- OpenTable: Hotel restaurants attract bookings.
- 60 percent booked hotels because of their restaurants.
- 61 percent chose destinations for their food scene.
HOTEL RESTAURANTS ARE playing a larger role in travel planning, with 60 percent of Americans planning summer trips booking hotels because of their restaurants, according to OpenTable. Around 61 percent chose a destination because of its food.
OpenTable's "2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America" showed hotel restaurant dining by travelers increased 13 percent year over year, while overall hotel restaurant dining rose 7 percent. The company released the findings alongside its annual Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America list and an updated AI-powered Concierge dining assistant.
"Restaurants aren't just an itinerary line item anymore, they're the anchor. Our research backs this up, as half of Americans have booked a hotel specifically because of its restaurant," said Matt Davis, OpenTable's head of North America hotels. "This year's Top 100 list spotlights the hotel hotspots worth traveling for and with our AI Concierge helping diners get instant answers to their culinary questions, OpenTable is making it even easier to turn inspiration into a seat at the table."
Hotel restaurants are drawing diners beyond overnight guests, the study also found. About 92 percent of respondents have dined at a hotel restaurant without staying at the property, making hotel restaurants destinations for travelers and local residents.
Younger travelers are planning restaurant reservations before they arrive, the report said. Among Gen Z respondents, 88 percent make restaurant reservations before their trip, while 46 percent consider restaurant reservations when booking their hotel.
Solo dining is increasing at hotel restaurants and bars. OpenTable data showed reservations for parties of one by travelers rose 30 percent year over year, while 71 percent of respondents said they would consider dining alone at a hotel restaurant or bar.
Nearly half of Americans, or 48 percent, spend more time researching where to eat and drink than any other part of a trip. OpenTable introduced an updated AI-powered Concierge on its homepage, allowing diners to search in natural language for recommendations from its global network of more than 65,000 restaurants using verified reviews, menus and real-time availability.
The study also found growing use of artificial intelligence to discover and book restaurants while traveling. About 51 percent of respondents expect to use AI tools to discover and book restaurant reservations this year, rising to 65 percent among Gen Z and 60 percent among Millennials.
Digital platforms continue to influence dining decisions, but travelers also want fewer distractions. About 58 percent of respondents said social media enhances the dining experience, while 71 percent said they reduce screen time while traveling to focus on in-person connections.
Kyle Connaughton, chef-owner of SingleThread Farm | Restaurant | Inn, said hotel restaurants connect guests with local culture through seasonal ingredients and regional traditions.
"Guests want to truly experience a city or a place through their stay,” he said. “At SingleThread, we embrace the philosophy of Ichigo ichie — 'one chance and one encounter' — ensuring that no matter how many times a guest returns, they always experience a unique moment in time."
A separate American Hotel & Lodging Association report found Americans are adjusting their travel plans instead of canceling vacations because of higher costs, opting for lower-cost options while continuing to stay at hotels.
