the foundation of a great trip. 

“Clients want to be steps from the best sights, dining, and culture, while still having a quiet, luxurious place to retreat to at the end of the day,” Fairvalley added. 

In the category of comfort, travel advisors cited spacious rooms and complimentary room upgrades, quietness, and cleanliness as top requests from clients. Things like balcony views and having a choice of number of beds also come up often. 

“Families often ask for connecting rooms or suites, while couples and adults tend to request balconies or special views,” Mannino said. 

Kimberly Davis, of Trouvaille Travel International, said a modern bathroom with a walk-in shower is a must for her clients, many of whom are retired and older. 

“It’s not an issue at your local Hampton Inn, but not so easy to guarantee in historic buildings in Italy,” Davis said. “We had to change dates three times to get my clients into mostly accessible rooms for their three hotels in Italy.” 

Breakfast and Coffee 

Starting the day off right is also key to the perfect trip, and clients want the convenience of having breakfast and coffee right at the hotel. Several advisors said their travelers request complimentary breakfast or even included breakfast for a small fee. 

“There is something about not having to think about feeding your family before heading out for a day of fun that eases people’s minds and stress,” said Melissa Ulrich, agency owner and travel advisor at You Pack We Plan!, who noted included breakfast is the top requested amenity among her clients. 

And then there’s the very important point of where clients will find their coffee. While some ask for an in-room coffee maker, others request hotels with their own coffee shop – even specifically a Starbucks. 

These may seem like small pieces, but they’re important because “the majority of [clients] want to get ready for the day and explore the location they’re visiting,” as opposed to spending time searching for their morning coffee, said Taylor Witte, of Balanced Life Travel.

Early Check-In 

Hotels that offer early check-in and late check-out are attractive to clients on international trips, travel advisors – especially those who book a lot of Europe itineraries – told us. Whether before or after a long flight, travelers want that private space to either prepare or recuperate. 

“International flights often arrive before 3 p.m., so being able to confirm the early check-in without having to book and pay for an extra night is a huge plus,” Davis said. 

It all comes down to having flexibility at the hotel to accommodate a travel party’s needs. 

“Families value hotels that are proactive, patient, and adaptable,” said Denise Ambrusko-Maida, owner of Travel Brilliant. “This includes concierge teams skilled in family logistics, flexible dining options, and staff who are comfortable working with children of all ages without sacrificing polish.” 

Modern Touches 

Though it might not be as high a priority, advisors said that clients do often ask about the bells and whistles of their stay. Will there be free Wi-Fi? Are the bathrooms updated? Is there a gym, pool, and hot tub or jacuzzi?  

Sue Ball, travel designer at Sphera Travel, said her clients request “strong amenities such as a spa, a well-equipped gym, and at least one standout restaurant,” and Kim York, owner of Journey to Discover Travel, said she gets asked for “updated rooms that are technology forward for today’s modern tech savvy traveler.” 

Service  

Last but certainly not least, clients are looking for quality service, and this comes in many forms. Friendly, accommodating staff who can help travelers along their journey goes a long way.  

Service is also where travel advisors come in to ensure the hotel provides personalized attention, such as a welcome amenity. Some advisors mentioned that clients like to have either a cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage upon arrival. 

“Most of my clients just ask for great service, where the staff know your name,” Davis said. “They aren’t as picky when it comes to whether they have a balcony or pool or other standard features. That service is to them what makes a luxury product as opposed to the size of the room or the Michelin status of the hotel restaurant.”