Finding the best hotel deal is a very personal process. Do you want a luxury or budget hotel? City or country? All-inclusive or a la carte? The hotel options are endless, and the un-traveled consumer can make the fatal mistake of sacrificing higher value for a low price. So how do you choose?
J.D. Power and Associates released its hotel satisfaction survey, and this year the hotels at the top might surprise even the most cost-conscience consumer. Despite the amazing deals and promotions that hotels are offering this year, the study shows that good customer service ranked over finding the cheapest hotel rooms.
In the annual poll, which asked more than 66,000 hotel guests to rate their satisfaction with various hotels, the Four Seasons took the number 1 one spot in luxury hotels, knocking the Ritz-Carlton from its top spot to number 2. Why is this a big deal? On average, the rooms at the Four Seasons cost more than the rooms at the Ritz-Carlton. While both hotels have released some pretty amazing deals this season, it’s all relative to the place and location of your trip.
But the new survey begs the question: how focused on consumers on price versus value when it comes to booking a hotel room?
“Many hotel brands have successfully focused on guest satisfaction,
despite steep rate discounts, staff declines, reductions in in-room
amenities and a halt on renovations,” said Michael Drago, director of the global hospitality and travel practice at J.D. Power and Associates, in a prepared press release. “These hoteliers know that providing extraordinary guest
service in a consistent manner, in both good times and bad, is a recipe
for continued success.”
The annual study measures overall hotel guest satisfaction across six hotel
segments: luxury, upscale, mid-scale full service, mid-scale limited
service, economy/budget and extended stay. Consumers are asked to rate their level of satisfaction in areas including reservations; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel
services; hotel facilities; and costs and fees.
The following hotel brands rank highest in guest satisfaction within their respective segments:
Luxury: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Upscale: Embassy Suites Hotels (for a third consecutive year)
Mid-Scale Full Service: Hilton Garden Inn
Mid-Scale Limited Service: Drury Inn & Suites (for a fourth consecutive year)
Economy/Budget: Microtel Inns & Suites (for an eighth consecutive year)
Extended Stay: Staybridge Suites
We want to know: What’s your favorite hotel chain? Do you one hotel you always prefer to stay with when you travel? Let us know!
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
